Northern Arizona University - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

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. 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 rorestry programs don’t attract as many students but are regionally seen as near the top in their fields. 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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Students Speak Out

gsuskid says: Northern Arizona University 2010 Social Sciences

NAU ROCKS A Northern Arizona University is a creative place to finish one's academic career. The professors seem to really care for the students success and contribute in any way possible to ensure that success. Northern Arizona also has a fantastic online program offering many of the same degrees online. I came to NAU as a freshman -- it was the best decision of my life. 12345 Academics: March 11, 2010 Report

Anonymous says:

Many teachers are amazing. They... Many teachers are amazing. They are fun and relatable. However, sometimes you get stuck with an awful, cruel professor. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Most professors want you to do... Most professors want you to do well, and they will do anything to help you get a passing grade. Most of them are very approachable, and they can easily relate to you. I loved my classes. I always found them very interesting. It will be something that I will take with me and use in the real world. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

My professors actually seem nice,... My professors actually seem nice, and they seem like they don’t want me to fail. My Spanish professor is funny, and he makes me forget I’m in an 8 a.m. class. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

I like most of the professors. I... I like most of the professors. I find most of my classes interesting—definitely not a waste of my time. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

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.

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