Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Environmental Sciences and Policy, Master of Science


Academic Information

Available Emphasis Areas:

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.

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Environmental Sciences and Policy, Master of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy?

Do you want to learn how to solve environmental problems?  Do you want a career in research, industry, education, government, or public service?  Do you want to increase your knowledge about how the Earth and environmental systems operate, and learn how to translate the science to appropriate decision-making processes?

If so, the Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy program may be for you. This program offers you strong advising from accomplished faculty for an individualized experience that combines multidisciplinary study, research, and applied projects. These projects often reach across campus and into the greater community, allowing you to build relationships and skills outside of your department. The rigorous training in the natural and political sciences that you will receive in this program will prepare you for successful environmental careers in industry, government, and the non-profit sector.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Environmental consultant
  • Natural resource manager
  • Environmental policy analyst
  • Land use planner
  • Conservation or wildlife biologist
  • Restoration ecologist
  • Environmental laboratory technician
  • Educator

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Environmental Sciences and Policy, Master of Science


University Requirements

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Environmental Sciences and Policy, Master of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion 34 - 36
Additional Admission Requirements

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

Emphasis Required

An emphasis is required for this degree.

Thesis Thesis is required.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Research Individualized research is required.
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study

Purpose Statement

The Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy (MS ES&P) is an interdisciplinary degree program that combines natural and social science core courses with a breadth of specialized courses from across the University. Lasting solutions to most environmental problems are likely to be found at the nexus of the natural and social sciences. The MS ES&P program provides applied, cross-disciplinary training to prepare students to solve environmental problems using the scientific method combined with an in-depth knowledge of relevant socio-political systems. Students gain this knowledge through their individual thesis research and coursework in quantitative research methods, natural sciences and social sciences.

This two-year degree program has two distinct emphasis areas: Environmental Sciences and Policy, and Paleoenvironmental Sciences. The core courses for both emphases include: 1) The Environmental Science-Policy Interface (ENV 555), 2) two research methods seminars (ESS 605, 606), 3) one current research seminar, 4) one or more quantitative data analysis courses, 5) thesis credits. All ES&P students work closely with a faculty advisor to design and implement individual thesis research. Students in the Environmental Sciences and Policy emphasis generally focus their coursework and research on the science-policy interface and may examine a wide range of environmental problems such as issues related to food security, pollution, or resource management. Students in Paleoenvironmental Sciences emphasis generally analyze ancient environments to gain insights to help predict future environmental dynamics, particularly related to climate change.

The MS ES&P program's rigorous training in the natural and social sciences prepares graduates for successful environmental careers in industry, government, and the non-profit sector. Our graduates can successfully communicate across multiple disciplines and negotiate scientifically and politically sound solutions to the wide range of environmental problems that currently challenge our society. The ES&P curriculum trains students how to assess the costs and benefits of various public policies and actions. The research skills gained by ES&P students help them continue to expand their knowledge long after they graduate from the program. This training and experience helps our graduates assume leadership roles in environmental fields. Finally, the MS ES&P program prepares students for entry into Ph.D. programs in environmental sciences and other related fields if they choose to continue in an academic track.

Student Learning Outcomes

Research

In-depth examination of research methods, modes of inquiry, and quantitative and qualitative methods, including but not limited to:Write thesis proposals and theses addressing environmental and policy issues including the following:CommunicationPaleoenvironment Emphasis Learning OutcomesScience & Policy Emphasis Learning Outcomes

More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Environmental Sciences and Policy, Master of Science


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Additional Information
More Information

Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Environmental Sciences and Policy, Master of Science


Campus Availability

More Information