Environmental Sciences and Policy MS

Environmental Sciences and Policy Master Program

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy is a two-year program that provides students with an interdisciplinary education combining natural sciences and environmental policy. Our program emphasizes strong faculty advising and individualized student programs, with research projects that often span both campus and community.

This comprehensive program prepares graduates for leadership roles in addressing complex environmental challenges through the integration of scientific knowledge and policy analysis.

Program Emphasis Areas

Students can choose from two specialized emphasis areas that align with their career goals and research interests:

1. Environmental Sciences and Policy

This emphasis integrates scientific research with policy analysis and implementation. Students explore:

Environmental impact assessment and mitigation
Natural resource management and policy
Environmental regulations and compliance
Sustainability science and practice
Environmental economics and decision-making
Community engagement and stakeholder involvement

2. Paleoenvironmental Sciences

This emphasis focuses on understanding past environmental changes to inform current and future environmental policy. Students study:

Paleoclimatology and climate reconstruction
Environmental change through geological time
Long-term ecosystem dynamics
Past human-environment interactions
Applications of paleoenvironmental data to modern policy
Climate change impacts and adaptation strategies

Program Structure

Two-Year Timeline

The program is designed as a comprehensive two-year experience that includes:

Coursework: Core and elective courses tailored to student interests
Research: Independent thesis research under faculty mentorship
Professional Development: Skills in communication, leadership, and policy analysis
Community Engagement: Opportunities to work on real-world environmental challenges

Degree Requirements

Minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework
Completion of a master’s thesis based on original research
Successful defense of thesis research
Participation in departmental seminars and professional development activities

Individualized Programs

Each student works closely with their advisory committee to design a program of study that:

Meets their specific career and research goals
Combines required core courses with relevant electives
Includes interdisciplinary perspectives from across SES and NAU
Incorporates hands-on research and policy experience

Research Opportunities

Our program emphasizes research that bridges scientific understanding and policy application. Research projects often involve:

Campus-Community Partnerships

Collaborative projects with local, state, and federal agencies
Community-based environmental research initiatives
Partnerships with non-profit organizations and tribal communities
Industry collaborations on environmental challenges

Research Themes

Students conduct research aligned with SES research themes:

Past & Present Climate Change - Climate impacts and adaptation policies
Water Management, Policy & Science - Water resource governance and management
Ecology & Conservation - Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services
Environment & Society - Human-environment interactions and environmental justice

Faculty Excellence and Mentorship

Strong Faculty Advising

Our program is built on close mentoring relationships between students and faculty advisors. Faculty provide:

Individual research guidance and support
Professional development opportunities
Networking connections with agencies and organizations
Career planning and placement assistance

Interdisciplinary Expertise

Faculty span multiple disciplines including:

Environmental science and ecology
Environmental policy and governance
Natural resource economics
Climate science and paleoclimatology
Water resources and hydrology
Conservation biology and sustainability science

Admission Requirements

Application Deadline: January 1st

Required Application Materials:

Online Application - Submit through NAU Graduate Studies
Statement of Interests and Goals - Describe your research interests and career objectives (1-2 pages)
Writing Sample - Academic or professional writing sample demonstrating analytical skills
Unofficial Transcripts - From all previous colleges and universities attended
Faculty Advisor Contact Information - Identify potential faculty mentors you have contacted
Three Letters of Recommendation - From academic or professional references familiar with your work

Before You Apply: Essential Steps

1. Contact Potential Faculty Advisors

This is crucial for admission success. We strongly encourage prospective students to:

Review faculty research profiles and recent publications
Identify 2-3 faculty members whose research aligns with your interests
Email potential advisors about research opportunities and funding availability
Discuss potential thesis research projects and program fit

2. Prepare Your Application Materials

Craft a compelling statement that connects your interests to faculty research and program strengths
Select a writing sample that demonstrates your analytical and communication skills
Request recommendation letters early from referees who know your academic or professional work well
Ensure all materials clearly articulate your commitment to environmental sciences and policy

Funding Opportunities

We are committed to supporting our graduate students through comprehensive funding packages:

Research Assistantships (RA)

Annual stipend: $15,000 or more
Work directly on faculty research projects
Gain hands-on experience with research methods and data analysis
Develop skills in scientific writing and presentation

Teaching Assistantships (TA)

Annual stipend: $15,000 or more
Assist with undergraduate environmental science courses
Develop teaching and mentoring skills
Gain classroom and laboratory instruction experience

Additional Benefits

Tuition coverage included with assistantships
Health insurance coverage provided
Professional development funding for conferences and training
Research support for thesis projects and fieldwork

Wyss Scholars Program

Select students may be eligible for the prestigious Wyss Scholars program, which provides:

Enhanced financial support beyond standard assistantships
Additional professional development opportunities
Participation in special seminars and networking events
Recognition as outstanding graduate students

Western Regional Graduate Program

Students from participating western states may benefit from tuition reciprocity agreements that reduce out-of-state tuition costs.

