Environment & Society
Faculty and students in the School of Earth & Sustainability at Northern Arizona University conduct social science research and interdisciplinary collaborative research involving the natural and social sciences. Most research projects focus on applying knowledge to shape natural resource management and socio-economic policies in ways that will improve ecological and social well-being. Graduate students can conduct research in this theme through the Master’s in Environmental Science & Policy or the Environment & Society emphasis area of the PhD in Earth Sciences & Environmental Sustainability. These programs provide opportunities for training in social science and interdisciplinary research, collaboration with government and non-governmental organizations, and the application of research findings to guide decision-making. This social science emphasis of the PhD program also involves the application of political and social theory to better understand and address environmental challenges.
Who we are
Faculty and research staff Accordion Open
- Diana Stuart, Associate Professor (Environmental sociology, climate change, food systems, conservation, social theory)
- Denielle Perry, Assistant Professor (Water resources geography, political ecology)
- Erik Nielsen, Associate Professor (Environmental policy)
- Kerry Grimm, Senior Lecturer (Human-environment interactions, political ecology, collaboration, conservation and land use)
- Clare Aslan, Associate Professor (Coupled natural-human systems)
- Thomas Sisk, Professor (Conservation planning, sustainability)
- Brett Dickson, Associate Professor (Conservation planning)
- Deborah Huntzinger, Associate Professor (Climate science & solutions)
- Roderic Parnell, Professor (River restoration, sustainability)
For students
Degree programs Accordion Open
- Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Environmental & Sustainability Studies.
- Master’s Degree (MS) in Environmental Sciences & Policy
- PhD in Earth Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, with an emphasis in Environment & Society or Climate & Environmental Change
Graduate-level courses Accordion Closed
- ENV 555 Science Policy Interface
- ENV 525 Water Resources Policy
- ENV 562 Social-Ecological Systems
- ENV 599 Climate Change and Critical Theory
- ENV 599 Agriculture, Water, and Environment
- SUS 602 Elements of Sustainability