Why study this program?
The Department of Renewable Resources offers programs leading to the course-based degrees of Master of Agriculture, Master of Forestry, and thesis-based degrees of Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.
The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Business offer two course-based programs of joint study that enable students to earn both the Master of Business Administration and Master of Agriculture degrees or both the Master of Business Administration and Master of Forestry degrees, after two calendar years of full-time study.
Graduate studies in the Department of Renewable Resources encompass a broad spectrum of scientific and management applications in natural and managed landscapes.
Graduate studies in the Department of Renewable Resources fall within five major research themes briefly defined as: Conservation Biology, Forest Ecology and Management, Agriculture and the Environment, Reclamation and Restoration of Land and Water, and Environmental Soil Science.
Thesis research is conducted within the major research themes, however, the following eight fields of study are the approved specializations for the thesis-based programs: 1) Agroforestry (MSc only) 2) Conservation Biology 3) Forest Biology and Management 4) Land Reclamation and Remediation 5) Protected Areas and Wildland Management 6) Soil Science 7) Water and Land Resources 8) Wildlife Ecology and Management. Inquiries should be directed to the Associate Chair (Graduate Programs), Department of Renewable Resources.
Prospective students should note that the Renewable Resources program is integrated within the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.
Entrance Requirements
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are an appropriate undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
Applicants to the Master of Forestry must have a BSc in Forestry or a BSc in an allied discipline such as Geography, Biological Sciences, Agriculture or Environmental and Conservation Sciences.
Applicants to the Master of Agriculture must have a BSc in Agriculture or a BSc in an allied discipline such as Geology, Biological Sciences, Forestry or Environmental and Conservation Sciences.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement). Any one of the following is acceptable:
- a TOEFL (Internet-based) score of 90 for tests written before January 21, 2026; or a score of 4.5 for tests written on or after January 21, 2026; or equivalent,
- an equivalent score on an approved English language examination.
All applicants are also required to submit the following
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Statement Form
- Three letters of reference
In addition, all applicants for the thesis-based graduate programs (MSc, PhD) must have a faculty member agree to supervise their program before admission is approved.
Visit Graduate program application deadlines to see deadlines for all programs in Renewable Resources.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants hold a non-accredited undergraduate forestry degree or a degree from an allied discipline such as environmental sciences. Admission prerequisites include foundational undergraduate courses in:
- Geomatics or GIS, and
- Statistics.
Missing prerequisites can be covered during the first term under a conditional admission.
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 units in coursework including two field school courses in August prior to the start of the first term. If students enter the program with prior credits for a very close equivalent of a required course, alternative courses can be chosen with departmental approval to meet the minimum credit requirements, including a directed study or research project.
Course Requirements (30 units)
- FOREC 645 - Economics of Forestry
- FOREC 673 - Forest Policy
- REN R 701 - Forestry and Environmental Sciences Field Skills
- REN R 702 - Forestry Field School for Professionals
- REN R 703 - Dendrology, Ecology & Biodiversity
- REN R 722 - Silviculture
- REN R 727 - Forest Resources Management
- REN R 728 - Integrated Forest Management
Professional Development and Ethics Requirements
Students are required to fulfill the GPS Professional Development Requirement and the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement.
The course REN R 602 is designed for students pursuing a professional career in forestry, conservation and environmental management and may be used to fulfill part of the GPS Professional Development Requirement.
Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings. Courses offered by the Department of Renewable Resources include those under the following subject headings:
Environmental and Conservation Science (ENCS)
Renewable Resources (REN R)
Most students are either on scholarships or funded by research grants obtained by professors in the Department. A limited number of graduate teaching and research assistantships, administered by the Department, are available to well-qualified candidates. Exceptional applicants will be nominated by the Department for MSc and PhD recruitment scholarships offered by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies site.The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $35 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students. Opportunities vary by faculty.
Please note: there are limited funding opportunities available to students pursuing part-time graduate studies or those completing a certificate program.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email ales.gradadm@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1