Graduate Studies in Bio-based Products
M.S. | Ph.D. | Admission
Information | How to Apply | Faculty | Online
Master of Paper Science and Engineering | Additional
Information
Master of Science
The master of science (M.S.) degree program emphasizes specialized
study in either Forest Resources or Bio-based Products. Many students
entering this program have backgrounds in natural resources related
fields. Students without this background are expected to develop
a foundation in forest resources or wood and paper science that
will permit them to perform effectively in their selected subfield.
As a student in the M.S. degree program, you select either the
Plan A or the Plan B option. Both options require a minimum of
14 semester credits in the major field and 6 credits in one or
more related fields outside the major. In addition, Plan A students
register for 10 thesis credits and Plan B students complete 10
additional credits in coursework to meet the 30-credit minimum
requirement.
Plan A
The Plan A option requires a thesis and is suited for students
who seek a highly focused research experience. Many Plan A students
hope to advance to the doctoral degree program. For Plan A students,
we encourage a broad interpretation of "major field" in course
selection, since courses offered in other departments often provide
concepts and analytical tools that have direct application to the
students' research. As a Plan A student, you will take sufficient
courses within your track in order to become prepared within your
research field. Beyond this, your course selection is determined
by your particular needs under the guidance of your adviser and
the NRSM graduate study committee.
Plan B
The Plan B option is designed for students who want a broad technical
background. Many entering Plan B students have earned undergraduate
degrees in natural resources and have professional backgrounds
in related fields. Some are preparing to enter the doctoral degree
program, while others have specific professional objectives. If
you have a strong natural resources background and select the Plan
B option, you can use considerable discretion in your course selection.
In this case, you should take enough related courses to be exposed
to at least three NRSM graduate faculty members in addition to
your adviser. If you do not have an undergraduate degree in a related
area, you may need to complete additional prerequisite coursework
above the 30-credit minimum.
In addition to the 30-credit minimum of the Plan B option, you
must complete at least one project that demonstrates your familiarity
with the tools of research or scholarship, your ability to work
independently, and an ability to present the results of an investigation
effectively. Plan B projects may involve original research or a
comprehensive literature search.
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Doctor of Philosophy
The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Natural Resources Science
and Management is granted in recognition of high attainment and
ability as demonstrated through required written and oral examinations
in forestry and related fields, and preparation of a thesis. The
thesis must show originality and ability to conduct independent
research, mastery of the relevant literature, and familiarity with
the sources and methods of research; and it must contribute new
knowledge to the field.
The doctoral degree program is designed to ensure that you gain
necessary competence in your chosen track for independent research.
Programs normally vary from 40 to 60 credits. Although the Graduate
School does not specify a minimum number of required credits for
the major field, as a Ph.D. student you must take at least 12 credits
in a minor or supporting program and register for 24 doctoral thesis
credits.
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Admissions
Most students entering the graduate program in Natural Resources
Science and Management have completed undergraduate degrees in
natural resources or a related field with at least a B average.
However, if you have a strong academic record in another field
of study such as biology, business, engineering, mathematics, or
social science, we encourage you to apply. In this case, you would
complete the necessary prerequisites for advanced courses either
before entering or during the early stages of your graduate program.
Admission to the Natural Resources Science and Management graduate
program is determined on the basis of your academic record, three
letters of recommendation, Graduate
Record Examination (GRE) general scores, and your statement
of goals.
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How To Apply
If you meet the admission requirements explained above and are
interested in applying, we suggest you contact members of our faculty
whose research interests match your own. This will acquaint you
with faculty members, and importantly,
- determine whether there is a match for your research and educational
objectives,
- determine if prospective advisers will have space available
for new students at the time you intend to begin your studies,
- discuss your background and possible coursework needs and
opportunities, and
- explore opportunities for funding support.
To apply to the Natural Resources Science and Management graduate
program, you will need to complete the Graduate
School Application for Admission. This application requires
that you submit an application fee, statement of purpose, and official
transcripts. International students whose native language is not
English must also submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores.
Submit these materials to:
Graduate School
University of Minnesota
309 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant Street SE.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
In addition, you will need to submit the following materials
directly to the Natural Resources Science and Management graduate
program:
- application
for Fellowships and Graduate Assistantships (30K PDF)
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (general test only). When
registering for the GRE, indicate the major field as Forestry
and Related Sciences (0108) and the institution as the University
of Minnesota (6874)
- three letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with
your academic and professional experience
- photocopies of transcripts from each college or university
you have attended (including the University of Minnesota)
- a statement of your immediate and long-range career objectives
in relation to your major field
- a list of courses you have taught and/or research projects
in which you have participated
- other supporting materials such as a list of original works
you intend to submit in support of this application-reprints
of published papers, theses or unpublished reports, etc.
Submit these materials to:
Director of Graduate Studies (Natural Resources Science
and Management)
University of Minnesota
135 Skok Hall
2003 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108-6146
If you have questions, please contact us at cnrgrad@umn.edu or
612-624-2748.
Applications are reviewed when materials are received; see the
Graduate School application for admission deadlines. Although applications
are processed continually, we recommend that they be submitted
by January 7, since most financial support decisions are made shortly
after that date.
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Graduate School Faculty
Faculty in the Department of Bio-based Products specialize in
the following areas:
- Pulp and Paper Production
- Chemistry of Lignocellulosic Materials
- Paper and Fiber Products Recycling
- Wood Deterioration and Protection
- Wood Composites
- Design and Production of Energy-efficient Buildings
- Wood Physics
- Life Cycle Analysis of Materials
- Forest Products Marketing
Faculty Information Pages:
Stephen Bratkovich | David Grimsrud | Patrick Huelman | Harlan Petersen | Shri Ramaswamy | Simo Sarkanen
| Robert Seavey | Steven Severtson | Timothy Smith | Ulrike Tschirner | William
Tze | Jerrold Winandy
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Online Professional Master of Paper Science
and Engineering
The Department of Bio-based Products now offers a Professional
Master of Paper Science and Engineering degree. All courses
in this program are offered online. Course information and admission
requirements differ from the M.S. and Ph.D. programs. More information
is available on the Professional
Masters page.
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Additional Information
For further information, please contact Shri Ramaswamy, Head
of Bio-based Products at (612) 624-8797 or e-mail him at shri@umn.edu.
You can also request information using our online
form.
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