2024-2025

Natural Resource Management, Graduate Certificate

Forestry

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This online graduate certificate is designed to provide a breadth of knowledge in managing forests and natural resources and prepare you for careers in land management, conservation and ecological restoration.

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

  • 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:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 12
Some online/blended coursework Required

Purpose Statement

Natural Resource Management is the science and practice of managing and restoring forests and other natural resources for human and environmental benefits. Managing natural resources requires content knowledge and practical skills grounded in both natural and social sciences. By nature, it is truly a multidisciplinary field of study.
Three core content areas are identified for the proposed program:

  1. Ecology and Biology
  2. Management, Policy and Administration
  3. Measurement and Mapping
Courses will be delivered online with practical examples and experiential learning exercises.

The main aim of the proposed program is to provide a breadth of knowledge in managing forests and natural resources, especially for mid-career working professionals lacking natural resource-specific education credentials, thus seeking continuing educational opportunities

Student Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to complete the certificate with the following competencies:
  • Examine how the biophysical, social and political aspects of forestry interact within a forest system; Apply geographic and spatial techniques to conduct conservation planning, manage wildlife and conduct other forestry management operations
  • Identify, explain, synthesize and solve complex problems for managing natural resources sustainably;
  • Effectively communicate through written, oral, and visual means, a management-oriented professional forestry project, demonstrating the ability to communicate forest management applications to technical and non-technical audiences.

Graduate Admission Information

  • 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 Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

    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.

Certificate Requirements

  • 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.

Additional Information

  • 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.