Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astrophysics

at Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff Campus USA

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Affairs provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to understand and participate in the political systems of the world.  This degree has an interdisciplinary global focus that will prepare students to take meaningful roles in our increasingly interconnected world.

This degree builds a strong foundation in the basic knowledge of the international political system, and enables them to use key concepts and analytical approaches from U.S. Government and Politics, Comparative Politics and International relations.  This degree grounds students in a wide range of factors shaping the international system and international politics, including history, religion, culture, and language.

Building upon this fundamental knowledge, our curriculum ensures that students can define, design, and implement effective research projects in international political science.  In addition, they will be able to make clear and effective presentations of their work in writing and in public presentations.  Students will also leave this program ready to understand, and be able to meet, the expectations of professionalism and citizenship.  Students will also leave with an ability speak, read, and write in a second language.  They will develop a broad perspective on the experiences and realities of the entire international system.

The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages provides students with a socio-cultural and historical background as well as linguistic abilities to engage with French, German, Japanese, and Spanish speaking populations from around the world in a variety of social and cultural contexts. Through linguistic, literary and cultural approaches to the study of the French, German, Japanese, and Spanish language, our students develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills that allow them to understand and interact effectively with diverse cultures. Throughout this process the students develop cognitive skills in critical thinking and analysis and recognize the importance of being able to function in a global society. With their linguistic abilities in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, they are better able to compete for career opportunities in the domestic and global job markets and are prepared to become productive, responsible members of the local, national and international communities in which they live and work.

Emphasis in Japanese

• Create with language to express meanings orally on concrete topics relating to work, school, home, and leisure activities using all major time frames (present, past, and future). They can interact with native speakers unaccustomed to dealing with non-natives, and handle complicated or unexpected communicative tasks. (Speaking skills)
• Identify and use main ideas and details from connected aural discourse involving description and narration in different timeframes or aspects, and about a variety of topics beyond immediacy of the situation for communicative purposes. (Listening skills)
• Identify and use main ideas and details from authentic, connected, longer, written texts involving description and narration in different formats about a variety of topics for communicative purposes. (Reading skills)
• Create with language to express meanings in written form about familiar topics using the major timeframes with some control of aspect. (Writing skills)
• Think critically and analytically in response to socio-cultural, historical, and linguistic issues and/or classic and contemporary literary texts related to the culture of the target language. (Critical thinking and analytical skills)
• Understand the cultural, political and artistic diversity of perspectives, practices and products of the target language populations including how racial and ethnic diversity relates to those perspectives, practices and products. (Globalization - Diversity)
• Recognize, investigate, and produce written and oral discourse in the target language communicating findings about historical and contemporary issues important to life in countries of the target language.
• Explore how historical, political, religious and economic forces have shaped the current world system with its power inequalities and efforts to address them with a focus on the culture of the target language. (Globalization – Global Engagement)
• Analyze the structure and use of the language at the sound, word, and sentence level.
• Summarize different linguistic features observed in different dialects in terms of historical change, geographical location and social variables.
• Explore and analyze the role of human interactions with the environment and its relation to the root causes of many global problems focusing on those occurring in the culture of the target language. (Globalization - Environmental Sustainability)

The Bachelor of Science in Geography, Environment, and Society (GSP) integrates geographic knowledge and GIS mapping technologies with the problem-solving fields of community planning and urban design. This educational framework prepares students for careers in creating more livable and sustainable communities, while contributing to a better world.
 
Coursework for this degree provides a strong foundation in geography and an option to select one of three available emphases. Geospatial Technologies engages students in the analysis of spatial data through geographic information systems and remote sensing.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological Sciences enables students to develop an understanding of and knowledge about human behavior from several perspectives in psychological science, the ability to apply and synthesize that knowledge within specific psychological domains, and the research methods skills necessary to become critical evaluators and producers of knowledge of human behavior. The BS in Psychological Sciences is distinct from the BS in Psychology because it provides students with the opportunity for focused study in behavioral science through four emphases and one certificate program, and trains students in the more advanced research skills necessary for scientific inquiry within this discipline and for entry into a Ph.D. program in Psychology, if a student chooses to continue in an academic track. Psychological Sciences majors complete a core sequence of courses including introductory psychology, a set of lower division breadth courses, introduction to statistics, research methods in psychology, a set of upper division depth courses, and a capstone course.  Psychological Sciences majors also receive additional research training through completion of an advanced research methods course and a minimum of 6 units of research experience. Additionally, Psychological Science majors have the opportunity for in depth study in a specific area of psychology through completion of a certificate in human resource management, or an emphasis in social/personality, neuroscience, clinical/health, or developmental psychology.

Neuroscience
Students will complete advanced coursework and engage in research at the intersection of neuroscience and psychology, including the relationships between brain and human cognition, emotion, and behavior. Graduating students will be able to:

• Demonstrate depth in their knowledge and application of psychological concepts and frameworks to complex problems in neuroscience.
• Demonstrate mastery of critical thinking and research skills through completion of a research placement in the area of neuroscience.
• Produce a research study or other psychological project related to neuroscience that meets writing standards of the profession, explain scientific results, and present information to a professional audience.

