Overview

The Sustainable Communities programme at Northern Arizona University offers an advanced interdisciplinary approach to solving complex social and environmental issues. Students engage with the philosophical and practical dimensions of human structures to foster resilient, voice-driven community futures.

This innovative degree was among the first of its kind, designed to transform power dynamics that either inhibit or support ecological health. Participants conduct deep inquiry-based research, examining environmental efforts through a unique lens to develop expertise in modern sustainable practices.

Why Sustainable Communities at Northern Arizona University?

The institution provides a distinctive teaching environment that emphasises 100% career readiness through hands-on experience. Students benefit from the university's strong focus on research excellence and its location at the Flagstaff campus, which serves as a living laboratory for environmental study.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, offering an accelerated plan for those looking to fast-track their professional development. By integrating fieldwork and a mandatory oral thesis defence, the university ensures that every graduate possesses the rigorous academic and practical skills needed for leadership.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 32190 per year
National fee: USD 32190 per year
Local fee: USD 11846 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the intersection of natural worlds and social structures through diverse coursework. Modules may include:

Sustainable Communities
Environmental Sciences
Sustainable Development
Inquiry-based Research
Community Issues

To successfully complete the degree, students must also fulfil the following academic requirements:

Internship or Fieldwork
Thesis Project
Oral Thesis Defence

Careers with Sustainable Communities

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across various sectors dedicated to environmental protection and policy. The programme equips students with the necessary expertise to pursue high-level positions in both governmental and non-profit organisations.

Potential career paths and roles for graduates include:

Natural Sciences Managers
Water Resource Specialists
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Park Naturalists
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

These roles span industries such as urban planning, resource management, and environmental consultancy, where graduates apply their skills to influence global and local sustainability efforts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Visions Of Sustainable Communities

Elements And Contexts Of Sustainable Communities

Social Transformations

The Craft Of Inquiry

Achieving Sustainable Communities

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

More details

Priority deadline

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Flagstaff, United States

Disciplines

Sustainable Development Environmental Sciences View 154 other Masters in Sustainable Development in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs.

Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent.

Transcripts.

English language proficiency scores.

3 letters of recommendation.

Personal statement or essay.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32190 USD / year

≈ 32190 USD / year
Out-of-State

32190 USD / year

≈ 32190 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11846 USD / year

≈ 11846 USD / year

Living costs

Flagstaff

United States

1010 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Sustainable Communities.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Flagstaff

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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