Environmental Science

The quality of life in tomorrow’s world hinges on our ability to resolve complex environmental issues. You can make a difference in that world with a bachelor's degree in environmental science. The University of Idaho Environmental Science Program integrates many areas of science – including biology, engineering, chemistry, ecology, sociology, political science and economics.

The B.S. Environmental Science program offers the following options:

• Biological Science: For careers in resource management, bioremediation and environmental impact analysis. Includes courses in plant, animal and aquatic ecology, resource conservation and management, environmental regulation, technical procedures such as remote sensing and environmental chemistry.

• Physical Science: For professions in air, soil and water pollution abatement, hazardous waste management, waste minimization and ecological restoration. Includes courses in hydrology, chemistry, hazardous waste, geology, soil science, ecology, economics and management, mathematics and statistics.

• Social Science: For careers in environmental regulation, public policy, land use planning and/or environmental administration. Also excellent preparation for a pre-law program in environmental law. Includes courses in business, economics, conflict resolution, law and regulation, management, political science, sociology, history and philosophy.

You’ll study areas of soil, engineering, biology, ecology, geography, political science, sociology, economics, chemistry and hydrology. You'll gain a big picture perspective and cross-functional training you need to develop real solutions to local, national and global environmental problems.

Hands-on research opportunities include the Research Experiences for Undergraduate Program (REU), sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

The B.S. Environmental Science is offered at the main campus in Moscow. Students in Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls can complete the degree through live classes and Web courses.

Prepare for Success

Most students in the B.S. Environmental Science program want careers related to conserving natural resources, protecting the environment and building a sustainable society. To succeed, you should have a strong appreciation for nature and natural resource conservation. You should have a basic aptitude for math and science, and an interest in environmental topics such as ecology, air and water pollution, ecosystem, climate change and energy alternatives.

Your First Year

Your first year of the four-year B.S. Environmental Science program will include general university requirements and introductory courses. Specific courses depend on your selected degree option. Your first year is an excellent time to explore the various options. You may take the following courses during your first year:

• Math
• English
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science 101 and 102
• Public Speaking
• Biology
• College Writing and Rhetoric

Printable four-year plan:
Biological Science (pdf)
Physical Science (pdf)
Social Science (pdf)

What You Can Do

Career options for graduates of the environmental science program depend on the area in which you specialize. With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, you may become a:

• Biological scientist
• Environmental manager
• Environmental specialist
• Horticulturalist
• Fisheries biologist
• Wildlife ecologist
• Water quality manager
• National park ranger
• Forestry technician
• Soil conservationist
• Lab technician
• Environmental project manager
• Physical scientist
• Environmental compliance manager
• Environmental regulator
• Environmental health specialist
• Geographic information systems specialist
• Water quality manager
• Air quality control analyst
• Hydrologic technician
• Outreach director
• Industrial hygiene specialist
• Staff scientist
• Social scientist
• Spatial analysis project coordinator
• Land use planner
• Geographer
• City manager
• Environmental assessor
• Senior policy representative

The bachelor degree also prepares you to pursue advanced studies in environmental science, including the following degree programs offered by the University of Idaho:

• Master of Science in Environmental Science
• Juris Doctorate/Master of Science Degree
• Ph.D. in Environmental Science
• Environmental Water Science Certificate
• Environmental Contamination Assessment Certificate

Opportunities

A degree in environmental science opens doors for challenging careers in private industry, government agencies and higher education, with many opportunities to specialize in areas that capitalize on your specific interests and talents.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, federal, state and local governments employ 43 percent of all environmental scientists and hydrologists.

Median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $56,100 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,840 and $74,480. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,670. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of environmental scientists in 2006 were as follows:

• Federal executive branch - $82,490
• Management, scientific and technical consulting services - $57,280
• Engineering services - $56,080
• Local government - $52,100
• State government - $50,590

Current Research

Research Experiences for Undergraduate Program: The University of Idaho Environmental Science Program offers a unique opportunity to engage in environmental research through the Research Experiences for Undergraduate Program (REU) sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The summer program provides each student a stipend for nine weeks of full-time research, a food allowance, housing, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $300. Students are encouraged to present their research results at a national professional meeting.

Students choose among many research projects, such as phyto- and bioremediation, supercritical fluid extraction of mixed waste, biologically engineered treatment systems, and watershed restoration, to name a few. 2007 REU Research Projects focused on water resources, with teams of students working with researchers who do experimental or analytical work in several watersheds.

Sustainable Idaho Strategic Initiative: The Sustainable Idaho Strategic Initiative through environmental science is working to transform the academic environment and educate students, faculty and staff to understand, practice and teach sustainable behaviors; stimulate research to create knowledge about sustainability; strengthen outreach by building strong university-community relationships; and model sustainability to make the University a leading sustainable institution of higher education.

Activities

Environmental Science Club: The Environmental Science Club raises environmental awareness on campus and in the community and works to establish the University of Idaho as an icon in the environmental movement through goal-oriented campaigns, activism, education and weeklong events in celebration of Earth Day. In addition to the E-Club, Environmental Science students are actively involved in the University’s Sustainability Center.

Hands-On Experience

All students in the B.S. Environmental Science program have the opportunity to engage in exciting, interdisciplinary research alongside leading faculty members who are internationally recognized for their work and expertise in areas related to environmental science. For your senior thesis, you will conduct research in an area that is of particular interest to you with one-on-one guidance from a professor. You’ll lead the primary research, write a 15-20 page thesis, prepare a Power Point presentation and compete in a poster competition. Visit the Thesis Library for a complete list of past and active undergraduate thesis work.