Degree Programs

Detailed program information can be found in the NAU Undergaduate Catalogand the NAU Graduate Catalog.

For a complete alphabetical list of departments offering environmentally-related classes, and links to their websites, click here.

Undergraduate Programs

B.A./B.S. in Applied Indigenous Studies: Certificate in Applied Indigenous Environmental Studies

B.S. in Biology: Extended major with an emphasis in ecology

B.S. in Biology: Extended major in fish and wildlife management

B.S. in Environmental Chemistry: The ACS-certified B.S. in Environmental Chemistry prepares a student to be a practicing environmental chemist, or to pursue graduate study in environmental chemistry.

B.S. in Journalism: Environmental Communication Emphasis

B.S. in Economics: Environmental Focus

B.S.E. in Engineering: Extended major in Environmental Engineering; a minor is also available.

B.S. in Environmental Sciences: Extended major with an emphasis in one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Applied Geology, Applied Mathematics, Microbiology, Environmental Administration and Policy, Environmental Communication, or Environmental Management. A minor is available as is a Bachelors in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Sciences.

B.S. in Environmental Studies: Extended major with a focus in one of the following: Sustainability,Community, and Biocultural Diverstiy; The Southwest Environment; Globalization and Environmental Change; Landscape, Interpretation, and Conservation; and Water and Energy Systems.

Interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Studies: Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary exploration of environmental issues and sustainable solutions. By selecting courses from a wide range of disciplines, such as Political Science, Philosophy, Environmental Science, Geology, Forestry, Sociology, and others, students will better understand the complexity of environmental issues and explore a range of viable solutions.

Interdisciplinary Minor in Southwest Studies: The Southwest Studies Minor curriculum consists of a total of 18 units to be distributed in three areas. Other courses may be substituted for those listed with the consent of the Southwest Studies Advisor.

B.S. in Forestry: A professional program that is unique in the country, offering a holistic approach to the environment rather than isolated, specialty-oriented courses. Outdoor and Environmental Leadership emphasis; Interpretation emphasis.

B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management: Extended major. A minor and a certificate program are also available.

B.S. in Physics and Astronomy: Extended major with an environmental emphasis

B.S. in Public Planning: Extended major in Environmental Planning; a minor is also available

B.S. in Public Planning: Extended major in Land-Use Planning; a minor is also available

B.S. in Geology: Extended major in Environmental Geology

B.A. in Humanities: Environmental Humanities Emphasis

B.S. in Humanities: Extended major in Public Humanities

B.A in Liberal Studies: Emphasis areas in Environmental Communication, Environmental Sciences, and Parks and Recreation Management

B.A./B.S. in Political Science: Environment Focus

Honors Program: Grand Canyon Semester: An integrated learning experience for students from across the U.S. , examining the challenges facing people in an ancient and modern environment, from the perspectives of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Graduate Programs

M.A. Engineering: Environmental Engineering Emphasis: Focuses on the development of constructed systems that achieve benign interactions with natural environmental systems, promoting sustainability for both. Emphasizes a strong background in physical and organic chemistry and microbiology along with the chance to develop proficiency in water and wastewater treatment, water quality engineering, air pollution control, hazardous and solid waste management, and site remediation and pollution prevention.

Master of Liberal Studies Program, "Visions of Good and Sustainable Societies": An interdisciplinary graduate program, focusing on the environmental and social dimensions of sustainable community life. Offered on a flexible schedule for both traditional and non-traditional students. Includes a regional cohort in the Valley, focusing on "bioregionalism and sense of place."

M.A./M.P.A./Ph.D. in Political Science with an emphasis in Environmental and Natural Resources Policy: Students in each graduate program may develop an environmental emphasis. In addition to coursework in the discipline, students take relevant courses in disciplines with an environmental focus, such as history, forestry, or environmental sciences.

M.S. Environmental Sciences and Policy: This flexible, interdisciplinary program focuses on the interface between natural sciences and public policy . The program combines advanced academic training with practical problem-solving or original scientific research. Interdisciplinary core classes are combined with a large selection of specialized courses from across the university. The program core includes courses with emphasis on the environmental sciences-policy interface, land and water resources, atmosphere and climate, and environmental law, regulation and policy. Many of the specialty courses are drawn from existing graduate courses in biology, geology, political sciences, forestry, chemistry, and other NAU departments.

Conservation Ecology Graduate Certificate: Conservation Ecology is a synthetic discipline that provides a scientific foundation for resource management efforts aimed to conserve, restore and sustain the full range of biological diversity in a particular landscape. The Conservation Ecology Graduate Certificate program at NAU provides a means for early- and mid-career professionals to gain exposure and competence in the theory and practice of conservation ecology. This 18-credit hour program focuses on field research, habitat restoration, endangered species recovery, and conservation management with an emphasis on human dimensions of landscape-level and biological conservation. 

M.S. Quaternary Sciences: Provides academic and field experience for master's degree graduate students in the context of developing state-of-the-art quality research and data dissemination regarding the Quaternary period of the arid western North America .

M.S. /Ph.D. Forestry: Graduate education and research opportunities in the School of Forestry provide motivated individuals with the knowledge and expertise necessary to successfully pursue their career objectives in forest land management or research.