Master’s in Environmental Sciences & Policy

The Master’s of Science (MS) in Environmental Sciences & Policy offers the opportunity to apply a scientific understanding of the environment to inform policy decisions. An emphasis in paleoenvironmental sciences draws from several disciplines to develop broad competence in earth and environmental sciences, while specializing in an analytical technique used to reconstruct long-term environmental variability. An emphasis in science and policy allows students a scientific examination of natural resources (such as air, water, and land) and integration of this scientific knowledge with an examination of environmental law, regulation, and policy.

Explore research in this area

• Division of Environmental Sciences
• Division of Sustainability
• Past & Present Climate Change
• Water Management, Policy & Science
• Ecology & Conservation
• Environment & Society

The Master’s of Science in Environmental Sciences & Policy (MS ES&P) degree program combines required interdisciplinary core courses with a breadth of specialized classes from across the University. The degree program is characterized by strong advising by accomplished faculty for individualized student programs of multidisciplinary study, as well as research and applied projects that often reach across campus and into the greater community. The diverse student population including international and minority students forms a strong peer cohort that provides support for study and extracurricular adventures. The two-year program’s rigorous training in the natural and political sciences prepares graduates for successful environmental careers in industry, government, and the non-profit sector.

Once admitted to the MS ES&P program, students have the option to select between two distinct emphases: the traditional Environmental Sciences and Policy track, or the Paleoenvironmental Sciences (formally Quaternary Sciences) track. Each emphasis area has a unique program of study as well as outstanding faculty support. The selection between emphases is typically a reflection of the student’s research interests and is made under the guidance of a research and academic advisor.

What do our graduates do?

Most alumni of the MS ES&P program have gone on to work for federal and state government agencies and in the non-profit sector. Other alumni have successfully transitioned into the private sector and have undertaken innovative, environmentally-progressive entrepreneurial projects. Others still have chosen to pursue Ph.D. degrees in related fields throughout the country and abroad.

One of the many reasons that our alumni succeed across professional sectors is that the research, program of study, and faculty advising are tailored to the interests and strengths of our students.

Opportunities to fund your graduate education 

There are several funding and fellowship options available through the Master of Science Environmental Sciences and Policy degree program that students are encouraged to pursue. Most notably, Northern Arizona University was one of only four universities selected as a host school for the prestigious Wyss Scholars program. The MS ES&P program typically awards funding to several second-year graduate students through this scholarship. In addition, the MS ES&P program is host to the Western Regional Graduate Program, which provides tuition-reciprocity for students from western states.