Undergraduate Degree Programs

SES Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Degree Programs

The School of Earth and Sustainability offers five undergraduate degree programs designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in earth sciences, environmental science, and sustainability studies.

Geology Bachelor of Science (BS)

Program Overview

  • Total Units: 120
  • Major Requirements: 70-72 units
  • Minimum GPA: 2.5 for major courses

Description

Develops interdisciplinary knowledge to understand the physical and biological history of the Earth. This program emphasizes field and laboratory experiences that prepare students for professional careers in geology.

Key Features

  • Extensive field and laboratory experiences
  • Preparation for potential professional licensure
  • Strong foundation in earth sciences
  • Individual research opportunities

Field Experience
Students conducting hands-on geological fieldwork and research projects

Career Outcomes

  • Professional geologist careers with potential for licensure

  • Environmental consulting

  • Natural resource exploration

  • Government agencies (USGS, state geological surveys)

  • Graduate school preparation

Environmental Sciences Bachelor of Science (BS)

Program Overview

  • Total Units: 120
  • Minimum GPA: 2.0
  • Multiple Emphasis Areas Available

Description

Interdisciplinary degree exploring environmental problems and solutions through scientific approaches. Students gain hands-on learning experiences and can specialize in various emphasis areas.

Emphasis Areas

  • Environmental Geology
  • Applied Statistics
  • Environmental Administration and Policy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Climate
  • Environmental Communication
  • Environmental Management

Career Outcomes

  • Environmental consulting firms

  • Government environmental agencies

  • Non-profit environmental organizations

  • Graduate programs in environmental fields

  • Corporate sustainability positions

Environmental and Sustainability Studies Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Program Overview

  • Total Units: 120
  • Major Requirements: 57 units
  • Foreign Language: 16 units required

Description

Integrates natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to address complex environmental and sustainability challenges. This program takes a holistic approach to environmental problem-solving.

Special Programs

  • Optional accelerated 4+1 graduate programs
  • Potential Bachelor/Juris Doctor 3+3 program

Career Focus

  • Non-profit organizations

  • Government agencies

  • Community organizations

  • Environmental education

  • Policy and advocacy roles

Environmental and Sustainability Studies Bachelor of Science (BS)

Program Overview

  • Total Units: 120
  • Major Requirements: 63-64 units
  • Minimum Major GPA: 2.0

Description

Focuses on real-world solutions to environmental and sustainability challenges with a stronger emphasis on scientific and technical approaches compared to the BA program.

Accelerated Options

  • 4+1 MA in Sustainable Communities
  • 4+1 MS in Climate Science & Solutions

Career Paths

  • Non-profit organizations

  • Government agencies

  • Community action organizations

  • Environmental consulting

  • Sustainable business practices

Earth Science Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED)

Program Overview

  • Total Units: 120
  • Major Units: 99 units
  • Minimum GPA: 2.5

Description

Prepares students to teach Earth sciences in grades 6-12. This program combines strong scientific content knowledge with pedagogical training for effective science teaching.

Certification

  • Arizona teaching certification
  • Nationally recognized by NSTA (National Science Teachers Association)

Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Complete TSM 101 with “C” or better
  • Student teaching experience
  • Pass required certification exams

Career Outcome

  • Secondary science teacher certification

  • Educational leadership opportunities

  • Science curriculum development

  • Educational outreach programs

Application Information

Admission Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Satisfactory SAT or ACT scores
  • Completed application to Northern Arizona University
  • Official transcripts from all previous institutions

Student Support Services

  • Professional academic advisors
  • Faculty mentorship programs
  • Career counseling services
  • Graduate school preparation guidance

Contact Information

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

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Undergraduate Degrees Education