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Professional Masters Degrees

How do I apply?

Application for the MEM (Master of Environmental Management) and MF (Master of Forestry) professional degrees is made directly to the Nicholas School. Application for a MS or PhD degree is made directly to the Duke Graduate School >.

Application Materials

  1. Application for Admission
    Online and printable forms are available here >

  2. Application Fee
    A non refundable application fee of $75.00 is required of all applicants. A personal check, money order or cashier’s check made payable to Duke University is acceptable. Applicants who submit their applications electronically may pay the fee via credit card. Applications will not be processed until the required fee has been paid.

  3. Letters of Recommendation
    Each applicant is required to submit three letters of recommendation, along with the recommendation forms supplied with the application (forms are available through both the online application and printable forms here >).
    Mailed letters should be sent in the application package in sealed envelopes that have been signed across the flap by the author.

  4. Transcripts
    One copy of official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate school attended should be sent. Applicants currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program should wait until after their fall grades have been posted before submitting a transcript(s).  Transcripts should be included in the application package in sealed envelopes that have been signed or sealed across the flap by the registrar of the institution attended. If the original transcript is not in English, the applicant must also provide a certified English translation.

  5. Personal Statement
    The Admissions Committee attaches considerable weight to the statement of educational objectives submitted by the applicant. This statement should reflect well-defined motivation to pursue graduate study. The school is particularly interested in applicants who show leadership potential in the broad field of natural resources and the environment. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the maturity and sense of purpose essential to a demanding educational experience, including an understanding of the value of professional education to the applicant’s career plans and expectations. Personal statement should be a maximum of 500 words.

  6. Standardized Exams

    1. GRE (General Record Examination)
      All applicants must provide an official Graduate Record Exam score, which includes the following components: verbal, quantitative and analytical/writing assessment.  Subject tests are not required. Scores should be reported to Duke University’s institution code number 5156; there is no department code. Applications will not be processed until official scores are received by ETS. Click here for additional information about the GRE.

    2. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
      For applicants pursuing a concurrent degree program with the Nicholas School (MEM or MF) and a MBA (Master of Business Administration) with either business school Fuqua (Duke) or Kenan Flager (UNC-Chapel Hill), we will accept an official GMAT or GRE score. To find out if you qualify, see additional details provided here.

    3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
      If the native language is not English, the applicant must submit an official score on the TOEFL to be considered for admission. Applicants that earn their undergraduate degree in the United States may waive the TOEFL application requirement. Official scores should be reported to Duke University’s institution code 5156; there is no department code. Applications will not be processed until official scores are received by ETS. Click here for additional information about the TOEFL.

    4. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
      As an alternative to the TOEFL, applicants may submit an official IELTS score. Applicants should send a copy of their official score report to the Office of Enrollment Services, see address below.  To find additional information about the IELTS and/or to register for the exam, go to: http://www.ielts.org/.

    5. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
      Applicants pursuing the MEM/MF with the JD (Juris Doctorate) must submit an official LSAT score. To find additional information about the LSAT and/or to register for the exam, go to: www.lsat.org/.

Contact Information 
All correspondence should be addressed as follows: Office of Enrollment Services, Duke University Nicholas School, Research Dr/LSRC Building Room A142, Box 90330, Durham, NC 27708-0330.
(919) 613-8070 (telephone); (919) 613-8719 (fax) and admissions@nicholas.duke.edu (email)

Duke University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or preference, gender, or age in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, employment, or any other university program or activity. It admits qualified students to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students. The university also does not tolerate harassment of any kind.