Forests today are going through a phase of enormous change: Climate crisis and calamities require adaptation to rapidly changing environmental conditions. The recreational use of forests is becoming more intensive, more diverse and more conflictual. As hotspots of biodiversity, forest ecosystems attract many demands from environmental stakeholders. In a world of renewable raw materials and non-fossil energy sources, sustainably produced wood is needed more than ever. The ecological, economic and social framework conditions for forest management are constantly changing. Administrative and operational structures are adapting to these changes. Lively competition for good ideas, increased decentralised responsibility and close networking with partners from business, society and the state are increasingly shaping the forestry sector. At the same time, many future developments are uncertain. Against this backdrop, the demands on strategic management are increasing in all areas of the forestry sector. As a result, the demands on the professional, methodological and social skills of future managers are also increasing. The M.Sc. Forest Management programme aims to develop these skills in future managers.
- At a Glance
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- Duration of Studies
3 semesters
- Scope
90 ECTS credits
- Start
Admission takes place twice a year, in the summer and winter semester.
- Number of Study Places
20
- Application Deadlines
15 January for the summer semester, 15 July for the winter semester (Strict deadlines!)
- Admission Requirements
Successfully completed bachelor’s degree in Forest Management with 210 ECTS, or successfully completed bachelor’s degree in Forest Management with 180 ECTS plus
- Selection Procedure
Two stage process (Pre selection based on bachelor’s grade and ranking within the graduating cohort, Selection interviews)
- Degree Awarded
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Accreditation
The University of Applied Forest Sciences Rottenburg is system accredited by ZEvA (Central Evaluation and Accreditation Agency Hannover). The study program has successfully passed the internal quality and accreditation process and is accredited until 30 September 2031.
- Course Structure
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The summer and winter semesters can be studied independently of each other and do not build on each other.
It is possible to start the programme in both the summer and winter semesters.Flow chart:
Winter term
Forest-Policy-Society, Ecosystem services as the basis for forestry business sectors, Communication, Interdisciplinary practical project on forest policy
Summer term
Strategic forest management planning, strategic silvicultural management, strategic forest management, and interdisciplinary practical project on forest organisation
3rd semester
Elective module, Master's thesis
Module overview:
Module no. Module title 1 Strategic forest management planning 2 Strategic silvicultural management 3 Strategic forest management 4 Interdisciplinary practical project on forest organisation 5 Forest – Policy – Society 6 Ecosystem services as the basis for forestry business sectors 7 Communication 8 Interdisciplinary practical project on forest policy 9 Elective module 10 Master's thesis - Module Overview
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- Career Fields
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Graduates of our master’s program are well prepared for leadership positions in public and private forest enterprises and forest administrations. Potential employers can be found throughout Germany and neighboring countries.
They stand out for their interdisciplinary understanding of ecological, economic, and social interrelations in all matters concerning forests and forestry. They demonstrate strong professional and social competence and approach complex professional challenges with openness, confidence, and expertise.
In addition to leadership roles in federal, state, and municipal forestry services, graduates have excellent career prospects in:
- Forest owners’ associations
- Forestry cooperatives
- Private forest enterprises
- Nature and environmental conservation
- Management roles in the forestry and wood sector
- Business consulting
- Development cooperation
- Forest and environmental policy
- How to Apply
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The program begins twice a year, in the summer and winter semester. Application deadlines are 15 January and 15 July (strict deadlines!).
A total of 20 study places are allocated per year. As long as the number of applicants remains below this threshold, no selection procedure is conducted. This is currently the case (as of July 2025).
Further information about the application process can be found here.
- Additional Information
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Further information about the M.Sc. Forest Management program can be found here.
