Graduate Degree Programs

• FISHERIES & AQUATIC SCIENCES (FAS)

  Graduate work in FAS focuses on four broad areas:

  • Sustainable fisheries
  • Aquaculture
  • Aquatic animal health
  • Conservation and management of aquatic environments

  The School’s program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences leads to the Master of Science, Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (non-thesis), and Doctor of Philosophy degrees with a program in fisheries and aquatic sciences.

  Research programs of faculty encompass water quality and chemistry, fish ecology, marine and estuarine ecology, paleolimnology, crustacean biology, fish and shellfish genetics, fish and shellfish reproduction and endocrinology, fish health management, fish population dynamics, phycology/microbiology, stream ecology, and aquatic plant science and management.

  Graduate studies in the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program emphasizes the needs and interests of individual students. Graduate students work closely with their faculty advisers to develop comprehensive programs of study. Admission to graduate study is based on the individual merits and interests of the applicant, fulfillment of the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, and acceptance by a faculty adviser.

  Graduate study is available on UF main campus as well as at Research and Extension facilities at the IRREC (Ft. Pierce) and the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. (Ruskin).
• ONLINE MFAS

  This program is designed for working professionals in environmental sciences, fisheries, aquatic sciences, and natural resources, and marine biology fields who are interested in advancing their careers by earning a graduate degree. The ability to take this program entirely online means that students will not have to sacrifice their commitments to career and family in order to earn the degree.
  
  Program Requirements
  
  The MFAS program consists of 32 credits, of which at least 16 must be Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (FAS) courses. The remaining credits may be chosen from any graduate-level courses in the FFGS or at UF, with the approval of your advisor. Part of the application process involves identifying a faculty member to serve as your advisor (see How to Apply) for more information. During the degree, students register for a maximum of 6 credits of FAS 6905 for credit towards their technical paper, usually split between the first semester and the final semester.
  
  Technical Paper
  The online MFAS is a non-thesis degree and therefore does not require a research thesis for completion. The degree does require the student to write a technical paper/final project based on extension/outreach or research on a topic of their choosing in an appropriate professional area. The technical paper/final project must be approved by the Supervisory Committee.

• FOREST RESOURCES & CONSERVATION (FRC)

  The School offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Forest Resources and Conservation (professional, non-thesis), Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis), and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in forest resources and conservation.

  Areas of study include agroforestry, biometrics, biotechnology, ecology, economic sustainability, ecotourism, environmental education, fire science, forest economics, forest genetics, forest nutrition, geographic information systems, geomatics, hydrology, international forestry, management operations, pathology, physiology, policy, reforestation, remote sensing, resource management, silviculture, soils, tropical forestry, and urban forestry.

  Graduate students should have undergraduate training in biological, social, and physical sciences appropriate to their area of study. Students with inadequate backgrounds may still be admitted but will be required to take appropriate undergraduate courses to support their area of study. Graduate students are expected to develop teaching skills by assisting with courses during their programs.

• GEOMATICS CONCENTRATION (FRC)

  Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy concentrations in Geomatics are offered to enhance a student’s capabilities in developing technical and professional areas. The MS student is expected to provide technical leadership to surveying and mapping organizations. PhD students develop a higher level of advancement in the geomatics knowledge base.

  To earn a concentration in Geomatics, students must complete a certain number of credits in SUR- or GIS- prefixed courses.

Optional Degree Concentrations

Concentrations are available to degree-seeking students in FRC or FAS programs and require 12-15 credits of specific coursework as noted below.

• ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

  Ecological restoration has been defined as “the return of an ecosystem to a close approximation of its condition prior to disturbance” (NRC, 1992). According to the Society for Ecological Restoration, ecological restoration is “the process of assisting the recovery and management of ecological integrity”. Ecological integrity is related to biodiversity, ecological processes and structures, regional and historical contexts and sustainable use (SER, 1999). Thus, ecological restoration can be considered as human intervention to recover nature’s integrity; to restore the environment to its natural state.
  
  A sound science-based ecological foundation is needed for developing and implementing restoration projects. In order to train our graduate students effectively as future resource managers, environmental scientists, and restoration ecologists, we need to equip them with skills and science-based principles that are transportable from one system to another. They also need to learn that good restoration requires a view above and beyond the technical details and should include historical, social, cultural, political, aesthetic and moral aspects, so these ideas are addressed in the technical courses developed for this program.
  
  The need for such a program is at an all-time high as agencies and private companies involved in ecological restoration and environmental science are striving to re-tool their work force with a solid academic training in ecological restoration.
  
  PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
  The non-thesis Forest Resources and Conservation MS program in Ecological Restoration consists of 30 credits, of which at least 15 must be part of the approved set of courses for the concentration. Students may choose from other FFGS courses or any graduate course offered by UF, with the approval of your advisor. Electives should typically be related to environmental sciences.
  
