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 | C |
Highest Mathematics Required | STA 270 |
Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
Research | Optional |
Study Abroad | Optional |
University Honors Program | Optional |
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
Some online/blended coursework | Required |
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Emphasis, Minor, or Coursework Required | An emphasis, minor, or coursework is required for this major. |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Science in Geography, Environment and Society integrates geographic knowledge and GIS mapping technologies with the problem-solving fields of community planning and urban design. This educational framework prepares students for careers in creating more livable and sustainable communities, while contributing to a better world.
Coursework for this degree provides a strong foundation in geography and an option to select one of three available emphases. Geospatial Technologies engages students in the analysis of spatial data through geographic information systems and remote sensing. The Community Planning and Development emphasis introduces students to the professional field of land use planning including the development review process, comprehensive plans and ordinances, environmental impact studies and law and ethics. Human-Environmental Systems explores the interrelationships between natural and social systems to solve pressing societal-environmental issues.
Student Learning Outcomes:
This major requires 54 - 60 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 54 - 60 units:
Geography, Environment, and Society Coursework (36 units)
Coursework must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better in each course.
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Geography, Environment, and Society and start a Master of Science in Geography at NAU.
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
This major requires 66 - 72 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 66 - 72 units:
Geography, Environment, and Society Coursework (48 units)
Coursework must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Minor Requirement
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
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.