Graduate Programs in Environmental Science

UTC female student measuring a tree with a ruler tape

Master of Science in Environmental Science and Post-Baccalaureate Certificates

Environmental science is a broad and diverse field, encompassing a range of expertise from scientific research to policy and management, and UTC's graduate programs are designed to meet students wherever their passions lie. Our expert faculty deliver dynamic, research-driven courses that sharpen critical thinking, advocacy, and communication skills, while students gain real-world experience through internships, guided projects, and collaborative discussions. Whether you're drawn to hands-on scientific research or driven to lead organizations and shape environmental policy, UTC's two master's degrees and two post-baccalaureate certificates empower you to tailor your education to your unique career goals and make a meaningful impact in both the public and private sectors.

Explore our programs and find the path that's right for you:

High-Interest Classes at UTC
  • Applied Statistics for Environmental Scientists
  • Environmental Law and Policy Mechanisms in the Environment
  • Herpetology
  • Limnology and Reservoir Ecology
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Management
  • Remote Sensing and Image Analysis
Student Organizations
Community Partners

UTC faculty and graduate students collaborate with several community partners including local, regional, and federal organizations such as:

  • Audubon Society
  • Chattanooga Arboretum
  • Chattanooga Zoo
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • EPB of Chattanooga
  • Hamilton County Public Schools
  • Lula Lake Land Trust
  • Reflection Riding
  • Tennessee River Gorge Trust
  • TN Dept of Environment and Conservation
  • Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
  • Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
  • WaterWays
Professional Opportunities 

Internships: Students in the UTC graduate environmental science program who engage in internships for their capstone experiences typically are placed in positions at agencies and firms that provide tangible career-advancement potential. While the specific skill set that a student will learn and practice varies for different internship settings, these positions all require students to practice effective communication and can lead to full-time jobs for recent graduates.

Presentations and Publications: Many of our thesis-track students deliver oral presentations or research exhibits to highlight their work at professional conferences, and some publish and/or co-author peer-reviewed articles based on their graduate studies. UTC Biology, Geology and Environmental Studies provides up to $250 for travel, and the UTC Graduate School up to $500 for travel to graduate students presenting results of their research at regional and national-level meetings.

Many students also participate in the UTC Spring Research and Creative Arts Conference, sponsored by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, to showcase their research.

How to Apply

The UTC Environmental Science graduate program accepts applications for the fall, spring and summer terms through a rolling admission process

What Our Grads Are Saying

Quote from Hunter, 2025 Grad, "I had a great time and learned a lot about my field and degree and also a lot about people and how to deal with them in a variety of situations and problems"
Quote from Meredith, 2025 Grad, "I really enjoyed the program and the flexibility I had to transition from a non-thesis track to a thesis. It allowed me to explore the program and better understand which aspects I was most interested in."
Quote from Jordan, 2025 Grad, "This program is extremely well put together, with a variety of classes that form the core. These core classes ensure that the students are well rounded for the future."
Quote from Lizzie, 2025 Grad, "I found the content engaging and the professors to be passionate about their field of study."
Quote from Zach, 2025 Grad, "Great professors and leadership."
Quote from Shelby, 2024 Grad, "I think every professor is there to support the betterment of the next generation of scientists, and really care about providing a quality education."
Quote from Cole, 2024 Grad, "It was an awesome experience! I learned a lot of helpful knowledge for the field, most of the professors were very approachable and seemed to really care for their students, and there were many programs like the graduate teaching assistant program and research assistantships."
"I have absolutely loved being a part of this program. I appreciate the flexibility of it and all of the various directions you can take it."
Quote from Andy, 2026 Grad, "The professors, especially my advisor, have been very welcoming and helpful. There have been many opportunities to learn, research and to publish. This includes opportunities in fields that I had no prior experience in."
Quote from Ryan, 2026 Grad, "Enjoyed it, good culture and had a great cohort of Teaching Assistants to work with."

Use the "Previous" and "Next" buttons within the box below to explore careers related to this program.

Contact Us

Dr. Thomas Wilson, Ph.D.

Graduate Program Director
[email protected]

Jessica Dickerson

UTC Graduate School Liaison for Environmental Science
[email protected]

Learn more about graduate programs at UTC by filling out this inquiry form.

Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science

Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science