Current Graduate Student Information

Current Graduate Student Information

Graduate Student Information & Guides

Graduate students already enrolled in the Sustainable Forest Management Graduate Program should be familiar with the basic guidelines for progress in graduate degrees set by the OSU Graduate School.

Graduate Student Forms

For a list of graduate student forms, such as Change of Term or Major, Leave of Absence, Transfer Credit Request, etc., visit the Graduate School Forms page.

Program of Study Forms:

  • PhD: Should be submitted to the Graduate School prior to scheduling the preliminary written examination, generally by the 5th term of registration.
  • MF/MS: Should be submitted to the Graduate School before completion of 18 credits, though no later than 15 weeks prior to the final examination.
  • Dual-degree forms can be found here.
  • More information on the Program of Study can be found on the Graduate School's website.

Petition for Change in Program (use to make changes to your program of study after it has been submitted and approved by the Graduate School)

Petition for Late Change of Registration

Transfer Credit Request form (for PhD students)

Graduate Advisory Committee

In consultation with their major professor, we recommend students establish a graduate advisory committee and develop a program of study during their second (MF/MS) or third term (PhD).

 

Graduate Learning Outcomes

The Graduate Council approved (February 25, 2011) the following motion regarding Graduate Learning Outcomes for all Master and PhD students:

1. Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.

2. Demonstrate mastery of subject material.

3. Be able to conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.

In addition, the Sustainable Forest Management graduate program has program-specific learning outcomes.

Program-Specific Learning Outcomes

  • MF Students - Evaluation Rubric
    1. Can demonstrate proficiency in the area of study. 
    2. Can state the goals for a professional project clearly.
    3. Can demonstrate sound knowledge and synthesize literature on a specific problem.
    4. Can demonstrate the potential value of a project within the area of study.
    5. Can apply sound state-of-the-field methods/tools to solve the defined problem and can describe the methods/tools effectively.
    6. Can communicate project results clearly and professionally in written and oral forms.
    7. Can demonstrate awareness of broader implications of the project or application.
    8. Has potential for producing a conference or journal publication from the project.
    9. Understands professional ethics/conduct.
  • MS Students - Evaluation Rubric
    1. Can clearly state the research problem.
    2. Can demonstrate sound knowledge and synthesize literature on a specific research problem.
    3. Can demonstrate the potential value of a research problem within the area of study.
    4. Can apply sound state-of-the-field methods/tools to solve the defined problem and has described the methods/tools effectively.
    5. Can effectively analyze and interpret research results/data.
    6. Can communicate research results clearly and professionally in written and oral forms.
    7. Can demonstrate capability for independent research in the area of study and expertise in the area.
    8. Can demonstrate awareness of broader implications of the concluded research.
    9. Can produce a journal or conference publication from the research.
    10. Understands research ethics and conduct of research.
  • PhD Students - Evaluation Rubrics for Preliminary Exam* and Final Exam
    1. Can clearly state the research problem.
    2. Can demonstrate sound knowledge and synthesize literature in the area and of prior work on the specific research problem.
    3. Can demonstrate the potential value of solution to the research problem in advancing knowledge within the area of study.
    4. Can apply sound state-of-the-field research methods/tools to solve the defined problem and can describe the methods/tools effectively. 
    5. Can analyze and interpret research results/data effectively.
    6. Can communicate research results clearly and professionally in written and oral forms.
    7. Can demonstrate capability for independent research in the area of study, significant expertise in the area, including field measurements and analytic techniques, and is able to make original contribution to the field.
    8. Can demonstrate awareness of broader implications of research in the study area.
    9. Understands research ethics and conduct of research.
    10. Can produce a journal or conference publication from the research.

Program learning outcomes for MF and MS programs will be assessed at the final examination.  Program learning outcomes for PhD programs will be assessed twice; once at the oral preliminary exam and again at the final examination.  Benchmark for satisfactory performance: The majority of the examining committee rates the achievement of the individual program learning outcome at a level of “Meets Expectations” or above.  The assessment of program specific learning outcomes will inform the assessment of the 3 Graduate Learning Outcomes from the Graduate Council.

*PhD students in the Sustainable Forest Management program have two options for the assessment of learning outcomes at the preliminary oral examination.  The student and their committee may decide to conduct one meeting consisting of the research proposal and preliminary oral examination and will be assessed on program learning outcomes 1-9.  Alternatively, assessment of learning outcomes 1-5 for the preliminary oral examination can be completed at a research proposal meeting, and learning outcomes 6-9 at the preliminary oral examination.

   

Completion of Program and Exit Process

  • Please visit the OSU Graduate School Academic Deadlines webpage for final degree completion requirements. It also important to clear up any incomplete grades or other residual issues from past coursework or examinations.
  • Submit a diploma application: Diplomas are issued four times a year, at the end of each term. You must complete a diploma application form to receive your diploma. Your diploma will reflect degree awarded; your transcript will reflect academic major and degree awarded. SFM areas of concentration will not be visible on diploma or final transcript. Diplomas are available from the Registrar's Office approximately six weeks after the end of the term. Diplomas earned Spring term are available at Commencement.*
     -Log in to MyOregonState
     -Click "Student Records"
     -Click "Apply for Graduation"
    *Depending on date of defense Spring term, you will be able to participate in the Commencement ceremony, but your diploma may not be presented at the event. Confirm these final deadlines with your SFM Graduate Coordinator if concerned about diploma availability at Commencement.
  • Submit the online program of study form to the Graduate School.
    Should you need to make revisions to your program after submission approval, utilize the Petition for Change in Program form.
  • Finalize your presentation date, time, and meeting location with the SFM Graduate Program Coordinator as soon as possible. Those graduating Spring term should finalize this date at least two months prior to your planned defense date.
  • Submit the online Exam Notification Form to the Graduate School no later than two weeks prior to your planned presentation.
    Note: you should have your room reservation finalized with the SFM Graduate Program Coordinator prior to completing this online form.
  • Advertise your defense by contacting the SFM Graduate Program Coordinator for assistance. Can include creation of flyer, postings in CoF This Week and OSU Today newsletters, University event calendar, and/or email notification to FERM Department/College of Forestry. The defense is a public presentation.
  • Important thesis and dissertation information can be found on the Graduate School Thesis Guide website.
  • Submit the online Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Submission Form following completion of your exam. This requirement applies to thesis and doctoral students only; MF (non-thesis) graduates do not complete this process. 
  • As soon as the defense is scheduled and/or completed, the FERM Department Head will request that the student complete an online exit survey. Responses may be discussed in an exit interview between the student and Department Head, if desired, to elaborate on their program and experiences in the department. This feedback is a critical part of FERM’s commitment to continuous improvement in its teaching efforts.
  • Return all office, lab, and/or gate keys to the appropriate location. If unsure of where keys should be returned, check with the FERM Office (PFSC 216).