The Master of Forestry degree is intended for students wishing to pursue professional careers in the management and policy of forest resources, across the span of urban to rural environments. These professional opportunities can be private-sector forest management—corporate or consulting; public-sector forest management—federal, state, county, local government; stewardship and conservation of forest resources -  government, private or non-profit sector; or education. The goal is to prepare students to manage forest resources for various public and private values within a complex social, political, and ecological environment.

The curriculum draws from coursework in the natural and social sciences and focuses on the complex relationships among the science, management, and policy of forest resources. Students are also expected to hone their capacities as leaders and managers through summer internships, professional skills courses, and other opportunities.

Two themes dominate the structure of the Master of Forestry curriculum: multiple disciplinary exposure in the biological and social sciences, and progressive integration and synthesis of knowledge in resource measurement, analysis management and policy. The curriculum is designed in three educational stages along with an emphasis on professional skill development.