Overview
The Center for Forest Business offers a graduate-level, non-thesis program leading to a Master of Forest Resources (MFR) in Forest Business Management. Accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), the MFR program integrates core business principles with advanced forestry techniques, preparing students to optimize forest management strategies and capitalize on global timber market opportunities.
We also offer Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees with a focus on forest business, finance, and economics.
Our programs welcome students from all academic backgrounds, though most applicants hold undergraduate degrees in forestry, natural resources, or business-related fields.
Curriculum Highlights
The Forest Business graduate programs are designed to develop leadership and analytical skills for careers in timberland investment, forest operations management, forestry consulting, and procurement.
The curriculum blends forestry and business disciplines, including:
- Finance
- Economics
- Management
- Operations
- Silviculture
- Mensuration
- Biometrics
- Optimization
- Leadership
Thanks to a unique partnership with the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, ranked the #1 MBA for value by Financial Times and #27 overall by U.S. News & World Report, students take MBA-level courses in accounting, finance, economics, real estate, and more.
In addition to rigorous academics, students gain hands-on experience through internships, forestry operations tours, and conferences. Many of these opportunities are international, reflecting the global nature of today’s forest business environment.
Degree requirements Career paths
Financial Support
The Center for Forest Business provides substantial financial support to our graduate students through:
- Paid assistantships with tuition waivers
- Scholarships
- Conference travel funding
Nearly all students receive some form of financial assistance during their time in the program.
Application Process
Admission to the Center for Forest Business is competitive. Before applying, prospective students must:
- Contact the Center Director to schedule a meeting and discuss their interests and career goals.
- Identify a major professor who will serve as their graduate advisor. Students on assistantship will support their major professor’s research and business projects.
Application Requirements:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
Application Steps:
- Submit your application to the University of Georgia Graduate School
- Complete the Warnell Graduate Study Objectives Form
Deadlines:
- MFR Program & Assistantships:
- Fall Semester: February 1
- Spring Semester: October 1
- MS & PhD Programs:
- Fall Semester: December 1 (Warnell assistantship deadline)
- Fall Semester: July 1 (Graduate School deadline)
- Spring Semester: October 1
Late applications for the MFR in Forest Business Management program may be considered on a space-available basis.
Choosing a Major Professor
Potential students should review the Center for Forest Business faculty profiles and reach out to those whose research aligns with their interests. Faculty will also evaluate potential students, and different major professors look for different qualities in their students. In general, when contacting a potential major professor, students should:
- Write professionally and concisely
- Highlight academic and professional qualifications
- Demonstrate familiarity with the professor’s work and explain how it aligns with their goals
- Share personal motivations for pursuing graduate education
- Include a resume/CV, transcripts, or other relevant documents
- Respond promptly and professionally to follow-up communications
