Please note that not all emphases are available online. Check with your adviser for additional information.
This degree encourages students to explore the many faces of the environmental sciences, including living and non-living components. Students will receive an overall grounding in essential sciences, with options to delve into the human dynamics of the environment, such as policy and management.
If it's science you love, we offer a B.S in Environmental Sciences. There is no minor required, instead you choose one of seven emphasis areas: Biology; Chemistry; Applied Geology; Environmental Administration and Policy; Environmental Communication; or Environmental Management.
Contact our advisors for more information. To view the course requirements for the Environmental Science degree programs, visit the Details Tab.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | STA 275 |
| Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required | Required |
| Research | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Environmental Science program at NAU constructs an interdisciplinary base of knowledge that students use to examine the impacts of climate change and develop real-world solutions to our environmental problems.
Our program begins with a firm grounding in the natural and physical world, to ensure all students understand how physical and biological processes maintain life, and how humans are affecting the natural world. A strong foundation in biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics and geology allows students to integrate their knowledge as they progress 37 through the program and begin to understand the complex relationships between mankind and the environment. Then, students work together in field and lab environments to apply the scientific method and address environmental question, exploring impacts and solutions that range across space and time.
The range of emphases available within our program allows students to dig deeper into a specific knowledge base, then work individually and often together in Environmental Science courses to solve problems by applying the perspectives and knowledge they developed in their emphasis with students from other emphasis areas. To culminate the learning in the program, students develop an individually designed research project or internship addressing an environmental issue of importance to them, which in turn, is expected to further prepare students for a range of professional or graduate opportunities.
Student Learning Outcomes
Take the following 80 - 88 units with a Grade of "C" or better in the first 43 units and a "C" average in emphasis courses:
Please note that we recommend the following courses:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
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.
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree, which may allow them to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by applying 6 units toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.