How to Apply

TREES Prerequisites: 

To pursue a dual-title intercollege degree under this program, the student must first apply and be admitted through one of these graduate programs that are affiliated with and offer dual-title graduate degrees in TREES: 

• Anthropology 
• Architecture 
• Energy and Mineral Engineering 
• Forest Resources 
• Geography 
• Landscape Architecture 
• Recreation, Park and Tourism Management 
• Rural Sociology 

Additional TREES Application Requirements: 

Once enrolled in their home degree program, the student can apply for admission to TREES. The TREES program administrators will then review applications and recommends students for admission to the dual-title degree program to The Graduate School.  To be considered for admission, students must meet the following requirements:

1. a minimum baccalaureate Jr/Sr grade point average of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale; 
2. a statement of professional goals, natural resource management philosophy, and reasons for applying to the program; and 
3. a letter of support from the student’s doctoral advisor acknowledging the TREES dual title program’s requirements and their individual and departmental support of the student’s participation in the program.

This student statement and corroborating statement of support from the student's advisor should be emailed to both the TREES graduate program head Carter Hunt (cah59@psu.edu) and the graduate program staff assistant Stephanie Valente (suv9@psu.edu)

When to Apply

Doctoral students must be admitted into the dual-title degree program in TREES no later than the end of the fourth semester (not counting summer semesters) of entry into the graduate major program. Students are strongly encouraged to apply prior to taking the qualifying exam. 

While there are no restrictions on when an M.S. student can be admitted to TREES, it will be necessary to pursue TREES coursework immediately to complete all degree requirements within a reasonable timeframe.