Master of Forestry with Specialization in Environmental and Wildlife Conservation
This Master of Forestry (MF) specialization focuses on conservation planning, environmental assessments, and wildlife management in forest ecosystems. Depending on the undergraduate background, this program can contribute to the academic requirements to become a Registered Professional Biologist or a Registered Professional Forester.
The program is designed to be completed in 10-16 months of full-time study, but can also be taken on a part-time basis over a period of up to 6 years. Applicants hold an undergraduate degree in conservation, environmental or forest sciences, or in an allied discipline. For a complete listing of degree requirements, see our Graduate Program Handbook.
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Why Study Environmental and Wildlife Conservation?
This degree specialization is for students who want to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to assess and conserve biodiversity in parks and managed forest lands. Graduates work in government to manage national and provincial parks, or pursue careers in nature interpretation and science communication. They also find employment in industrial organizations and consultancies to provide environmental impact assessments, or to manage and conserve wildlife.
What will you learn?
This degree specialization offers a comprehensive course curriculum on fundamental conservation principles, environmental assessment techniques, management practices for national and provincial parks, nature interpretation and science communication.
You select eight courses and a 6-credit capping research project under this degree program (or alternatively six courses and a 12-credit project). One of our faculty members working in Conservation Biology will serve as advisor for your research project and for a course selection that matches your career objectives. A comprehensive list of course offerings for this degree specialization includes:
- Principles of Managing Natural Diversity
- Environmental Assessment Principles and Methods
- Conservation Planning
- Parks, Ecology, and Society
- Environmental Interpretation and Science Communication
- Biodiversity Analysis
- Management and Conservation of Genetic Resources
- Utilization of Wildlife Resources
- Advanced Topics in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Fisheries and Wildlife Management
- Advanced Fisheries and Wildlife Management
- Lichenology
- Perspectives on Traditional Knowledge
- Public Participation and Conflict Resolution
- Engagement and Public Policy
Participants have the option of a 10-12 month curriculum, where course work is completed in two academic terms, followed by a research project in the spring and/or summer terms. Alternative scheduling options that qualify for full-time student status include 16-month or 20-month curricula with a lighter work load and the option of no activities during the summer break.
Program costs and funding opportunities
The Master of Forestry with Specialization in Environmental and Wildlife Conservation is a self-funded program with competitive tuition and fees. Participants pay instructional fees for Course-Based Programs with Standard Fees for 30 credits.
Some academic advisors may offer partial graduate stipends for the duration of the capping research project. Alternatively, students can apply for paid internship and summer job opportunities during the summer break (May to August). Participants can also coordinate their capping research project with the funded Sustainability Scholars program (subject to competitive applications and partner approval).
How to apply?
To be considered for this program, follow the link below for a step-by-step guidance through the admission process. Note that you do not need to secure a supervisor or provide a research proposal to be considered for this degree program. Instead, upload a statement of interest.
In the on-line application system of the University of Alberta, find this program under the “Department of Renewable Resources”, “Master of Forestry”, “Specialization in Environmental and Wildlife Conservation”.
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