"The Master of Science in Forestry program inspired me to pursue a career in quantitative forestry internationally. I initially started the program mid-career after working for a large private forest owner in Alabama and my supervisor suggested that graduate studies would help me move forward into a management role in the future. The program at Mississippi state has some great core courses in management planning and economics but also allows you to explore a variety of electives in many areas of interest. The staff provided prompt and great feedback with practical exercises that allow one to work online productively from a distance. This fact alone provided me with the soft skills to thrive in the working environment that we are faced with in the pandemic today. After finishing the program, I have worked in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Canada in analyst and consulting roles and am currently pursuing a PhD in forestry. All that I believe that could not have happened without my great experience from the MSc program in forestry at Mississippi State University.”
- Ron Taylor, RPF
"My experience working towards a master’s degree in forestry at Mississippi State University was a very rewarding experience. I participated in the online master’s program through the College of Natural Resources. Upon finishing my undergraduate degree in forest management and beginning my forestry career I learned about the online master’s program at a continuing forestry education event. The thought of delving deeper into my understanding of forestry grabbed my attention. I understood that I would be introduced to many forestry concepts at a much deeper level while sharpening my critical thinking, research, and communication skills. After I completed the program I was surprised to see how much more the program focused me in my everyday work.
Throughout my course of study I really enjoyed the interaction with the professors. All of them were very understanding and flexible working me as I juggled my studies with a full time job. My work in the industry for so many years provided me with a great foundation from which to begin my education and research. I found that the information I was learning increased my understanding of forestry and built up my confidence in my forestry skills.
My experience working towards a master’s degree in forestry at Mississippi State University was a very rewarding experience. I participated in the online master’s program through the College of Natural Resources. Upon finishing my undergraduate degree in forest management and beginning my forestry career I learned about the online master’s program at a continuing forestry education event. The thought of delving deeper into my understanding of forestry grabbed my attention. I understood that I would be introduced to many forestry concepts at a much deeper level while sharpening my critical thinking, research, and communication skills. After I completed the program I was surprised to see how much more the program focused me in my everyday work.
Throughout my course of study I really enjoyed the interaction with the professors. All of them were very understanding and flexible working me as I juggled my studies with a full time job. My work in the industry for so many years provided me with a great foundation from which to begin my education and research. I found that the information I was learning increased my understanding of forestry and built up my confidence in my forestry skills.
I work with the North Carolina Forest Service as an assistant district forester. I oversee the forest management program of a district that includes eight counties. The concepts I learned in my classes have aided me as have I made better choices for the private forest landowners that I service as well as the contributions I make to my agency. Another aspect of the graduate program I enjoyed was that it refocused some of the priorities I placed on forestry issues. Understanding the issues better has presented me with opportunities to practice more effective forest management.
I would recommend this program to anyone who is passionate about their career in forestry and wants to be better prepared in their role. Though the program is challenging, it is also very fulfilling. Because the program is well organized and the faculty are so supportive, I always felt confident in the process. I am thankful that Mississippi State University offers the online Master of Science in Forestry program so that working professionals have the opportunity to broaden their education.”
- Nathan Gatlin
"After beginning my career as a professional forester in 2001, I had hoped to further my education in forestry by attaining a master’s degree. Unfortunately, a full-time career, busy schedule and other responsibilities prevented me from returning to school in a traditional format. Fourteen years into my career, I discovered the master’s in forestry curriculum, offered through the Distance Learning program at Mississippi State University. This program allowed me the opportunity to earn my master’s degree in forestry while maintaining a full-time career. The faculty and staff were very supportive, accommodating, and helpful when developing an educational track conducive to my daily life. The curriculum’s platform and infrastructure were straightforward and comfortable while maintaining the highest of educational standards. The course format allowed me to learn and participate at a pace that was challenging yet comfortable with my schedule. This program was a great compliment to my work experience and enhanced my knowledge of current forestry research. I have been able to utilize the knowledge I gained from this curriculum into my career; specifically, regarding timber transportation and infrastructure. I have been able to incorporate results from research I participated in, to help resolve challenges I face at my current job. I would highly recommend the online forestry Master of Science program at Mississippi State University to anyone who is reluctant or apprehensive about continuing their graduate education while maintaining a full-time professional career.”
- Eric Clark III
MS BORF 2182
As an avid lover of plants and animals, it has been my dream to become a Natural Resources Specialist with the US Forest Service. I recognized the importance of natural resources while completing my Bachelor of Science in Animal and Dairy Science at Mississippi State University, so I started MSU’s Master of Science Degree in Forestry Online Program and a Pathways Indefinite Internship (student trainee - Natural Resources Specialist) with the U.S. Forest Service.
Ambitious and determined, I decided to dedicate my life studies and focus on the conservation and protection of our nation’s forest. I realized that this program would not only give me the credentials to effectively perform my duties as a Natural Resources Specialist, but it also provides critical skills required to perform future forest management and other related tasks. After completing this program, I reached a new scientific potential and it’s helped me contribute to building a world that focuses on conserving the natural resources we need and use to sustain life every day.
I found major benefits in the programs flexibility and convenience as I worked full time during each semester. Thankfully, I was able to work full – time and enroll as a graduate student half-time without many struggles. Throughout my programs duration the faculty was extremely informative and responsive. I loved the flexibility of classes being available on line 24/7, and the accessibility of the instructors. They were always willing to assist in any way possible. My USFS coworkers also showed their support by being involved and useful as outside resources to help with a Forest Resources Economics question or two.
