College of Forest Resources

Preparing Students for Futures in Forest and Natural Resources

Have a passion for conservation? Love the environment and want to make it your career?

The College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State University has helped thousands of students just like you earn qualifications in forestry, wildlife, environmental science, and more.

Mississippi State University’s College of Forest Resources is made up of the following departments:

Forestry
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Sustainable Bioproducts

Our faculty are committed to sustaining forests and the environment, while also promoting the wise use of renewable resources. If you want a job upon graduation, choose natural resources! A new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows a high demand for graduates in the food, agricultural, renewable natural resources and environmental fields. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow seven percent in the next 10 years. Growth is also predicted for wildlife biologists, environmental scientists, environmental specialists and wood product manufacturing.

You can choose from four majors at the Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources, incorporating fourteen different concentrations. We’re proud to be Mississippi’s only accredited natural resource program dedicated to advancing education on environmental issues.

Plus, the best classrooms in the college are found in the Bulldog Forest. The Bulldog Forest covers 30,000 acres across 28 properties throughout the state. The forests serve as living laboratories for students in the college. The largest tract in the Bulldog Forest is the university’s John W. Starr Memorial Forest. The Starr Forest is an 8,321 acre forest near campus which borders the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

Our passion for maintaining the highest standards of teaching creates a fantastic learning environment and gives you an excellent opportunity to prepare for a career in different aspects of forest resources.

Visit College of Forest Resources

College Quick Links

About Alumni Departments Research Students

Departments and Units

Forestry

Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources’ Forestry Department is focused on educating students across exceptional undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Undergraduate majors:

Forestry – Forest Business
Forestry – Forest Management
Forestry – Environmental Conservation
Forestry – Urban Forestry
Forestry – Forest Products
Forestry – Wildlife Management
Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation - Natural Resource Law and Administration
Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation – Resource Conservation Science
Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation - Natural Resource Technology

Graduating students will attain a Bachelor of Science degree, qualifying them for a career in managing forest and natural resources. Students in the forestry major may also become registered foresters in Mississippi after successfully passing an exam. Both majors are accredited. by the Society of American Foresters.

Graduate majors:

Master of Science in Forestry (available on campus or online)
Doctor of Philosophy in Forest Resources - Forestry

Sustainable Bioproducts

The Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources Department of Sustainable Bioproducts is committed to educating students in preparation for careers utilizing forest and other bioproducts. At present, students graduating from the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts’ degrees receive two or more job offers, leaving them well-placed to begin their professional journey soon after completing their studies.

The major in Sustainable Bioproducts covers both wood and non-wood composites, as well as lumber, chemicals and medicines derived from wood.

Graduate students can work towards a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Bioproducts or a Doctor of Philosophy in Forest Resources with a concentration in Sustainable Bioproducts.

Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, educating students for a future in diverse careers. Many of the concentrations allow students to become certified wildlife biologists or fisheries biologists by The Wildlife Society or American Fisheries Society.

Undergraduate majors:

Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Conservation Law Enforcement
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Conservation Biology
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Human-Wildlife Interactions
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Wildlife Agriculture Conservation
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Wildlife Veterinary Medicine

Graduate majors:

Master of Science in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Doctor of Philosophy in Forest Resources – Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Recent College News

MSU adds fourth spring graduation ceremony in Starkville

Mississippi State will host an additional spring commencement ceremony this May to accommodate the growing number of graduates at its Starkville campus.

October 31, 2024

Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association partners with MSU to advance mass timber through endowed professorship

A new partnership between Mississippi State and the state’s leading lumber organization is positioning the university as a leader in forest products innovation.

October 23, 2024

MSU-bred turfgrass poised to reign supreme

A product with deep roots in Mississippi State’s turfgrass program hit the market this past year is now taking over lawns, golf courses and sports fields around the world.

October 11, 2024

MSU celebrates research excellence with annual awards

Mississippi State University is recognizing excellence in research and innovation with its annual research awards.

October 10, 2024

More Forest Resources News

Contact the College