Environmental Sciences and Policy, Master of Science
School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
- Available Emphasis Areas:
- Science and Policy - Emphasis
- Paleoenvironmental Sciences - Emphasis
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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. |
Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Additional Admission Requirements
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Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
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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.
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- GRE® Revised General Test
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- Three Letters of Recommendation
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- Submit a sample of your writing that you think best demonstrates your skill at communicating science and/or policy and/or management ideas. The submission should be your own original work.
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- Prerequisites (may be completed concurrently with the program)
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- 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
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- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Master's Requirements
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Take the following 34 - 36 units:
Core (15 units)- ENV 555 (3 units)
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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):
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Science and Policy Emphasis (21 units)
- Select one course each from two of the following areas (6 units):
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Science and Policy Emphasis (21 units)
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Select one course in environmental laws, regulations, and policy selected from (3 units):
- CENE 540
- ENV 520
- FOR 573, FOR 593, FOR 605, FOR 633
- GSP 514, GSP 521, GSP 522, GSP 524, GSP 698
- POS 659
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Paleoenvironmental Sciences Emphasis (19-20 units)
- Select one course each from the following areas (12-13 units):
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Quaternary Geology:
Paleoecology:Climatology/Paleoclimatology:Human Systems:Select at least 7 units of specialty courses, at the 500 level or above, chosen in consultation with your Program Committee.
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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.