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 and wood processing.
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
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 industry management
- Timber procurement
- Forest economics and finance
- Business and resource analytics
- Forest consulting
- Ecosystem-service investment and valuation
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.
Internships/Work Experience: Opportunities for students to gain practical experience with forest businesses and related organizations or utilize existing work experience in the industry.
Industry Engagement: Interaction with professionals addressing contemporary forest business challenges.
Professional Networking: Connections with employers and professionals across the forest sector.
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.
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
- Applicants must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). A non-U.S. degree must be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from the United States and must be granted by a recognized or accredited foreign institution.
- United States degree holders must have earned a minimum of 2.7 out of a possible 4.0 or a minimum of 3.0 during the senior year of undergraduate study. If you have completed previous graduate coursework, you must have earned a minimum of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees must have earned a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or other equivalent to a ‘B’ average. If you have completed previous graduate coursework, you must have earned a minimum of 3.3 out of a possible 4.0 or other equivalent to a ‘B+’ average.
- Applicants may be required to submit English language certification test scores.
Application Deadlines
On-Campus Program:
All international applicants intending to enroll with VISA types F and J must follow the deadlines below. International applicants intending to enroll with other VISA types may be eligible to apply after the deadlines noted below and should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for more information.
| Term | Online Submission | File Completion |
| Fall | April 15 | May 15 |
| Spring | June 15 | October 1 |
| Summer | October 15 | February 15 |
The online submission deadline is when the initial application must be submitted online, provided the department has no earlier deadline. By the file completion deadline, admission must be granted, and all documents required to obtain a student visa must be submitted to the Center for Global Engagement.
Online Program:
Contact gradvolsonline@utk.edu
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.
