Graduate Degree in Environmental Science
M.S. in Environmental Science

The M.S. in Environmental Science program at UTC emphasizes sound scientific and technical training coupled with an understanding of contemporary socioeconomic, political and legal realities toward meeting the needs of academia, business, government, and the non-profit sector for scholars and professionals in this growing and interdisciplinary field.
Our faculty offer science- and policy-based core and elective courses that foster the development of advanced critical thinking and effective advocacy and communication skills toward addressing environmental issues in a holistic and real-world context.
While conducting a supervised thesis, internship, or learned discourse, our students contribute to the development of knowledge in the field through scholarly research and/or experience and prepare for careers with diverse employers including conservation organizations, consulting firms, government agencies, and schools, and for admission into doctoral and professional degree programs.
Contact
Dr. Thomas Wilson
Graduate Program Coordinator
306A Holt
423-425-4713
[email protected]
Important Dates
Link to Graduate School Thesis Dates
2 Oct 2020: Last day to schedule your defense
16 Oct 2020: Last day to defend your thesis
2 Nov 2020: Deadline to submit thesis and thesis exam results to the graduate school for December graduation
1 Dec 2020: Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school
11 Dec 2020: Graduate Student Commencement
What Our Grads Are Saying
"The M.S. in Environmental Science program at UTC has given me the tools I need to succeed as a biologist with the federal government. The program's interdisciplinary approach reflects what I have seen in the regulatory environment - bringing together botanists, soil scientists, environmental lawyers, engineers, and other environmental specialists."
David Wilson '14
Biologist & Program Manager
Army Corps of Engineers
Charleston, SC
Students in the Spotlight
Masters Defense
Jared Odell: Comparative plasticity of rare Pityopsis ruthii and its common congener P. graminifolia. Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Boyd.
Friday, October 16, 2020 @ 1:30 (Zoom).
Masters Defense
Savanna Wooten: Impacts of forest thinning and white-tailed deer herbivory on translocation of the rarae terrestrial orchid Platanthera integrilabia. Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Boyd.
Monday, October 12, 2020 @ 11:00 (Zoom).
Alumni Updates
Garrett Davis '15 published his M.S. thesis work in the genetic social organization of Octodon degus in the Journal of Mammalogy and contributed to two additional publications. Garrett is currently employed as a laboratory technician at UC Davis.
Amelia Hudson '13 recently began a new position as a field biologist with Timber Creek Environmental, LLC in Fort Worth, TX.