The course program

The Master program in forest sciences is a complex and interdisciplinary course of study. It is dealing with forest ecosystems in general, as well as with their management and connections to the environment on a wider scale.
Students acquire methodical skills and capabilities and research-oriented knowledge. Graduates will be able to develop ideas and concepts for handling the manifold demands of society towards forests (e.g., biodiversity, timber, bioenergy, protection of soil and water, recreation).
The program imparts competences in sustainable management of forest enterprises, the forest as a natural resource, the utilisation of the wood as a natural resource, and the treatment of both forests and wood.

Content and structure

The Master program in forest sciences offers a diverse and interdisciplinary study program in which forestry expertise, natural and social science fundamentals, as well as other key qualifications are addressed. The course program is modular.

Because there are a total of ten compulsory elective modules in the degree program, there are excellent opportunities for individual design of the degree. A wide range of modules can be selected for the elective courses. A master thesis completes the program.

The standard period of study for the Master program is four semesters.

All study documents can be found here and in the study information system (SINS) of the TU Dresden.

Professional fields

• Management and leadership positions in the management of state forests (higher forest service, e.g., forest office manager)
• Corporate and cooperative forest care
• Private forest administrations
• Universities and research institutes
• Forest management offices
• Timber sales and timber trade
• Nature conservation, regional development and conservation
• Self-employed forest experts
• International Development Assistance Organization
• Politics and advocacy
... and many more in the field of forest, nature and natural resource management