Research is often undertaken in one or more of the biophysical forest sciences, but social science research may also be undertaken. Research projects are designed jointly by the student and a faculty member who serves as the student's Faculty Supervisor. Applicants should contact a potential supervisor when applying to the thesis-based program. Students normally complete all requirements within six terms (2 years) of continuous registration.

Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute as well as show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, degree students must have a four year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least second class standing (B) based on their last 20 half courses or equivalent. An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of courses taken and academic standing. A Qualifying Year at the undergraduate level may be required to meet the admission standards. Courses taken as part of a Qualifying Year can not be used as credit towards a graduate degree. Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. No candidate will be admitted unless the academic unit recommends admission. All applicants will be advised by the Office of Graduate Studies in writing of their admission status. In addition to the general admission requirements for Master programs, the following requirements also apply: Availability of a supervisor and appropriate funding To ensure an adequate understanding of the core elements of forestry, applicants holding a four-year degree of adequate standing (i.e., B or better) in an allied discipline (e.g., Biology, Geography, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Resource Management, Outdoor Recreation) may be required to take up to two full-course equivalents at the undergraduate level. This requirement is additional to the graduate courses of the chosen program. Upon admission, the student's supervisor prepares a proposal for fulfilling the allied-discipline requirement, based on the student's undergraduate courses already taken, and submits it to the Forestry Graduate Studies Committee for approval An applicant with inadequate academic background or standing may be invited to take four full-course equivalents (minimum) in forestry at the undergraduate level. If performance in these courses averages B or better, the applicant may then apply for admission to one of the graduate program