  Required:
  FOR 5157 Ecosystem Restoration Principles and Practice
  
  Choose 4 Electives:
  FAS 6932 Invasion Ecology of Aquatic Animals
  FOR 5159 Ecology and Restoration of the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem
  FOR 6151 Forest Ecosystem Health
  FOR 6154 Analysis of Forest Ecosystems
  FOR 6934 Ecology and Restoration of Invaded Ecosystems
  FOR 6934 Agroforestry of the Southeastern US
  FNR 6628 Watershed Restoration and Management
  FNR 6669 Policy and Economics of Natural Resources
  HOS 6070 Plant Materials for Conservation and Restoration
  
  An additional 15 elective credits are required to complete the 30 credit degree.
  
  Learning Goals

  Students completing the MS non-thesis with concentration in Ecological Restoration will develop or strengthen their knowledge and skills allowing them to:

  1. Understand theoretical and technical knowledge from ecology, soils and other bio-physical sciences that form the intellectual foundation of ecological restoration environmental sciences.
  2. Design restoration projects (upland and bottomland forests, wetlands, prairie, and dune) that consider knowledge areas outside students’ current area of expertise and in an interdisciplinary team environment.
  3. Analyze critically and synthesize relevant primary information sources, such as technical reports and scientific publications.
  4. Learn various techniques used in ecological restoration, and evaluation and monitoring.
  5. Understand and appreciate the socio-economic, ethics, laws, policy and political dimensions of ecological restoration.
• GEOMATICS

  Our program prepares Geomatics students to become geospatial technology experts through the online Master of Science degree. The Geomatics faculty is nationally and internationally recognized as authors, presenters, and educators. This faculty has developed a flexible degree program that can accommodate each student’s interests in the broad field of geospatial science. Furthermore, MS graduates are well-positioned in the job market to enhance their careers and take advantage of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projection of continuing job growth in the geospatial workforce for the foreseeable future. The program offers instruction and learning opportunities with the convenience and flexibility of online delivery so students can continue to work while going to school.
  
  The MS Geomatics concentration in the Forest Resources and Conservation degree requires a total of 30 credits, with 15 chosen from available Geomatics courses (“SUR” or "GIS" prefix) at the graduate level. Students may choose remaining credits from other FFGS courses or any graduate course offered by UF, with the approval of your advisor. Electives should typically be related to natural resources, environmental engineering, urban planning, soil and water sciences, and related subjects.
  
  Approved Courses for the MS in Geomatics As noted above, any SUR graduate courses may be used to fulfill the 15 major credits required for this degree, but students may choose to take more SUR/GIS credits as desired.

• NATURAL RESOURCE POLICY & ADMINISTRATION

  The online Master of Science in Natural Resource Policy and Administration is designed for natural resource or environmental science professionals who are interested in advancing their careers by earning a graduate degree. The ability to take this program entirely online means that students will not have to sacrifice their commitments to career and family in order to earn the degree.

  Graduates of natural resource degree programs are well‐equipped for careers focused in biology, statistics, ecology, geology, and other sciences, but lack a strong basis in the administrative aspects of careers in government, state/federal agencies, NGOs, and private firms. Stakeholder and industry feedback has been unanimous with regards to the need for training, for traditional and non‐traditional students, in policy, analysis, human management, and organizational administration. This concentration offers a means of obtaining the prerequisites to higher‐level administration careers for natural resource professionals as well as students seeking to round‐out their education in natural resources.

  Program Requirements

  Required:

  FNR 6669 Natural Resource Policy & Economics** required for students admitted Fall 2023 and beyond

  
  Choose four courses from below:
  
  FOR 6005 Conservation Behavior or FOR 6934 Conservation Behavior for Practitioners
  FOR 6543, Natural Resource Economics & Valuation
  FNR 6061, Conflict, Collaboration, and Community Engagement in Natural Resources
  FOR 6934, Human and Organizational Management in Natural Resources OR AEB 5757 Strategic Agribusiness Human Resources Management
  FNR 5625, Managing Public Lands and Waters
  
  An additional 15 elective credits are required to complete the 30 credit degree.
  
  Learning Goals
  Students completing the MS non-thesis with concentration in Natural Resource Policy and Administration will develop or strengthen their knowledge and skills, including:
  
  1) Content knowledge in the following areas:
  – implications of natural resource policy and economic theory to resource management
  – application of policy and economic theory in regards to legislation and administration of natural resources
  – how to conduct stakeholder assessments, surveys, and other public interactions
  
  2) Communication skills, with regards to conflict and collaboration management
  – application of best practices to communicate effectively with public and stakeholders in written form
  
  3) Critical Thinking
  – identify, evaluate, and manage human dimension issues (conflicts)
  – analyze natural resource policies and economics

• ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

  These interdisciplinary concentrations are managed through other programs as linked.

  • Hydrologic Sciences
  • Toxicology
  • Tropical Conservation and Development
  • Wetland Sciences

Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificate programs may be added by graduate degree-seeking students before 50% of the credits are earned. Most graduate certificate programs are available online.

• LIST OF PROGRAMS
  • Aquaculture & Fish Health
  • Ecological Restoration
  • Environmental Education & Communication
  • Forest Health & Resilience
  • Geospatial Analysis
  • Natural Resource Policy & Administration
  • Quantitative Fisheries Science
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems **not available online

  Learn more >

Requirements by Degree

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