Two-year, 48-credit professional degree accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), preparing students for careers in sustainable natural resource management and policy. The curriculum progresses from foundational biological, physical and social science through frameworks and quantitative skills (statistics, measurements, GIS) to second-year synthesis courses and an MF capstone. Students gain hands-on experience at 11,000 acres of Yale-owned forested properties, including the summer Apprentice Forester Program at Yale Forests.
Key facts
Duration
24 months (2 years)
Language
English
Format
Full-time
Tuition
55,960 USD per year
Intake
See official page
Application deadline
Application deadline: December 1 (application opens September 1; financial aid deadline February 1)
Verified Aug 2026: USD 55,960/yr tuition for 2026-2027 (YSE cost page lists MEM, MF, MESc and MFS at the same rate), plus USD 375 student activity fee and USD 135 IT fee. No application fee; GRE optional.
Curriculum modules
ENV 659: The Practice of Silviculture: Principles in Applied Forest Ecology — Fulfils the compulsory silviculture requirement in the MF Frameworks and Skills stage.
ENV 660: Forest Dynamics — Fulfils the Forest Ecology topic area of the MF Basic Knowledge (Biological Sciences) requirement.
ENV 751: Sampling Methodology and Practice — Fulfils the Measurement topic area of the MF Frameworks and Skills requirement.
ENV 626: Writing for Publication in the Natural Sciences — One of the required MF capstone courses.
Admission requirements
Completed online application (application fee waived for all applicants)
Essays and statements, resume or curriculum vitae
Three letters of reference
All undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Official TOEFL/IELTS score report (English language test)
The 2026 Sustainability Degree Shortlist Guide: pick, compare and afford the right programme — plus occasional emails with new programmes, scholarships and application tips.