University of Tennessee at Martin

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This school appears in our ranking 20 Most Affordable Master's in Agriculture Online Degree Programs 2018.

The University of Tennessee at Martin began in 1900 as the Hall-Moody Institute. The school was built on lands donated by Ada Gardner Brooks and is named for two Baptist ministers. Although the school offered a wide range of programs, it was denominational. Students were taught primary grades through the first year of college initially. In 1917, it became the Hall-Moody Normal School with a focus to train teachers. Five years later, it became the Hall-Moody Junior College as it was standardized to meet state requirements.

In 1927, the school faced declining enrollment and financial difficulties. The Tennessee Baptist Convention combined the school with Union University in Jackson. Citizens of West Tennessee were unhappy that a highly-praised small college was closing. As a result, several citizens petitioned the state to take over the facility under the University of Tennessee. The president of the University agreed as long as the local community could acquire property that would allow the school to expand. The City of Martin and Weakley County issued tax bonds that allowed them to purchase the Hall-Moody campus, including the Administration Building, Ellis Home for Young Women, a science and dining hall a well the Woodley Farm, 80-acres that would allow for expansion. The University of Tennessee Junior College was established in 1927.

During the Great Depression, enrollment declined, leading to financial difficulties. A change in leadership led enrollment to improve and, by 1940, there were 336 students enrolled. The growth was short-lived, however. When the United States entered World War II, the entire male student body departed for the service. The only thing that kept the school open was a small Civilian Pilot Training program that opened on campus. Enrollment grew again after the war ended as returning servicemen and women took advantage of the G.I. Bill.

Today, there are more than 6,800 students enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Martin. The school's graduation rate is one of the highest among state universities in Tennessee. The school is tied for 16th among public, southern master's level degree programs by U.S. News & World Report. Princeton Review has named the school as a Best college in the Southeast.

University of Tennessee at Martin Accreditation Details

The University of Tennessee at Martin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation means that the school undergoes voluntary review to confirm that they provide students with excellence in education and that they agree to correct any areas identified as needing improvement during the review. In addition, the following agencies and organizations accredit industry-specific programs at the school:

  • Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology-Engineering Accreditation Commission
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
  • American Chemical Society
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, AACSB International
  • Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association
  • Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission

University of Tennessee at Martin Admissions Requirements

Students who have not earned credit after high school graduation are considered freshmen at the University. In order to apply, students must have a composite score of between 19 and 21 on the ACT, an SAT score of at least 980 or a GPA of 2.7 or higher. Students must provide official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores.

Students who have earned at least 12 hours of college-level courses and a GPA of 2.0 to be admitted as a transfer student. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Each graduate program at the University of Tennessee at Martin has specific admission requirements. Students should reach out to a graduate admissions counselor before applying. Students will need to provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended with one displaying the conferring of a bachelor's degree or higher.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition at the University of Tennessee at Martin is $4,438 for in-state students and $7,458 for out-of-state students. Full-time graduate tuition is $5,182 for in-state students and $8,202 for out-of-state students. Undergraduate online tuition is $398 per credit hour for in-state students and $432 for out-of-state students. Graduate online tuition is $588 for in-state students and $641 for out-of-state students.

Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to qualify for any assistance. The FAFSA must be renewed each year. Students may be eligible for grants and scholarships which do not have to be repaid. They may also be eligible for loans which must be repaid upon graduation. The University may also offer work-study options which allow a student to work in exchange for reduced tuition. The University of Tennessee at Martin also accepts employer and veteran benefits.

Online Degrees Available

Master of Science Degree in Agriculture & Natural Resources

The University of Tennessee at Martin offers an online Master of Science in Agriculture & Natural Resources designed to meet the growing needs of professionals in the industry. The program is 36 hours and is offered completely online. Students may choose from three concentrations, including Agribusiness & Risk Management, Natural Resources Systems Management and System Science in Agriculture.

The Agribusiness and Risk Management program provides a range of agricultural economics courses that are designed to address issues related to risk management in agribusiness. The Natural Resources Systems Management concentration focus on wildlife biology, park administration, geoscience and agricultural engineering technology. The Systems Science in Agriculture focuses on courses related to agricultural engineering technology, management and the economics of agriculture.

Students must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and a GRE score of at least 950. Students must hold a bachelor's degree in agriculture, natural resources management, park and recreation administration, wildlife science or business.

Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication prepares students to plan, create and manage communication that will help organizations achieve their goals. The curriculum is integrated, covering a very broad area that pulls together a variety of community disciplines. The program is available completely online and is designed for working professionals who need flexibility to accommodate their busy schedules. Students complete courses that include Applied Research Methods, Media and Communication, Organizational Communication and Leadership Theory and Practice.

The University of Tennessee at Martin offers a wide range of programs that are available in flexible formats, including degree programs that are available completely online. The flexible formats offered at the University of Tennessee at Martin allow working adults to achieve their higher education goals.