INSTITUTE OF FORESTRY

Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal

Master of Science in Community Forestry

The Master of Science in Community Forestry at the Institute of Forestry (IOF) is a specialized, research-based graduate program designed to develop skilled professionals in participatory forest governance and sustainable forest management. Spread over two academic years and four semesters, the program begins with foundational studies in natural resource management, followed by training in research tools and techniques. Advanced courses explore community-based forest management models, sustainable practices, and political ecology. The final semester is dedicated to conducting research and presenting findings. Applicants must hold a four-year undergraduate degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Engineering, or Science from Tribhuvan University or a recognized institution. Admission is merit-based, determined by performance in a competitive entrance exam and academic background. Students are evaluated through a combination of internal and external assessments, with a minimum passing score of 50% required in both. An 80% attendance rate is mandatory to qualify for final exams. The research component is closely supervised and evaluated by a Research Assessment Committee comprising internal and external experts. This program equips graduates with the expertise to lead community forestry initiatives, contribute to policy development, and promote sustainable resource use across diverse socio-ecological landscapes. 

For the details can visit the course list and curriculum;

Curriculum

Course List

SN Course Code Course Title Credit
Semester I
1 SFM 501 Forest and Environment Policy 3
2 SFM 502 Nature and Society 3
3 WME 503 Water- Energy-Food- Ecosystem Nexus 3
4 PWM 504 Landscape Management and Biodiversity Conservation 3
5 SFM 505 Natural Resource Management in Changing Environment 3
Semester II
6 WME 551 Geoinformatics for NRM 3
7 BSH 552 Research Design and Scientific Writing 3
8 BSH 553 Advance Statistics 3
9 SFM 554 Natural Resource Economics 3
10 SFM 556 GESI in Forestry 3
Semester III
11 SFM 607 Global CBFM Models 3
12 SFM 608 Forest Tenure and Governance 3
13 SFM 609 Political Ecology 3
14 SFM 610 Sustainable Forest Management 3
15 SFM 612 Project Management (Optional) 3
16 SFB 606 Natural Resource Professional Ethics (Optional) 3
Semester IV
17 SFM 651 Proposal 2
18 SFM 652 Pre-defence 2
19 SFM 699 Dissertation 9
20 SFM 653 Manuscript of Research Work 2