Augustana is affiliated with the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, Durham, N.C. Through the Cooperative College Program of the School of the Environment, a student in a five-year coordinated program can earn both a Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana and either the Master of Forestry or Master of Environmental Management from Duke.

This 3-2 cooperative program generally requires three years in residence at Augustana College followed by two years in residence at Duke University. It is also possible for a student to spend four years at Augustana to complete the B.A. degree and then attend Duke for two years under a 4-2 cooperative program. Students majoring in one of the natural or social sciences or in pre-engineering or business will be considered for admission to Duke University upon completion of three or four years at Augustana.

Since all general education requirements for the Augustana degree together with a departmental major should be completed before transferring to Duke, students interested in this coordinated degree program should meet with the advisor early in the first year of study to plan a schedule of courses. Students should work closely with the advisor since completion of the requirements alone does not guarantee admission to Duke University. Admission to the University is based on grade-point average (recommended minimum 3.4), recommendations and test scores. Students should initiate the application procedure in the fall term of the junior year.