2013-2014

Environmental Sciences and Policy, Master of Science

School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Students in this advanced degree program position themselves to not only understand the environment, but also to act on its behalf by influencing future policy. This thesis-oriented plan allows for the creation of an individualized program of study, as unique as the student's interests, guided by an engaged research committee.

  • Available Emphasis Areas:
  • Environmental Sciences and Policy - Emphasis
  • Paleoenvironmental Sciences - Emphasis

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 34 - 36
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required

An emphasis, minor, or certificate is required for this major.
Thesis Thesis is required.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Research Individualized research is required.

Additional Admission Requirements

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

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • GRE® revised General Test
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Prerequisites (may be completed concurrently with the program)
      • Science prerequisites include at least one undergraduate chemistry, biology, or ecology course with a lab, though it is possible to be admitted provisionally while completing foundational coursework
    • Resume or curriculum vitae
Master's Requirements

  • Take the following 34 - 36 units:

    Core (12 units)

  • In completing the thesis, you will work closely with your major professor and others to conduct an original research project, which generally requires maintaining close proximity to the Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff campus.

    Emphasis Requirements (Select One):
    • Environmental Science and Policy Emphasis (24 units)
      Select one course each from two of the following areas (6 units):

    • Select one course in environmental laws, regulations, and policy selected from (3 units):

      Select at least 15 units of specialty courses, at the 500 level or above, chosen in consultation with your Program Committee.

    • Paleoenvironmental  Sciences Emphasis (22-23 units)
      Select one course each from the following areas (12-13 units):

  • 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.