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Northern Arizona University
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RT
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Northern Arizona University - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.69

Academics

C+
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Full-Time Student Population 17,477
Part-Time Student Population 6,123
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 804
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 601
Total FT Faculty 836
Faculty with Terminal Degree 76%
Average Faculty Salary $67,777
Full-Time Retention Rate 71%
Part-Time Retention Rate 53%
Graduation Rate 49%
Programs/Majors Offered 181
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 32%
  • 20 to 49 students: 53%
  • 50 or more students: 15%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

NAU is a hidden gem. Most people don't generally view NAU as a highly regarded academic institution; however, the school's small class sizes really give students the opportunity to ask questions and develop personal relationships with their professors. The instructors themselves are passionate about their fields. The salaries at NAU are not very high, so it's more likely that your teachers really enjoy what they do and aren't just here because it allows them to buy a Beamer.

Aside from that, there is a definite culture at NAU that you'll either like or you won't. This applies in almost every area, including academics. The classes are not the most challenging you will find, but the pride of NAU is undergraduate education. NAU does have the highest standards of the three Arizona universities for admissions, but that is coming from the 49th-ranked public education system in the country. The TAs in most programs are another bright spot, as are the free Supplemental Instructors in most programs. TAs generally will take the time to help you study or do better on an assignment you've had trouble with. The education you receive is rewarding; it just takes time to get deeper into the upper-level courses. NAU began as a teacher's college, and while the education program is still near the top of its programs, the College of Business has been flooded with funding the past few years, leading to the building of a state-of-the-art business building. The hotel and restaurant management and forestry programs don't attract as many students but are regionally seen as near the top in their fields. The School of Communication also houses many majors, and you'll have at least one class there during your time at NAU. In short, NAU has carved out a niche as an undergraduate-focused university in a state where that is definitely unique.

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Northern Arizona Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Northern Arizona University

mcress17

Business Administration and Management '14

4.6
A

New to NAU

I'm new to NAU and therefore I'm not entirely sure I can give an accurate representation of the student body. I also am taking all of my courses online from Tempe, AZ and will not be living in Flafstaff. However, I can say that so far the process in enrolling, getting financial aid and having staff available to walk me through the processes has been outstanding. I was very nervous about returning to school after being gone for so long, but I haven't encountered any issues yet!

Apr 10, 2012

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Academics at Northern Arizona University

TPellerin2

Computer Science '15

5.0
A+

Computer Science

I really like the Computer Science Program at Northern Arizona University. The class sizes in my major aren't too overbearing so you get to know your professors very well if you talk before class, after class, or even at office hours. So far the workload hasn't been too overbearing since I have several general courses. The engineering building is very new and happens to be one of the greener ones in the nation. There seems to be many internship opportunities available for once you get into your junior/senior years for Computer Science

Mar 03, 2012

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Academics at Northern Arizona University

jh726

Psychology '14

3.1
B-

The Good and the Bad

I'm a psychology major, and I really like it. The classes are very informative and extremely interesting. The only thing that is wrong with the program is the professors aren't very good at letting us know how to get involved with more areas of the field.

Feb 26, 2012

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Page 1 of 27
User rating for Northern Arizona University - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 80 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 4, 5, 6, or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Arts and Letters
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
  • College of Health & Human Services
  • College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • W.A. Franke College of Business
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Educational Administration: 3%
  • Elementary Education: 6%
  • Hospitality Management: 2%
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences: 3%
Graduation Requirements
  • Arts/fine arts
  • English (including composition)
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
  • Social science
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Cooperative education program
  • Double major
  • Dual enrollment
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Exchange student program (domestic)
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
Best Places to Study
  • Aspen Crossing Learning Community
  • Bookman's Bookstore
  • Chemistry Lab Building
  • Cline Library
  • Cowden Learning Community
  • Macy's Coffee

Online Courses

Online classes are much easier than in-person classes, but much more tedious. You'll spend a lot of time on your computer, but the bright side is that every quiz or test you take will essentially be open-book because there's no way to monitor it. The teachers are great at responding to emails and communicating with students exactly what is required for the course.

Did You Know?
  • Washington Monthly ranked NAU 107th out of 245 schools in its evaluation of U.S. universities. According to an NAU press release, the survey criteria held that universities should be "engines of social mobility," produce scientific research and sound academic minds, and also "inculcate and encourage an ethic of service." The Lumberjacks ranked ahead of universities such as Florida State, Baylor, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
  • NAU's Keim Genetics Lab and subsequent TGen North program are internationally renowned facilities that received national headlines amidst the post-9/11 bioterrorism attacks. They contain one of the largest anthrax labs in the world, and the faculty continues to be on the forefront of the United States' defense against bioterrorism.
  • What is LOUIE? LOUIE is the Lumberjack's Online University Information Environment, NAU's Web-based information system. Through it, you can access grades, transcripts, financial information, and course catalogue information, as well as numerous other helpful facts. LOUIE is also where you will enroll in classes and pay fees. Be prepared: the finances section can be very confusing and causes many a headache until you figure it out.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Audrey Hirschl
Hometown
Tempe, AZ
Major
Advertising
Grad Year
2013

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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How do we get our information? Find out here or report an error here. The statistics on our site are from the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS database.
We update this information twice annually, most recently in May 2012, but it may not be the most recent information available for a particular school.
For additional information we encourage you to visit school websites or contact the schools directly.