Wood Science Graduate Major (MS, PhD)	Print Version
	College of Forestry | Wood Science and Engineering

The Department of Wood Science and Engineering offers graduate programs leading toward the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Wood Science. The department also participates in the Master of Science in Materials Science program. Thesis research and academic programs can be developed in the many special disciplines represented by the faculty. Minors are most commonly selected from statistics, engineering, chemistry, botany, plant pathology, or business.

Many students pursue a dual major degree in wood science and a field of engineering, forest science or other area. A wide variety of science, engineering and business opportunities are available.

Graduate students in wood science come from a wide range of undergraduate degree programs in science, engineering and business.

Excellent laboratories are available for teaching and research in Richardson Hall, Peavy Hall, and the Oak Creek Laboratory. Student research involves seeking solutions to current problems in wood science and technology and related fields. Research areas include wood anatomy and quality, process modeling and analysis, scanning technology, wood drying, wood-based composite materials, structural engineering and design, protection and preservation of wood, wood and adhesives chemistry, and forest products marketing and business. Most graduate students are employed as part-time graduate research assistants.

Oregon’s forest industry is one of the largest in the United States, and faculty members in the department maintain a close working relationship with Oregon industry and governmental agencies. Students benefit from valuable input and cooperation between faculty, manufacturers and users of forest products. Graduates find employment in management or technical positions in the private sector or at universities.