From the very first day I started this program, I felt comfortable and secure in the knowledge, skills, and techniques I was learning. The Master of Science Degree in Forestry Online Program is well organized and the faculty along with my coworkers were so supportive. As a result, there was never a question about my success as I worked towards completing the program. Furthermore, this program provided a great foundation to begin professional pursuits. One of my greatest accomplishments after completing the program is my conversion from a student trainee - Natural Resources Specialist to full-time employment with the US Forest Service as a Natural Resources Specialist in Region 8 – Atlanta, Ga.
If it weren’t for this program, I would not be able to put my passion for agriculture, forests, and ecosystems into practice! I’ve learned how important it is to protect these resources and developed a greater understanding of the importance of good management and sustainable practices. I highly recommend this program to those who are passionate about careers in Forestry or Natural Resources. The program is challenging and very rewarding and I am thankful for two degrees from such a wonderful University. Hail State!!!”
- Tyler Willingham
The Masters in Forestry program at Mississippi State is a challenging and comprehensive program that provided me with the ability to advance my education while still working. Nowhere else will you find an online Masters program in Forestry that equips graduates with the knowledge of advanced forest planning, forest policy and natural resource economics.
I began my time in the Masters program working with the Alabama Forestry Commission as a Forest Management Specialist. My intent at the time of enrollment was to pursue an analyst job in the private sector after graduation. However, the opportunity opened up for an Instructor position in Forestry at Lurleen B Wallace Community in Andalusia, AL. I would have never considered such a job, but the positive interactions and guidance from my professors and advisors at Mississippi State changed my mind.
Working in academia is far more rewarding than I ever would have thought. I now know how it feels to see a student advance through a program and land their “dream job”. The men and women that lead the Forestry Program at Mississippi State know this feeling and let their students know they are in their corner. The Department of Forest staff are the top practitioners in their fields, are well known, and widely respected throughout forest education.
I had many personal challenges as I progressed through the program, but the instructors were understanding and worked with me— they treat students as real people. The coursework is intensive; through the papers, peer discussions, and presentations I was able to gain and expand my knowledge base. I gained confidence in my abilities to provide planned and impromptu presentations on various forestry topics. My Masters degree for Mississippi State increased my opportunities for upward advancement exponentially and was one of the best decisions I have ever made."
- Adam Bowers
Originally from Texas, I have mostly lived in Ohio since completing my B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 2000. My family maintains multi-generational family forest land in East Texas. Our forest has been a place of enjoyment and recreation for me since an early age. Now living further away, finding time to visit our Texas forest was always a priority. As I grew older and my family has also grown, I felt a desire to actively participate in the management and planning of our forest for the benefit of future generations. To accomplish this, I needed a basis of knowledge and resources. Mississippi State’s online master’s in forestry was a great opportunity for me to gain knowledge and education in forest management while maintaining my profession as an engineer.
Many of the classes in the program gave me new ideas and insights that have already been worked into our family forest management plans and activities. I have also found that many of the concepts and ideas that I studied during the program, such as economics, resource management, and natural resource law, have been beneficial to my current career as an engineer, providing me with a more well-rounded perspective on many areas of my profession. My advisor and graduate committee worked with me to develop a class program and thesis topic that helped me get the most out of the program based on my unique, personal goals. I have also enjoyed getting more exposure into the resources and organizations within the forestry discipline. I had the opportunity to present at the International Society of Forest Resource Economics and am working on a manuscript to be submitted for publication based on my thesis research.
Like many family forest owners, I have a need to generate income and also a desire to protect and improve the non-revenue services forests provide. I have been able to build a management plan that for my family forest that balances preservation in areas of special significance while also outlining a strategy of periodic and sustained revenue to enable the long-term financial viability of the forest holdings. I have had a wonderful experience as a forestry master’s student, and I am grateful to the talented faculty and staff for the time and knowledge they shared with me along this journey with me.
- Brad Resch
When I graduated with my undergraduate degree over a couple of decades ago, I planned to work awhile and then work on a graduate degree. However, as my life became busier after marriage and three kids, I was not sure I could make this happen. As most of us went home for the pandemic, my typical week of multiple soccer practices and scout meetings changed to time at home. The slower pace led to reflection and evaluation of goals and plans that I had for myself. So, after encouragement from my wife that we could fit my education into our schedule, I applied for graduate school.
Even though I live in Starkville, I did not think I could keep my full-time job and effectively attend graduate school, so I focused on the online program at Mississippi State. I have been enjoying my classes and instructors. The classwork works in my schedule. I like the flexibility of watching video lectures and completing the necessary work as it works for me from week to week. One of the best parts of the class is the online interaction and discussions with my classmates, either by video or chat. There is a nice variety of classes for my interests that I find challenging and exciting. I have been able to immediately put my learnings to use at work. In addition, my teachers have been responsive to my questions through video and email. Generally, online students do a professional paper, but I am doing an actual thesis. I wanted to do the thesis because I am interested in the research and feel like doing so will help me learn more. The thesis is a great example of the flexibility of the online program and working with students to help them be successful.
The College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State online program allows me to chase my goal. I appreciate the opportunity and I recommend it to others. Hail State!
- Chris Driskill, CF
