2017-2018

Conservation Ecology, Graduate Certificate

School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

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. The program is designed for environmental professionals who wish to briefly return to academia to upgrade or refine their skills in interdisciplinary conservation sciences. These skills may then be put to use through work for government agencies, for tribal governments, or for non-profit and for-profit stewardship organizations.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2024

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
  • Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program).  See the “Details” tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

Certificate Requirements

  • Take the following 18 units:

    Concentration Requirements (Select One):

    • Conservation Management and Planning Concentration (18 units)
      Select from the following (9 units):Select from the following (7 units):In addition, take:
      • Practicum (2 units)
      Prerequisites for this concentration include a bachelor's degree in social, physical, or biological sciences; in environmental studies; in landscape architecture; or in a natural resource management field.

    • Field Research, Habitat Restoration, and Endangered Species Recovery Concentration (18 units)
      Select from the following (9 units):Select from the following (7 units):In addition, take:
      • Practicum (2 units)
      Prerequisites for this concentration include a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, in environmental studies, in natural resource management, or a master's degree in social or physical science.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.