This flexible bachelor's degree offers you an opportunity to design a plan of studies, in consultation with an advisor, to meet your individual educational needs. You may choose this degree if you plan to enter an occupation that requires a broad general education, if you are seeking career advancement or personal intellectual enrichment, or if you are considering a preprofessional plan.
If you plan to enter an occupation requiring a broad general education, are seeking career advancement or personal intellectual enrichment, or if you are considering a pre-professional plan, our program might fit the bill. We offer you the opportunity to design a plan of study, in consultation with an adviser, to meet your individual educational needs. If you study environmental sciences, you will be confronted with problems like climate change, species loss, and increased demand for finite resources--problems that become more critical every day. If you want to understand and improve your relationship with the natural world, our program can help.
In the program, you will study ecosystems and the ways humans interact with them using the perspectives of the natural and social sciences -- and the humanities. You will work extensively with full-time professors who have practical experience in the environmental sciences. You'll have many opportunities for field study and research; undergraduate students are included in all research projects. You will learn to solve environmental problems and prepare for a career in research, industry, education, government, or public service.
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 | 2.0 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | STA 270 |
| Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required | Required |
| Foreign Language | Optional |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Research | Optional |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Multi-use of coursework is not permitted within the Major Requirements. Major Requirements include Specialization, Communication, Computer Literacy, Language and Science.
Take the following to 67 - 70 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Environmental Sciences SpecializationConcentration (15 units)
Take at least 15 units that include a minimum of 3 units in each of the follow ing blocks: Ethical Reasoning; Creative Inquiry; Scientific Reasoning; Changing Worlds; and Cultural Perspectives. Courses used to satisfy this requirement may not have been used to satisfy any other requirement for this degree. At least 9 units must be taken at Northern Arizona University and at least 6 units of the 9 units must be upper-division (300 or 400-level).
Changing Worlds, select from the following (3 units)
Cultural Perspectives, select from the following (3 units)
Minor (18 units)
You may also fulfill this requirement by completing a minor outside your specialization field, instead of either a concentration or certificate.
The minor, which will require at least 18 units, must be completed according to the requirements listed in your catalog of graduation. Refer to specific academic areas within this catalog for information about the coursework requirements for specific minors you may be interested in.
Not all minors are available statewide or online.
Certificate (15 units)
You may also fulfill this requirement by completing a certificate outside your specialization field, instead of either a concentration or a minor.
The certificate, which will require at least 15 units, must be completed according to the requirements listed in your catalog of graduation. Refer to specific academic areas within this catalog for information about the coursework requirements for specific certificate(s) you may be interested in.
Not all certificates are available statewide or online.
Communication Requirements (6 units)
Choose 6 units in the following two categories.
Please note that you cannot use CLEP or locally prepared exams to satisfy this requirement. Transfer credit used to satisfy this requirement must be approved by the program director.
Foreign Language Requirement Option (19 units)
Science Requirement, select from the following (12 units):
AND
Computer Literacy (6 units)
This coursework must help you to understand, in general, the technical components of computers and information systems, how to solve problems using information systems technology, word processing, spreadsheet use, database management, graphic information software, website development, graphic design and use of statistical analysis software. Subject to advisor approval.
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.
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.