University of Maine Graduate School and School of Forest Resources

About this program

You should consider the University of Maine’s Master of Forestry (MF) program if you are looking for a practical, career-focused path into forestry or advancement within the field. Unlike research heavy programs, this professional, non-thesis degree emphasizes real world skills and applied learning. The degree is accredited by the Society of American Foresters and prepares graduates for immediate careers in forest management. One of the program’s biggest strengths is its flexibility and accessibility. It welcomes both students with forestry backgrounds who want to deepen their expertise and those from other disciplines seeking a career change into forestry. This makes it an ideal option whether you are building on prior experience or starting fresh. Students also benefit from hands-on learning opportunities, paid internships, working with faculty experts in Maine’s extensive forest ecosystems and gaining practical experience in areas like forest management, ecology, and policy. The program culminates in a capstone project, often a comprehensive forest management plan, allowing you to apply your knowledge to real world challenges.

• Year partnership began: 2026
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 1

Application requirements

The MF program requires college transcripts with above a 3.0, but considers a 3.5 to be highly competitive. 3 letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a 65 USD application fee which should all be submitted via the UMaine Graduate School online application. Candidates usually do a phone call or zoom with the Coordinator of the Program to make sure fit is right for the program.

Admissions process

The MF degree is a fully in person program and the classes happen mostly during the school day.

Degrees awarded

Masters of Forestry

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $13,500

Cost savings details

Coverdell Fellows in the Master of Forestry program will receive in-state tuition scholarships (also noted as the graduate assistant rate) with a 6,000 USD scholarship on top of that per year.

Internship

You will work with our internship coordinator to land an internship at one of the many forest-resource organizations in the state or beyond. These could include large or small forestry companies, non-profit conservation organizations, and numerous municipal, state, and federal agencies. The work can range broadly by position and include field inventories, applied research, forest management, outreach, urban forestry, permitting, and policy. The connections you make with our strong network of external partners is a great opportunity to jump start your career!

Other opportunities

At any point Coverdell Fellows can choose to apply for any on campus Graduate Assistantships which come with full tuition, 65% health insurance, 50% dental insurance, and a monthly stipend in return for 20 hours a week of work. If a student is granted this opportunity they can choose to forgo the Coverdell Scholarship for another RPCV.

Jobs for alumni

● Inventory Analyst for a large forestry organization in Maine managing over 700,000 acres

● Forest Analyst for a timber investment organization managing land across the USA and world

● NRCS Forester that helps small woodlot owners learn more about forest management and connect them with professionals and programs to help manage their land

● Consulting Forester working in southern Maine to help small landowners and municipalities manage their forests in a responsible and sustainable manner

● Forest Programs Coordinator helping to manage over 5,000 acres in Vermont and work with interns to learn more about forest management

● Research and Internship Coordinator connecting large landowners with researchers and students to improve forest management and ensure a high quality workforce pipeline in the state of Maine and the Northeast

● Policy Advocate working to inform policy makers on forestry and natural resource issues in the state of Maine

● Operations Forester working to identify, layout and manage harvests for a large land manager throughout the state of Maine

● Forester managing forest properties, large and small, throughout the northeast for a regional conservation organization

Nontraditional options