A Master of Science in Forestry (Agriculture) is a postgraduate degree curriculum that teaches forest management, the protection of such forest resources, as well as the stewardship of natural resources. Through this program, the students are able to learn about the ecological, economic and social implication of forestry. Some of the areas of study include; Forest Ecology, Wildlife and Forest, Genetics of Forest, and Agro forestry practices.

The program integrates didactic knowledge with application-oriented experience in form of field trips, laboratory training and research projects which allows the students to diagnose forest ecosystems, to apply conservation measures and to organize and manage forest resources efficiently.

Students in M.Sc. in Forestry (Agriculture) focus on:

• Silviculture
• Forest Ecology
• Biodiversity
• Forest Menstruation
• Agro forestry
• Silviculture 
• Forest economics
• Conservation of the Wildlife 
• Soil Conservation
• Forest Genetics 
• Tree Improvement
• Wood Science and Technology
• Forest Policy and Legislation
• Watershed Management
• Remote Sensing 
• GIS in Forestry
• Climate Change and Forestry
• Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)

It is also possible for students to take extra courses such as Urban Forestry, Medicinal Plant Cultivation, Ecotourism, and Forest Health Inspection, to be specialized on forestry.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related field (such as Agriculture, Horticulture Science, or other allied sciences) from a recognized university, typically with a minimum aggregate score of 50%.

Duration of M.Sc. in Forestry (Agriculture)

The M.Sc. in Forestry (Agriculture) takes two years in our university, and it includes four semesters in this course.

Course Level:

The M.Sc. in Forestry (Agriculture) is a two-year postgraduate full time program of our university, which involves regular lectures, tutorials and research projects.

Job profiles and salaries

Below are some job profiles with average salaries for Forestry graduates:

• Forest Officer

Job Profile: Responsible for managing forest resources, enforcing forest laws, and implementing conservation projects.

 Average Salary: ₹6-₹12 lakhs per annum

• Forest Range Officer

Job Profile: Supervises and protects forest areas, manages wildlife habitats, and ensures sustainable forest use.

Average Salary: ₹5-₹10 lakhs per annum

• Wildlife Biologist

Job Profile: Studies animal populations, monitors wildlife habitats, and develops strategies for wildlife conservation.

Average Salary: ₹6-₹14 lakhs per annum

• Conservation Scientist

 Job Profile: Focuses on natural resource management, implements conservation projects, and conducts environmental impact assessments.

Average Salary: ₹7-₹15 lakhs per annum

• Agro forestry Consultant

Job Profile Advises on integrating agriculture and forestry for sustainable land use, promotes agro forestry practices.

Average Salary: ₹6-₹12 lakhs per annum

• Forest Geneticist

Job Profile: Conducts research on tree genetics, breeding, and improving forest productivity.

 Average Salary: ₹8-₹16 lakhs per annum

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Specialist

Job Profile: Assesses the environmental impact of forestry projects and ensures compliance with environmental laws.

 Average Salary: ₹7-₹15 lakhs per annum

• Remote Sensing and GIS Specialist

 Job Profile: Utilizes geospatial technology to map forest cover, track deforestation, and manage forest resources.

 Average Salary: ₹8-₹14 lakhs per annum

• Forest Economist

Job Profile: Analyzes economic aspects of forest management and advises on policies for sustainable forest use.

Average Salary: ₹7-₹13 lakhs per annum

• Research Scientist (Forestry)

Job Profile: Engages in research related to forestry, conducts field studies, and publishes findings in forestry journals.

Average Salary: ₹6-₹12 lakhs per annum

After M.Sc. in Forestry (Agriculture):

1. Specialized Courses in Forestry and Related Fields

• Forest Conservation and Management
• Climate Change and Forestry
• Wildlife Conservation and Management
• Forest Ecology and Restoration
• Sustainable Forest Management
• Forest Policy and Governance
• Agro forestry and Social Forestry
• Forest Biometry

2. Certification Courses

• Certified Forester (CF)
• Certified Wildlife Biologist
• Forest Management Certification
• Certification in Remote Sensing and GIS

3. Ph.D. in Forestry
4. M.Phil in Forestry

Top Hiring Companies 

• Forest Survey of India (FSI)
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
• World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
• Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
• National Biodiversity Authority
• The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
• State Forest Departments
• NABARD
• Forest Development Corporations
• National A forestation and Eco-development Board
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Environmental Conservation
• Indian Forest Service
• Parle Products
• Masco
• Anon Solutions
• PepsiCo
• Stora Enso Oyj
• Orient Paper Mills
• K Corps Limited
• Star Paper Mills

FAQs

Q: What are the job profiles in the Master of Science in Forestry (Agriculture) program? 

• Forest Officer
• Forest Range Officer
• Wildlife Biologist
• Conservation Scientist
• Agro forestry Consultant
• Forest Geneticist
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Specialist
• Remote Sensing and GIS Specialist
• Forest Economist
• Research Scientist (Forestry)

Q: Are there opportunities for higher studies after completing a Master of Science in Forestry (Agriculture)?  

A: Yes, students can pursue a Ph.D., M.Phil, and specialized courses in forestry-related fields. They can also opt for professional certifications in areas such as remote sensing, wildlife conservation, and forest management.