The Environmental Science program at NAU constructs an interdisciplinary base of knowledge and skills to explore and develop real-world solutions to environmental problems.

Our program provides a firm grounding in the natural and social sciences to ensure all students understand how chemical, physical and biological processes maintain life, and the complex relationships among humans and the environment. Students work together and individually in the classroom, field and laboratory to practice applying the scientific method to address environmental problems and explore creative solutions that apply cutting-edge technologies.

The broad range of emphases available within our program allows students to delve deeper into a specific knowledge base, then work individually and often together in Environmental Science courses to solve problems by applying the perspectives and knowledge they developed in their emphasis with students from other emphasis areas. To culminate the learning in the program, students develop an individually designed research project or internship addressing an environmental issue of importance to them, which in turn, is expected to further prepare students for a range of professional or graduate opportunities.

Environmental Management

• Explore the basic principles of conservation of biological diversity and ecology, multicultural perspectives on environmental management, adaptive management, and the implementation of environmental regulations and through collaborations with those of other disciplines and viewpoints, apply this information to generate sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

The Master of Public Health prepares students for public health professions emphasizing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health programs and policies. We aim to prepare public health professionals to address the health needs of diverse and underserved communities in northern Arizona and beyond. Students gain knowledge and skills in biostatistics, epidemiology, public health research, program planning and evaluation, health policy and management, and environmental health. We support student development through offering high quality instruction, which includes opportunities for professional growth and community engagement in public health and nutrition. The Health Promotion concentration addresses chronic disease prevention and epidemiology, social and structural determinants of health, and innovative uses of technology in public health and health promotion. Students in the Health Promotion concentration can tailor their program plan electives to align with their career interests. Students in this concentration also have the option of completing an Indigenous Health track, which prepares students to support public health initiatives relevant to tribal communities. The Health Promotion concentration is designed for students who are interested in public health careers or other allied health fields. With the training, research, and internship experiences offered, graduates are well prepared to address the health needs within their communities.

The study of Theatre Arts is an integral part of a liberal arts education. As such, Northern Arizona University Department of Theatre seeks to give the undergraduate theatre student the broadest possible understanding of the art and craft of theatre through the creative, critical, and applied practice of theatre, and provide opportunity through performance and production for the student to learn their art by doing their art in a learner centered environment. The program seeks to prepare students for the global society by creating an awareness of the “other”, practicing empathetical thinking, and sustainability with a global perspective.

