College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
At NAU’s College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences (CEFNS), you’ll explore big ideas and the natural world through hands-on research, expert mentorship, and immersive learning. From forests to stars, labs to data models, your future in STEM starts here.
R1 Research Status, the highest level of research activity classification in the US
#5 in physical sciences bachelor’s degrees for Native American students
#7 best forestry school in the US
Develop skills for tomorrow
Launch your future in science and sustainability
STEM skills are in high demand and CEFNS gives you the foundation to thrive. You’ll develop critical thinking, resilience, and technical expertise while learning how science and technology address real-world problems.
Choose from undergraduate and graduate programs in biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, computer science, mathematics, data science, forestry, and more. Gain experience through research, internships, and fieldwork in Arizona’s rich ecosystems or with leading academic and industry partners.
Explore your path across disciplines
At CEFNS, every program is designed for hands-on, high-impact learning:
- Astronomy and Planetary Science: Study the universe using top-tier telescopes and labs.
- Mathematics and Statistics: Develop logic, analysis, and modeling skills for data-driven careers.
- School of Forestry: Collaborate on forest health and ecosystem research in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest.
- Applied Physics and Materials Science: Learn from faculty mentors in advanced research labs.
- School of Earth and Sustainability: Address climate, conservation, and policy with practical, personalized training.
- Chemistry and Biochemistry: Experience close faculty mentorship and real-world applications in lab and field settings.
Real experience. Real impact.
Research that moves the world forward. As an R1 research university, NAU gives you the opportunity to work alongside expert faculty on groundbreaking research, even as an undergraduate. From climate science and genomics to fire ecology and quantum physics, your contributions matter.
Practice science. Don't just learn it. In the classroom, in the lab, and in the wild, you’ll apply what you learn. Our students contribute to real-world projects with professors, nonprofits, and agencies that need bold thinkers and doers.
Career-ready support for wherever science takes you. Through advising, workshops, and NAU’s career development team, you’ll have help every step of the way. Whether you’re heading into public service, tech, research, education, or something uniquely your own, your CEFNS degree is your launchpad.
Professors that will mentor and challenge you
At CEFNS, your professors won’t just teach you, they’ll mentor you, challenge you, and work alongside you in labs, forests, and observatories. From publishing research to exploring meteor craters or landing internships, our faculty are here to help you grow every step of the way. Meet the experts who make it all possible.
Take the next step
College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences featured degrees
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BS in Astronomy -
BS in Biology -
BS in Biomedical Science -
BS in Chemistry -
BS in Chemistry with Chemistry Advanced emphasis -
BS in Chemistry with Forensics & Criminalistics emphasis -
BS in Chemistry with Health Preprofessional emphasis -
BS in Chemistry - American Chemical Society -
BS in Chemistry - American Chemical Society with Biochemistry - Certified by the American Chemical Society emphasis -
BS in Data Science
College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences undergraduate degrees
School of Earth and Sustainability undergraduate degrees
- BS in Environmental Sciences with Environmental Communication emphasis
- BS in Environmental Sciences with Environmental Management emphasis
- BS in Environmental Sciences
- BS in Environmental Sciences with Environmental Geology emphasis
- BS in Environmental Sciences with Applied Statistics emphasis
- BS in Environmental Sciences with Environmental Administration and Policy emphasis
- BS in Environmental Sciences with Biology emphasis
- BS in Environmental Sciences with Chemistry emphasis
- BS in Environmental Sciences with Climate emphasis
- BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- BS in Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- BS in Geology
- BSED in Secondary Education - Earth Science
- BSED in Secondary Education - General Science
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate degrees
- BS in Chemistry
- BS in Chemistry with Chemistry Advanced emphasis
- BS in Chemistry with Forensics & Criminalistics emphasis
- BS in Chemistry with Health Preprofessional emphasis
- BS in Chemistry - American Chemical Society
- BS in Chemistry - American Chemical Society with Comprehensive - Certified by the American Chemical Society emphasis
- BS in Chemistry - American Chemical Society with Biochemistry - Certified by the American Chemical Society emphasis
- BSED in Secondary Education - Chemistry
Department of Biological Sciences undergraduate degrees
Department of Applied Physics & Materials Science undergraduate degrees
Department of Mathematics and Statistics undergraduate degrees
Forestry undergraduate degrees
Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science undergraduate degrees
College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences graduate degrees
School of Earth and Sustainability graduate degrees
- MS in Climate Science and Solutions
- MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy
- MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy with Science and Policy emphasis
- MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy with Paleoenvironmental Sciences emphasis
- MS in Geology
- PHD in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
- PHD in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability with Climate and Environmental Change emphasis
- PHD in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability with Earth Systems emphasis
- PHD in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability with Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology emphasis
- PHD in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability with Engineering Sustainable Systems emphasis
- PHD in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability with Environment and Society emphasis
Department of Applied Physics & Materials Science graduate degrees
Forestry graduate degrees
Department of Biological Sciences graduate degrees
Department of Mathematics and Statistics graduate degrees
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry graduate degrees
Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science graduate degrees
I wanted to find a college that would allow me to get out of my comfort zone and to explore new horizons. I had NAU on my mind because it’s known for making a difference in the biological and environmental sciences, something that is meaningful to me.
Ready to apply?
Applying to college is a big step—but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you're exploring programs or preparing your application, our team is here to guide you. At CEFNS, you’ll find a welcoming environment, personalized support, and a clear path toward your future in science and technology.
Support the students shaping the future
Your gift to the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences helps students turn their passion for science into meaningful careers. By supporting scholarships, research, and hands-on learning, you empower tomorrow’s environmental leaders, innovators, and changemakers.