Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

This programme blends core ecological and resource‑management theory with hands‑on fieldwork and quantitative research methods. Typical modules cover:

• Conservation Biology and Landscape Ecology – principles of biodiversity conservation, habitat connectivity and species management.
• Ecosystem and Forest Ecology – structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems, nutrient and carbon cycling, and forest dynamics.
• Restoration Ecology and Adaptive Management – design and assessment of restoration projects, monitoring and adaptive decision frameworks.
• Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing – GIS, remote sensing applications for natural‑resource assessment and landscape planning.
• Quantitative Methods and Experimental Design – statistics for ecological research, modelling, data management and sampling design.
• Soil and Hydrological Processes – soil science, watershed processes and their implications for resource conservation.
• Policy, Ethics and Resource Economics – governance, stakeholder engagement and socio‑economic considerations in resource decisions.
• Research Project or Thesis – an independent research thesis or applied capstone project supervised by faculty, often involving field data collection and collaboration with partner agencies.

Students choose between thesis and non‑thesis routes depending on career goals; both routes emphasise field skills, lab techniques and the ability to communicate scientific findings to diverse audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, ecology, forestry, environmental science, geography or a closely related field. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• academic preparation in ecology, statistics and field methods or equivalent practical experience;
• a competitive undergraduate record and official transcripts;
• a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals;
• curriculum vitae or résumé describing relevant work and field experience;
• letters of recommendation (commonly two or three) from academic or professional referees;
• international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or approved exemption.

Some applicants may be asked to provide a sample of writing, a research proposal, or evidence of quantitative skills. GRE requirements vary by department and may be optional; prospective students should check the graduate school’s admissions guidance for current policies.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers in applied conservation, research and natural‑resource management across public, private and non‑profit sectors. Typical roles include:

• conservation scientist or ecologist with federal and state agencies (for example land management and wildlife agencies);
• restoration ecologist or project manager for NGOs and environmental consultancies;
• natural‑resource or forest manager working on sustainable use and stewardship;
• GIS and remote sensing analyst for environmental monitoring and planning;
• environmental consultant specialising in impact assessment and mitigation;
• research technician or research scientist in university or government laboratories; and
• further academic study leading to PhD and careers in research and teaching.

Many students secure positions through practicum placements, research assistantships and partnerships with regional agencies, while others move into policy, outreach or environmental education roles.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers strong, field‑oriented training in natural‑resource science, supported by its location in Flagstaff with immediate access to a wide range of ecosystems on the Colorado Plateau and nearby national forests. Students benefit from active collaborations between the School of Forestry, relevant departments and applied research centres, including institutes focused on ecological restoration and landscape‑scale science.

The programme emphasises experiential learning: field courses, long‑term monitoring projects and partnerships with federal and state land management agencies give students practical skills prized by employers. Faculty mentors have active research programmes in areas such as forest health, watershed processes, restoration practice and remote sensing, creating opportunities for graduate assistantships and funded research. Cohort sizes are typically small, enabling close supervision and an interdisciplinary training environment that prepares graduates for both applied careers and further research.