The Department of Geography and Sustainability at the University of Tennessee offers a Five-Year BA/MS program for highly motivated and academically outstanding students who are passionate about understanding and analyzing geographic issues. This program offers students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a Master of Science (MS) degree in Geography within a five-year timeframe. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and advanced research experience required for a successful career in sustainability research and services in a wide array of governmental, NGO, and private sectors. The core component of the program is that qualified students can apply up to 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. This not only accelerates their academic journey but also enhances their research and analytical capabilities.
Program Components
Eligibility and Admission
Students must have a declared major in Honors Space, Society, and Culture concentration.
Students must have an overall GPA of 3.4 in required coursework for admission to the program.
Conditional admission may be granted after the completion of 60 hours of coursework fulfilling requirements for the BA in Geography.
Full admission to the program may be granted after the completion of 90 hours of required coursework for the BA in Geography with a minimum GPA of 3.4.
Admission Process
The admission process begins with application to the Undergraduate Program Director.
The admission decision will be based on coursework, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview with members of the Undergraduate and Graduate Committees in the Department of Geography and Sustainability to determine the level of maturity and academic achievement.
Upon approval from the Undergraduate Program Director, students can submit an official application to the Graduate School.
Coursework
Students, once conditionally admitted to the program, may take up to 9 credit hours of approved graduate-level Geography & Sustainability courses that count towards both their BS and MS degrees. All courses taken for graduate credit must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. Students must also request permission from the Graduate School to take approved courses for graduate credit and follow the regular admission process for the Geography and Sustainability graduate program.
Faculty Mentorship
Students are required to obtain a commitment from a faculty member in the Geography and Sustainability Department to serve as their major professor for the MS portion of the program. The major professor will act as a mentor and advisor.
Academic Advising
Students in the Five-Year BA-MS program will receive specialized academic advising to ensure a smooth transition between their undergraduate and graduate studies.
