Forest Engineering Graduate Major (MF, MS, PhD)	Print Version
	College of Forestry | Forest Engineering, Resources and Management

The Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management offers the Master of Forestry degree with concentrations in forest operations, forest engineering, forest hydrology and forest soil science; the Master of Science degree with concentrations in forest engineering, forest hydrology, and forest soil science; and the Doctor of Philosophy degree with concentrations in timber harvesting, forest hydrology, and forest soil science. The department, together with the Department of Forest Science, offers a PhD program with a concentration in harvesting and silviculture.

The graduate programs in engineering and timber harvesting focus on timber harvesting and transportation engineering problems and include course work in soil mechanics and hydrology. Remaining course work is selected to fit the student’s special interest and may include work in industrial, civil, or mechanical engineering, business, or statistics. Undergraduate preparation should include calculus, engineering mechanics, soil mechanics, logging methods, and operations analysis and planning. The harvesting and silviculture PhD program consists of course work in silviculture, ecosystem analysis, logging systems, transportation systems, operations analysis, and statistics.

The graduate program in forest operations focuses on the operational rather than engineering analysis and design aspects of industrial or governmental forest management. Course work provides a broad background in forest transportation, harvesting, and planning, followed by courses in forest operations management, and a selection of electives from forest engineering, forest science, forest economics, forest products, and business. Undergraduate preparation should include calculus, introductory engineering mechanics (statics), introductory harvesting, and a sound background in the biological and ecological aspects of forestry.

The graduate program in forest hydrology provides sound theoretical training and application of theory to the solution of water resources problems associated with forest management. Hydrology majors should have undergraduate preparation in calculus, physics, chemistry, computer programming, soils, plant physiology, and meteorology. Recommended courses within the program are in soils, forest hydrology, water quality, and statistics. Additional course work focuses on applications to forest systems. Remaining courses may be taken in a specialty such as hydrology, soils, stream ecology, water resources, or policy and planning.

The graduate program in forest soil science focuses on the critical role of soils in relation to forest hydrology, forest management, and sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Undergraduate preparation should include calculus, chemistry, forestry, physics, and soil science. Recommended courses within the program are in forest hydrology, forestry, soil science, and statistics. In-depth technical knowledge of principles and practices of forest soil science is developed based on specific career objectives and availability of specific research projects designed to enhance scholarly achievement.

The Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management at Oregon State University is internationally known for its excellent teaching, research, and Extension facilities and programs, including the 11,500 acre McDonald/Dunn Research Forest within a few minutes drive of campus. Emphasis is on Pacific Northwest conditions, but graduates are actively serving in many regions of the world. The department maintains close ties with industry and with appropriate government agencies.