Career Outcomes

Our graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in environmental sciences and policy:

Government Agencies (30-40%)

Federal: EPA, NOAA, USGS, National Park Service, Forest Service
State: Environmental agencies, natural resource departments
Local: City and county environmental planning offices
Tribal: Natural resource and environmental management positions

Non-Profit Sector (25-30%)

Environmental advocacy organizations
Conservation non-profits
Community development organizations
Environmental education and outreach programs
International development and environmental NGOs

Private Sector (20-25%)

Environmental consulting firms
Natural resource companies
Corporate sustainability departments
Environmental compliance and risk assessment
Green technology and renewable energy companies

Environmental Entrepreneurship (10-15%)

Environmental consulting practices
Sustainability-focused startups
Community-based environmental organizations
Environmental education and training companies

Doctoral Programs (10-15%)

PhD programs in environmental science, policy, and related fields
Research positions at universities and institutes
Academic career preparation and advancement

Unique Program Features

Interdisciplinary Approach

Integration of natural sciences and social sciences
Policy analysis combined with scientific research
Systems thinking and complex problem-solving

Community Engagement

Real-world research projects with community partners
Policy-relevant research that addresses regional challenges
Opportunities for public engagement and outreach

Professional Development

Training in policy analysis and environmental assessment
Communication skills for diverse audiences
Leadership development and professional networking

Diverse Student Cohort

Students from varied academic and professional backgrounds
Collaborative learning environment
Peer mentoring and support networks

Research and Community Impact

Research Excellence

Faculty and students publish in top-tier journals
Research findings inform environmental policy and management
Student research often leads to conference presentations and publications

Community Partnerships

Collaborative projects with regional agencies and organizations
Research that addresses pressing environmental challenges in the Southwest
Student involvement in policy processes and environmental planning

Application Tips

Successful Application Strategy

Start early - Begin contacting faculty 6-12 months before the deadline
Be specific - Clearly articulate your research interests and career goals
Show fit - Demonstrate how your interests align with faculty research and program strengths
Highlight experience - Emphasize relevant research, policy, or professional experience
Professional communication - Use formal, professional language in all correspondence

Writing Your Statement

Connect your background to environmental sciences and policy
Explain your specific research interests and questions
Identify faculty you want to work with and why
Articulate your career goals and how the program will help achieve them
Demonstrate knowledge of current environmental challenges and policy issues

Program Contact Information

General Program Information:

Email: SES.Admin@nau.edu
Phone: 928-523-9333
Location: Room A108, Building 11, Ashurst, Flagstaff, AZ 86011

For Faculty Information:

Visit our Faculty Profiles to learn about individual research programs
Review current Graduate Research Opportunities for available positions

Why Choose NAU’s Environmental Sciences and Policy Program?

🌲 Exceptional Location

Located in the environmentally diverse Southwest
Access to diverse ecosystems for field research
Proximity to major environmental challenges and policy issues

🧑‍🏫 Faculty Excellence

Internationally recognized researchers and policy experts
Strong commitment to student mentoring and success
Active collaboration with agencies and policy organizations

🔬 Research Opportunities

State-of-the-art research facilities and instrumentation
Extensive environmental databases and monitoring networks
Connections with government agencies and research institutions

🤝 Professional Networks

Strong alumni network in environmental careers
Active partnerships with agencies and organizations
Regular visits from environmental professionals and policymakers

🌍 Real-World Impact

Research that informs environmental policy and management
Opportunities to contribute to environmental solutions
Training that prepares leaders for environmental challenges

Ready to Apply?

Next Steps:

Explore Faculty Research - Review faculty profiles and identify potential mentors
Contact Faculty - Reach out to discuss research opportunities and program fit
Prepare Application - Gather all materials well before the January 1st deadline
Submit Application - Apply through NAU Graduate Studies online system

Questions?

Contact our program coordinators at SES.Admin@nau.edu or 928-523-9333 for more information about the Environmental Sciences and Policy MS program.

Apply to NAU

The MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy program prepares the next generation of environmental leaders by combining rigorous scientific training with policy analysis skills, creating graduates ready to address complex environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.