Choosing Courses
How to plan your graduate coursework, program-specific requirements, research credits, and where to find classes across campus.
Work with your thesis or dissertation advisor to choose your classes. A few ground rules:
- You need a minimum of 9 credits per semester for full-time status, and a maximum of 12 without special permission.
- Refer to your Program of Study for required and optional classes.
- For curriculum questions, contact your graduate program advisor (Nick, Ryan, or Rebecca; see Who can help?).
Program-specific requirements
MS Climate Science and Solutions: follow your handbook.
MS Geology: EES 605 and 606 are required in year 1. EES 699 (thesis credits) is allowed only after your proposal defense.
MS Environmental Sciences and Policy: EES 605 and 606 plus ENV 555 in year 1. EES 699 is allowed only after your proposal defense.
PhD Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability: EES 605 and 606 plus ENV 555 in year 1. EES 799 (dissertation credits) is allowed only after passing your comprehensive exams.
Master’s degree coursework
Typically MS students take 2 to 3 full graded classes per semester in the first year of their two-year program.
- A minimum of 18 credits of 500-level-or-above graded coursework is required.
- Pass/fail courses (EES 605/606, EES 685/697/698) do not count toward the 18-credit requirement.
- Up to 6 credits of 400-level NAU courses are permitted with advisor approval and an Out of Career Form; more forms at the Registrar’s Office.
- Full policy: Requirements for Master’s Degrees.
Doctoral degree coursework
Consult your handbook and the Requirements for Doctoral Degrees. Previous graduate coursework (a master’s degree, certificates) may transfer toward PhD requirements.
Research credits
- There is a maximum number of thesis/dissertation credits (EES 699/799) applicable to your degree; see your handbook.
- Once you enroll in 699/799, you must continue enrolling every fall and spring semester until graduation.
- Begin 699/799 only after your proposal is approved by your committee.
- Before that approval, use EES 685, 697, or 698 for research credits, in consultation with your advisor.
Finding courses
Graduate course offerings vary year to year, so plan ahead.
- Search classes in Louie: filter by subject prefix (EES, ENV, FOR, …) and 500-level or above.
- Browse the full course catalog in Louie.
- Check the community-maintained grad classes across campus spreadsheet for relevant courses in other departments.