Where Forestry, Business, Finance, and Data Come Together
The Master of Science in Forest Business in the University of Tennessee School of Natural Resources prepares graduates for leadership and professional careers at the intersection of forestry, business, finance, analytics, and forest industry operations.
Modern forest businesses require professionals who understand forests as both natural resources and economic assets. Investment organizations, forest products companies, timberland owners, consulting firms, and other organizations increasingly need professionals who can evaluate investments, analyze complex data, manage supply chains, and make sound business decisions while understanding the biological and operational realities of forest management.
FORESTLAND INVESTMENT | DATA SCIENCE | LOGISTICS & PROCUREMENT
Students may pursue the degree through an intensive on-campus platform designed for completion in three semesters or through a flexible online platform.
Program at a Glance
| Degree | Master of Science |
| Program | Forest Business |
| School | UT School of Natural Resources |
| Credit Hours | 35 graduate credit hours |
| Format | Coursework Only with Comprehensive Examination |
| Platforms | On campus or online |
| On-Campus Duration | Designed for completion in three semesters |
| Primary Areas | Forestland Investment, Data Science, and Logistics and Procurement |
| Final Requirement | Final oral examination |
The program combines graduate coursework in forestry and natural resources with relevant coursework in agricultural and resource economics, business analytics, geography, industrial engineering, computer science, and related disciplines.
Career Opportunities
Build a career in the business of forests.
The Forest Business M.S. is designed to prepare students for careers involving forest and timberland investment, forest industry, and wood processing. The combination of forestry knowledge with finance, economics, analytics, and operations can support careers across the forest business sector.
- Timberland investment
- Timberland asset management
- Forest products companies
- Forest industry management
- Timber procurement
- Wood supply and logistics
- Forest economics and finance
- Business and resource analytics
- Forest consulting
- Natural-resource investment analysis
- Forest products operations
- Ecosystem-service investment and valuation
Organizations identified as examples of potential career connections include Larson & McGowin, Manulife, and Aurora.
Connecting Education with the Forest Business Sector
Forest business education is most valuable when students can connect classroom concepts with real-world decisions. The program is intended to create opportunities for students to engage with professionals and organizations working in forest management, timberland investment, forest products, analytics, procurement, and related fields.
Industry Advisory Group: Forest industry and investment professionals who provide perspective on workforce needs, curriculum, and emerging trends.
Internships: Opportunities for students to gain practical experience with forest businesses and related organizations.
Industry Engagement: Interaction with professionals addressing contemporary forest business challenges.
Professional Networking: Connections with employers and professionals across the forest sector.
Specific advisory-group membership and internship arrangements are to be confirmed.
Who Should Apply?
The M.S. in Forest Business may be particularly attractive to students and professionals interested in combining natural-resource knowledge with business and quantitative skills.
- Forestry
- Natural resources
- Forest products
- Agricultural and resource economics
- Business
- Finance
- Economics
- Data science
- Engineering
- Geography
- Related quantitative disciplines
Applicants from other academic and professional backgrounds may also be appropriate depending upon their preparation and career objectives.
Admissions
Students apply for graduate admission through the University of Tennessee Graduate School.
Application Requirements
[INSERT CONFIRMED GRADUATE SCHOOL AND PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS]
Application Deadlines
On-Campus Program: [CONFIRM DEADLINE]
Online Program: [CONFIRM DEADLINE]
Prospective students should consult the Graduate School and School of Natural Resources for current admissions requirements and deadlines.
Why Forest Business at Tennessee?
Forestry expertise. Business skills. Data-driven decisions.
The M.S. in Forest Business brings together disciplines that increasingly define successful careers in forestry and the forest products sector. Students can build advanced skills in forestland investment, develop expertise in data science and quantitative analysis, or focus on logistics and procurement – while maintaining a strong connection to forests, forest management, and the forest products industry.
With both an accelerated three-semester on-campus experience and a flexible online platform, the program is designed to serve recent graduates as well as professionals seeking to advance their careers.
