Environmental Sciences and Policy Northern Arizona University

Overview

The Environmental Sciences and Policy programme at Northern Arizona University offers an advanced interdisciplinary approach to solving global ecological challenges. Students engage in a curriculum that bridges the gap between scientific discovery and the implementation of effective environmental regulations.

This course is hosted within the School of Earth and Sustainability, where the focus is on driving change through community-focused action and high-level research. You will learn to identify and communicate complex issues using natural science, ethical frameworks, and social science principles to maintain healthy ecosystem services.

The academic experience is defined by a blend of traditional classroom learning, laboratory work, and extensive field experiences.

Why Environmental Sciences and Policy at Northern Arizona University?

The university is situated in Flagstaff, providing access to extraordinary natural laboratories such as the Grand Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks, and the Colorado Plateau. These unique landscapes offer an unparalleled setting for collecting water samples, mapping groundwater, and coding climate models.

Northern Arizona University is recognised for its commitment to sustainability, holding a Gold award as a Bicycle Friendly University. With nearly 250 sustainability-related courses available, the institution provides a robust academic community of explorers and problem-solvers tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.

Students benefit from dedicated support through faculty experts who guide hands-on learning in the field and lab. Additionally, the department offers alumni- and donor-funded scholarships specifically designed to cover expenses for summer fieldwork and transformative research projects.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 32190 per year
• National fee: USD 32190 per year
• Local fee: USD 11846 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates diverse perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Modules may include:

• Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
• Climate Science and Solutions
• Paleoenvironmental Sciences
• Science and Policy
• Geology
• Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology
• Engineering Sustainable Systems
• Environment and Society
• Climate and Environmental Change
• Earth Systems

Careers with Environmental Sciences and Policy

Graduates are prepared for roles in research, applied solutions, and policy leadership within the environmental sector. The industry is currently seeing projected career growth of approximately 4% to 5.3% over the next decade, reflecting a high demand for skilled sustainability professionals.

Potential career paths include working as environmental consultants, policy analysts, or research scientists for governmental agencies and non-profit organisations. The programme's focus on professional development and internships ensures that students are ready to design sustainable systems upon graduation.