Program Questions:
How many graduate students are enrolled in the graduate programs in ESPM and how many graduate each year?
We currently have about 180 graduate students enrolled in the ESPM graduate program. Since advanced students often travel to complete their field research, there are roughly 150 registered graduate students each semester. Each year, roughly 20 Ph.D., and 5 M.S. degrees are awarded by the department.
What is the average length of time to complete the Ph.D. degree?
The average length of time to obtain an ESPM Ph.D. is approximately 5.5 years. The average length of time to obtain a Master’s Degree in Forestry or Range Management is approximately 2 years.
Do you offer a masters degree in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management?
No, there is only a Master of Forestry and a Master of Science in Range Management.
Do I need a masters degree for entry into the Ph.D. program?
No, you can enter into the Ph.D. program directly after receiving an undergraduate degree.
What if my major is not relevant to what I intend to pursue in the ESPM Ph.D. program?
We look at the strengths of your academic training, research, and work experience.
How much does the program cost?
Click the link to see the Office of the Registrar’s fee schedule. Note: Fees are subject to change.
Master’s Specific Program Questions:
Can I earn a concurrent degree in Forestry while receiving a master’s degree in another department?
It is possible to work on more than one master's program at UC Berkeley. However, the Master of Forestry or Range Management programs have no formal programs for concurrent degrees at this time.
Is it possible to enroll part-time in the master’s program?
No, we currently do not have a part-time option for our master's degree programs.
How much time should I expect to devote to the master’s program?
This is an intensive full-time graduate program. You will have at least 12 units of coursework each semester.
Does the department offer master’s courses online or have distant learning opportunities?
This program is not offered online and has no distant learning opportunities at this time.
What are some of the areas of specialty that I can further study while enrolled in the Master of Forestry?
The Master of Forestry can be used to advance education in many different specialties related to forestry. These include, but are not limited to: forest ecology, forest management and planning, fire science, silviculture, urban forestry, forest economics, forest restoration, forest policy, forest biometrics, and others.
My undergraduate degree was in an unrelated field. Will that affect my chances of being admitted?
If you meet the basic requirements, we encourage you to apply regardless of your academic background.
Admission Questions:
How many applications do you get every year and how many do you accept?
We receive between 300-400 applications each admission cycle. These applications are for the ESPM Ph.D., M.F. (Master of Forestry), and M.S. in Range Management. We make approximately 35-40 offers of admission and enroll 25-30 new students each year.
Do I have to have a faculty sponsor to apply?
It is strongly recommended you have a faculty sponsor to apply. However, at the time you submit your application, we require that you list at least four faculty with whom you are interested in working with, in order of preference. This assures that the listed faculty members have an opportunity to review your application in time to make their preferences known to the Admissions Committee. Faculty sponsorship of entering graduate students is not determined until all applications are reviewed, and final admission offers have been made.
What is the application deadline for Fall admission?
We accept applications for the Fall Semester only. The application deadline is December 1. However, the deadline for TOEFL scores is December 20.
Do you offer financial support for students?
Yes, we make every effort to support our entering and continuing students from a variety of resources including University Fellowships, Departmental Restricted Fellowships, and Graduate Student Research Assistantships (GSRs). We encourage our students to apply for Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions. We also encourage applicants to make every effort to find external funding as well. Some programs will provide funding for entering graduate students, and we encourage you to investigate such programs. We make our financial support offers at the time of admission.
What courses are required for admission?
No specific coursework is required for admission. Coursework relevant to your interest area is of course useful.
How do I calculate my GPA?
The GPA you calculate should include all courses taken after your first 2 years of undergraduate. For example, if you attended college for 4 years, you would calculate your GPA for courses you took in your 3rd and 4th years. If you attended for 5 years, then you would include courses from your 3rd, 4th and 5th years. If you have done post-graduate work, your GPA as a master's student is not used in the calculation.
Where do I submit my supplemental documentation?
You will be able to submit a copy of all supplemental documentation during the submission of your application (e.g., transcripts, CV, writing samples).
Do I need to send in official transcripts with my application?
No, you should upload unofficial transcripts with the application for the departmental initial review. Official transcripts of all college-level work will be required if admitted. Official transcripts must be in sealed envelopes as issued by the school(s) you have attended. Request a current transcript from every post-secondary school that you have attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.
What are the criteria used to evaluate my application?
The department takes a holistic approach to reviewing a candidate's application. Grades are important, but not the only metric used to assess an application. Students will be assessed on their grades, relevant experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
When will I hear if I am accepted?
The application review process will begin 1-2 weeks after the application deadline of December 1. Admission results will circulate in mid-March. The deadline to notify the University of your plan to accept or decline the offer of admission is April 15. Denial letters are sent out approximately 2-3 weeks after admission offers have been made.
Regarding Exams - GRE, TOEFL, etc.:
Is the GRE required?
No. As of Fall 2019, ESPM no longer requires the GRE for graduate admissions.
What is the TOEFL code for ESPM?
The TOEFL code is: 40. TOEFL Institution Code for UC Berkeley is: 4833
How important is GPA? What is the average GPA?
GPA is very important to gain admission to the ESPM graduate program. Average GPA will vary slightly each year but are approximately as follows:
- GPA: 3.5 – 3.7
The GPA is based on all undergraduate course work completed after the second year.
Do I need to take a GRE Subject Test?
No. As of Fall 2019, ESPM no longer requires the GRE for graduate admissions.