Theatre: Emphasis in Performance

• Evaluate, analyze, and apply a depth and breadth of knowledge about the global impact of Theatre history, literature, and practices to the scholarship and practice of Theatre.
  • Recognize the literary, theoretical, and historical practices of performance in the global Theatre by taking courses in Script Analysis, Modern Drama, and Theatre History.
  • Synthesize knowledge acquired through the study of Theatrical history, theory and criticism, and be able to articulate their own stances on the global stage of Theatre.
  • Identify a variety of disciplines within the art of Theatre, and the impacts they have on performance by successfully completing  coursework from a wide variety of Theatrical sub-fields.
  • Demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge about the numerous facets of Theatre by successfully participating in various areas (or Theatrical positions) in the process of making Theatre, and applying this experience to performance.
  • Critique, perform, and synthesize their understandings of texts from the global stage through in-class assignments and mainstage or second stage projects, thereby expanding their awareness of the larger impact of Theatre.
• Value and apply an understanding of and experience with Theatre as a collaborative art to the scholarship and practice of Theatre.
  • Implement an understanding of the collaborative processes of Theatre through the successful completion of courses in directing, and through the practical applications of rehearsal and performance.
  • Practice effective communication within a collaborative environment through the practical applications of rehearsal and performance.
  • Value and understand professional and ethical boundaries within the collaborative Theatrical process through coursework and the practical application of rehearsal and performance .
  • Application of active listening skills in class, in the rehearsal hall, and in performance.
  • Apply appreciation of the different areas of Theatre to effectively perform a role or direct a text.
  • Recognize and implement successful practices of ensemble development in the creation of Theatre through successful completion of course work and practical application in the rehearsal hall and on stage.
• Apply knowledge of theory to practical work in Theatre.
  • Identify and engage in professional practices of performance through successful completion of courses in performance, and through practical application on stage.
  • Recognize, characterize and implement an understanding of the human body and voice and its relationship to narrative and expression through successful completion of performance courses and through application on stage.
  • Identify, implement, and evaluate knowledge and correct application of discipline-based language, terminology, and vernacular.
  • Identify and engage in the professional practices of the Theatre through successful completion of courses in either Stage Management or Theatre Management.
  • Identify, implement, and critique the technologies and processes used in the professional Theatre, both historically and contemporarily, through the successful completion of courses in Technical Theatre and Design.
  • Implement effective storytelling practices.
  • Identify and utilize the interaction of Theatrical elements, and employ this knowledge in analysis and implementation of Theatrical choices.
  • Recognize and implement an understanding of dramatic structure in playmaking and playwriting in order to tell a story or create a role.
  • Practice effective research and documentation of research in a performance process.
  • Demonstrate growth through audition, and successful completion of departmental performance opportunities.
• Articulate an understanding of sustainability in Theatre, in all its manifestations.
  • Identify and discuss current professional Theatrical practices aimed at increasing sustainability.
  • Recognize, discuss, and analyze the sustainability of storytelling as an art form that is socially, culturally, and historically contextualized.
• Effectively communicate the theory and practice of Theatre in the following modes: digital, literary, verbal, and non-verbal.
  • Articulate the creative process using digital, oral and written communication skills through the successful completion of a Capstone defense.
  • Practice effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills through successful completion of performance courses, and through practical application on stage.
  • Articulate dramatic structure in the rehearsal and performance processes.
  • Recognize and implement effective written communication of dramatic structure, research, and analysis through the successful completion of course work in modern and contemporary drama and script analysis.
  • Communicate and implement an understanding of  dramatic structure, research, and analysis through the medium of live theatre.
  • Implement effective verbal communication skills through correct usage of theatrical terminology.
  • Articulate and implement effective verbal communication skills through exploration and discovery in the rehearsal hall and coursework.
• Apply effective problem solving through creative and critical thinking.
  • Demonstrate effective and creative problem solving by synthesizing research and coursework, and applying this knowledge to the rehearsal hall and performance.
  • Demonstrate creative problem solving by effective and diverse application of the tools of theatre to meet the challenges of a role, a play, or a scene.
  • Implement active and critical thinking by proactively approaching a role or a project.
  • Demonstrate autonomy in the successful completion of a Senior Capstone project.
• Demonstrate the facility to synthesize and apply their liberal studies to the practice of Theatre.
  • Apply awareness and comprehension of the scope of university coursework taken to a critically analysis their own processes as performers.
  • Integrate university course work to create roles or tell stories.
  • Apply knowledge from liberal studies coursework in creative ways.
  • Comprehend, analyze and apply the diversity of stories found in the liberal studies curriculum in regard to performance challenges.
  • Synthesize and apply their knowledge of all areas of theatre and the liberal arts to effectively complete a capstone project.
• Practice an effective system of preparation and working habits.
  • Implement the Theatrical practices of always being on time, prepared, and ready to work, through successful their completion of coursework as well as in the rehearsal hall and on stage.
  • Recognize, describe, and implement effective warm-up and preparation exercises.
  • Apply continual preparation tactics, research, and practical habits in performance.
  • Implement effective classroom strategies such as active discussion participation, engagement with course materials, and asking relevant questions.
  • Practice effective and efficient writing techniques, including outlining, peer reviewing, and revision
  • Collaborate within groups to prepare and present course material.

The knowledge gained during this program, in the emphasis area of choice, will prepare you for tackling real world engineering challenges, providing solutions to complex engineering problems, and creating products that will benefit the society. The Civil Engineering Master of Science will help you enter a satisfying, productive and exciting profession, or continue on to a doctoral degree.
 
The program will help you understand the application of your profession to sustainability and/or advanced engineering design. Faculty are engaged in research and its creative application to relevant problems, and you will have the opportunity to join them. The methods of design and innovation are necessary to the successful development of sustainable and resilient systems. Likewise, the principles of sustainability and resilience can foster innovation and economic development. By combining both themes, you will have the opportunity to engineer a brighter future for yourself and for the world.
 
Students wanting to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously may qualify for our Accelerated Program which allows students to count six units toward both degrees, shortening the time to graduation.

The B.A. in Comparative Cultural Studies is a 49-58 credit degree whose aim is to provide students with a comparative, integrative and global approach to the study of human culture in its diversity and interconnections. The different emphases in the CCS B.A. degree introduce students to the complexities of diverse human cultures, both past and present; in the process, they develop the skills of analysis, interpretation and communication crucial to both their academic and professional development.

The Bachelor of Science in Geographic Science and Community Planning integrates geographic knowledge and GIS mapping technologies with the problem-solving fields of community planning and urban design. This educational framework prepares students for careers in creating more livable and sustainable communities, while contributing to a better world.
 
Coursework for this degree provides a strong foundation in geography and an option to select one of three available emphases. Geospatial Technologies engages students in the analysis of spatial data through geographic information systems and remote sensing. The Community Planning and Development emphasis introduces students to the professional field of land use planning including the development review process, comprehensive plans and ordinances, environmental impact studies and law and ethics. Human-Environmental Systems explores the interrelationships between natural and social systems to solve pressing societal-environmental issues.

Human-Environmental Systems
With the successful completion of this emphasis, students will be able to:

• Critically analyze human-environmental relationships, identify causes of social and environmental problems and evaluate solutions.
• Understand and explain the economic and social processes of development and globalization.
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences through written, oral and graphic means