Environmental Science, Natural Resources Concentration, M.S.

Program Overview

Mission of the College

The College of Agriculture carries out the Land Grant mandates of the University in teaching, research, and service. The major goal of the College is to satisfy the educational needs and aspirations of both traditional and non-traditional students enrolled in its academic programs. 

Department Goals and Objectives

The graduate programs in the Department of Environmental Sciences are designed to provide students with a solid and the most relevant up-to-date curriculum that blends 21st-century leadership skills and scientific knowledge to solve problems in the environmental sector. Students will develop the necessary set of skills and competency, and expand their knowledge, creativity, and scholastic activities through classroom, experiential hands-on learning, and networking opportunities that prepare them for today’s ever-demanding job market. The goals of the Department are to advance environmental science knowledge and understanding by conducting innovative and transformative research; train future environmental science leaders in the areas of natural resource management, forestry, soil science, hydrology, wildlife ecology, spatial science, urban forestry, climate change, and environmental justice; and serve society with evidence-based science, information, and tools toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and equitable environment.   

Program Description

The Master of Science in Environmental Science is offered with three concentrations: Geospatial Sciences, Natural Resources, and Plant Sciences. The degree is offered with two options, thesis or non-thesis. The Natural Resources concentration emphasizes the management and conservation of natural resources. 

Program Outcomes

1. Graduates will be prepared for careers in forestry, wildlife management, ecology, conservation biology, geology, and environmental consulting. 
2. Develop professionals and research scholars with in-depth knowledge and skills in soils, natural resources, geospatial, agricultural and environmental sciences. 
3. Prepare scholars for rewarding careers in government, industry, international organizations, and higher education. 
4. Develop scholars to take leadership roles in professional food, agricultural, and environmental sciences. 
5. Equip professionals to evaluate and define diverse problems and develop solutions in environmental contexts. 
6. Enable experts to analyze data, and develop, implement, and evaluate solutions to real-world environmental problems. 
7. Foster scholars capable of communicating effectively to diverse audiences. 
8. Prepare scholars for further doctoral and/or post-doctoral training (primarily through the thesis option). 

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year degree granting college or university with a major in one of the Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, or other related sciences. 
• Minimum GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. 
• Minimum GRE score of 290 (Verbal + Quantitative) . 
• A sliding scale for GPA and GRE may be used for minor deficiencies for degrees from U.S. institutions. 
• International Students: 
• TOEFL minimum score: Internet-based Test (iBT) - 71 (Computer-based Test (CBT) - 197; Paper-based Test (PBT) - 530) OR IELTS minimum score of 6.0. Test scores are valid for five years. 
• Non-US transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign educational credential agency (e.g., WES). 
• Required Application Materials (submitted via GradCAS): Official transcripts, GRE scores, personal statement of purpose, contact details for three professional/academic references, CV/Resume. 

Important Dates

(Refer to the official 2025-2026 Graduate School Calendar when available): 

• Fall Admission Application Deadline (Domestic): July 1 (Confirm with official calendar for 2025-2026) 
• Fall Admission Application Deadline (International Students Abroad): April 1 (Confirm with official calendar for 2025-2026) 
• Spring Admission Application Deadline (Domestic): December 1 (Confirm with official calendar for 2025-2026) 
• Spring Admission Application Deadline (International Students Abroad): October 1 (Confirm with official calendar for 2025-2026) 

Program Duration

• M.S. with thesis is typically 2 years. 
• M.S. non-thesis is typically 2 years. 
• GRA for MS level is standard for 18 months, with a research mode extension for 6 months (total 24 months). 
• Transfer of Credits: Up to 12 credit hours from another accredited institution may be transferred, subject to approval by the student’s advisory committee, graduate coordinator, department chair, and graduate school dean. 

Degree Requirements

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. 
• Thesis Option: Successful completion of coursework, appointment of thesis advising committee, advancement to candidacy, submission and successful oral defense of an approved thesis. Must pass AGSC 5110 and AGSC 5060 before enrolling in AGSC 5120. 
• Non-Thesis Option: Students choosing the non-thesis option will be required to take a minimum of 35 hours of course work. After successful completion of coursework including AGSC 5350 (Independent Study of Contemporary Issues and Problems), student need to pass comprehensive written and oral examinations administered by the student’s advisory committee and other faculty members representing appropriate subject matter areas. The student’s major advisor will serve as chairperson of the committee conducting the examination. If a student fails the comprehensive examination, one retake will be allowed. Should the student again fail, a third and final examination may be taken upon completion of additional course work (minimum of 6 hours) to be selected by the student’s advisory committee. 
• File program of study after completion of 9 to 15 credit hours of coursework. 

Accreditation Information

Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Specific programmatic accreditation for this degree is not detailed in the provided documents. 

Career Opportunities

Employers in environmental issues and sustainability, natural resources management, specialized fields such as forestry, wildlife management, ecology, conservation biology, geology, teaching, agricultural extension services, and various state and federal government agencies. 

Faculty  

• Dr. Bharat Pokharel (Forest Biometrics, and Management) 
• Dr. William Sutton (Wildlife Ecology and Management) 
• Dr. Sarah Neumann (Forest Ecology) 
• Dr. Yujuan Chen (Urban Forestry) 
• Dr. Sudipta Rakshit (Soil Chemistry) 
• Dr. Sougata Bardhan (Soil Health) 
• Dr. Felix Ogunmokun (Soil Physics) 
• Dr. Baris Tecimen (Agroforestry and Small Woodlands) 
• Dr. Jianwei Li (Climate Change) 
• Dr. Tom Byl (Hydrology/Environmental Microbiology) 

Program Website

https://www.tnstate.edu/agsciences/degrees/environmental_sciences.aspx 

Program Coordinator/Contact Information

• Department Chair: Dr. Bharat Pokharel (Associate Professor, Office: 112 Farrell-Westbrook Complex, Phone: (615) 963-6054, Email: bpokhare@tnstate.edu) 
• Graduate Coordinator: Dr. William Sutton (Associate Professor, Office: 202G Farrell-Westbrook Complex, Phone: (615) 963 7787, Email: wsutton@tnstate.edu) 
• College Dean: Dr. Chandra Reddy (Office: 213 Agricultural Biotechnology Building, Phone: (615) 963-7561, Email: creddy@tnstate.edu) 

Program of Study and Credit Hours Required