This undergraduate certificate is designed to help students understand and apply appropriate social science concepts and methods to the challenging task of sustaining forested social-ecological systems.
This certificate will develop a comprehensive understanding of social considerations for achieving forest management objectives. Foresters and land managers need to operate in complex social and ecological conditions, and solve a diverse set of interlinked problems. The most effective Foresters and land managers can navigate complex conversations with different stakeholders to get timber sales, restoration projects, and other tasks completed efficiently resolving conflicts, and it is this ability in particular that can separate you from others when it comes to job applications or promotions with this certificate. The human dimensions certificate can open doors to a broad range of jobs and fields, including but not limited to: recreation planning, public information officers, interpretive guides/rangers, communication and outreach for agencies or forest products companies, outdoor education, environmental sectors of local government, and positions that help support and coordinate collaborative natural resources groups, organizations or non-governmental organizations.
To receive an undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
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:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 15 |
| Major GPA | C |
Purpose Statement
This undergraduate certificate is to navigate complex conversations with different stakeholders for efficiently resolving conflicts for sustainable forest management. The human dimensions certificate can open doors to a broad range of jobs and fields, with the ability to apply appropriate social science concepts and methods to the challenging task of sustaining forested social-ecological systems. The certificate emphasizes areas of forestry for balancing sustainable development goals for people and forest ecosystems under ongoing change and demand for adaptive management. Courses focus on developing skills to support decision making, collaboration, conflict management, cross-cultural and cross-boundary natural resource management, multi-cultural perspectives.
Student Learning Outcomes
Take the following 15 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
At least 9 units must be taken at Northern Arizona University.
At least 9 units must be upper-division, and at most 6 units can be lower-division.
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
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.