College of Graduate Studies - Environmental Sciences Ph.D.

You can earn your Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences, focusing on biology or chemistry, in more than a traditional academic program. At Tennessee Tech, our interdisciplinary faculty members work with graduate students to develop the knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to handle critical, real-world environmental issues and to educate future generations.

Environmental Sciences at Tennessee Tech

The Tennessee Tech Ph.D. program in Environmental Sciences addresses challenging issues regarding our environment and its impact on our society and culture. While there are two concentrations of study – biology and chemistry – coursework alsom includes agriculture, geology and sociology.

Our program mission is to advance scholarship and research while promoting leadership to effectively address environmental situations. Students will learn how to integrate their experiences into strategies that effectively protect both human health and wildlife habitat and also undo consequences of past neglect of natural resources.

The goal of our program is to prepare students for careers in research, management, government service, teaching and other areas where they will productively contribute to the solution of environmental problems.

Prime Location for Field Experiences

Tennessee Tech is located in Middle Tennessee’s beautiful countryside, on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau in Cookeville. The surrounding region is acclaimed for its variety of environments, including complex river systems, waterfalls and caves, dense woodland and man-made engineered facilities mincluding dam/lock systems and lakes.

Faculty

The graduate program’s distinguished faculty members bring their experiences and knowledge from around the world to provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for students. A list of faculty members is available at www.tntech.edu/is/staff.

Graduate Assistantships

Teaching assistants — A limited number of teaching assistantships are available. These include paid tuition and fees, along with a monthly stipend. Teaching assistants’ responsibilities include teaching lectures and labs, assisting faculty with grading, and providing review sessions for students.

Research assistants — A limited number of research assistantships may be available, contingent upon funding. Research assistants are expected to conduct specific research as directed by the funding grant and supervising faculty members.