What You’ll Study in the Forestry-Environmental Sciences Three-Two Program
Obtain a liberal arts education and earn a master’s degree in forestry or environmental management with Reed College’s 3-2 program. Study at Reed College for three years, followed by two years of specialized training at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. Upon completing the five-year program, be ready for a career in conservation, forestry, and related fields.
Roadmap to the Forestry-Environmental Sciences Dual Degree Program at Reed
Spend three years at Reed completing your major to earn your bachelor’s degree. Gain the knowledge and skills, from problem-solving to research, that prepare you to pursue a master’s degree at Duke University.
Year One
Begin Your Reed Journey
In your first year, lay a strong foundation for your future studies. Take Topics in Biology I and II as your introductory biology courses. In addition, take mathematics classes, such as Calculus and Introduction to Probability and Statistics, that equip you for advanced research and data analysis.
Expand your horizons with Humanities 110, a cornerstone Reed course in which you'll learn how past and present human cultures shape our world. This interdisciplinary journey hones your critical thinking and writing skills while encouraging you to think beyond conventional academic boundaries.
Year Two
Build Research Skills
Dive deeper into your major and take Introduction to Economic Analysis, which gives you the tools to study economic aspects of environmental issues.
In addition, seek out research opportunities during your summer break. Collaborate with esteemed faculty on their projects or find outside opportunities to develop analytical skills. Reed offers funds to support your endeavors.
Year Three
Take the Junior Qualifying Examination
Continue your major courses, strengthening your expertise in your chosen field. Consider taking additional math or science classes to prepare for your graduate studies. During your junior year, apply to the 3-2 forestry-environmental sciences program.
As the capstone of your bachelor’s degree at Reed, take the junior qualifying examination in your major department. Depending on your program, you may conduct research or answer a series of quantitative or essay questions.
Year Four and Five
Enter a Master’s Degree Program
Embark on the next phase of your academic journey by earning a master’s in forestry (MF) or environmental management (MEM) at the Nicholas School at Duke University. The solid foundation from Reed College and the expertise gained at Duke empower you to make a significant and lasting impact on environmental conservation and sustainability.
After moving to the MF or MEM program at Duke, students typically take a full-time graduate-level course load (12 credit hours). For many program participants, a full-time year at Duke equals a full-time senior year at Reed and satisfies requirements for graduation for their undergraduate degree.
Why Enroll in the Three-Two Forestry-Environmental Sciences Program at Reed College?
Partnership with Duke University
Reed College is proud to partner with the Nicholas School of the Environment to offer you the chance to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The Nicholas School’s professional master’s programs equip you to work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to “devise and implement effective environmental policies and practices.” As a dual degree student, you can select from two master’s degree options:
- Master of Forestry (MF): Immerse yourself in a world of conservation, forest management, and policy. Discover the intricacies of sustainable practices and learn how to preserve our planet’s forests for future generations.
- Master of Environmental Management (MEM): Tailor your degree by choosing an environment concentration that gives you a depth of knowledge in a topical area and a management concentration that helps you put your knowledge into practice. These two concentrations empower you with the skills and insights required to tackle pressing environmental challenges head-on.
Environmental Science Major
Reed College is the perfect place to kick-start your journey toward a rewarding career in environmental science, forestry, or related fields. Our environmental studies major is one of the largest programs on campus.
Take courses across various Reed departments and tailor your learning with a concentration in biology, chemistry, economics, history, or political science. Discover our research-focused curriculum that prepares you for future graduate studies.
Real-World Research Experience
Collaborate closely with our esteemed Reed professors on cutting-edge research projects. Students have studied pollution near rail yards and the impact of climate change on forest fires. Our hands-on approach deepens your understanding of environmental issues and equips you with the skills necessary for your future master’s degree courses. You may even have the opportunity to present your findings at conferences or copublish research papers with professors and peers.
Conduct Research in the Reed Canyon
You don’t have to go far to study ecosystems or restoration efforts. Located in the middle of campus, the Reed canyon is a 28-acre watershed brimming with native animals, plants, and fungi. Conduct research projects or gain hands-on experience in restoration work at our campus oasis.
