Environmental Science

The University of Idaho Environmental Science Program is widely known for producing skilled and accomplished scientists. Many of our graduates are making significant contributions in the areas of environmental protection and sustainability and in other biological, physical and social science-based endeavors. Led by Stephen S. Mulkey, our program is the result of a multidisciplinary effort that spans more than 90 faculty members from all nine colleges at the university, including those who specialize in:

• Soil science
• Engineering
• Biology
• Ecology
• Geography
• Political science
• Sociology
• Economics
• Chemistry

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your academic and career goals and will help you actualize them with sound advising and one-on-one time that ensures you’re on track and following a course of study that best suits you.

Our master's program includes emphasis areas in:

• Physical science
• Natural resource management
• Ecology
• Earth science/hydrology
• Waste management
• Policy and law
• Law (concurrent Juris Doctorate/Master of Science degree) environmental health/toxicology

• Physical science
• Natural resource management
• Ecology
• Earth science/hydrology
• Waste management
• Policy and law

Through interactions with peers, classroom discussions and hands-on practical experience – working in and outside of the lab – you’ll develop sharp research, analytical and critical-thinking capabilities. You’ll also gain confidence and proficiency in your ability to collaborate with others to identify, mitigate and eliminate hazards that affect our environment.

You'll form a solid foundation in the sciences, with opportunities for practical experience through research projects and internship opportunities. In addition to being required to take Special Topic Seminars, such as a water quality seminar for those with a physical science emphasis, our thesis and nonthesis programs both require that you conduct research and present your findings.

Prepare for Success

Although our students have unique interests and career goals, they generally share a passion for the environment and are committed to studying and implementing practical solutions to solve today’s most pressing environmental challenges. A Master of Science (M.S.) degree in environmental science is generally sufficient for entry-level applied research positions in private industry, state and federal agencies, and at state geological survey offices. A doctorate degree (Ph.D.) is generally necessary for college-level teaching positions.

Please review our environmental sciences graduate program page for more information about degree requirements.

Your First Year

Your course work will transition from more general to a more in-depth, tactical exploration of your chosen specialty. For specific information about courses and requirements for our M.S. and Ph.D. programs, check out our environmental sciences graduate page, which is organized by degree and specific emphasis area, such as physical science, natural resource management, ecology, etc.

What You Can Do

With a graduate degree in environmental science, depending on your area of specialization, you might become a:

• Environmental consultant
• Environmental scientist
• Forester
• Hydrologist
• Risk assessment specialist
• Compliance specialist
• Environmental and pollution analyst
• Air, water quality environmental planner
• Wildlife ecologist
• Water quality manager
• National park ranger
• Forestry technician
• Soil conservationist
• Lab technician
• Environmental project manager
• Specialist in physical science
• Environmental compliance manager
• Environmental regulator
• Environmental health specialist
• Geographic information systems (GIS) 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

Opportunities

The need for experienced environmental scientists continues to rise both in the private sector and public sector as population growth places an increasing demand on our environment and water resources. Those who have a comprehensive grasp of complex issues, particularly related to groundwater decontamination, clean air, and flood control issues are particularly in demand by today’s employers.

An advanced degree in environmental science has helped our graduates build careers in:

• Consulting firms helping businesses and government address issues related to underground tanks, land disposal areas, and other hazardous-waste management facilities.
• Engineering and land development firms.
• Federal, state and local environmental agencies.
• Environmental advocacy organizations.
• Universities and other higher education institutions.

Current Research

Our faculty is leading the way in diverse research initiatives. From forest ecosystem science and applications and wastewater treatment, to the study of ecology and mechanisms of interactions between insects and plants, our faculty research is constantly making new breakthroughs. For more information about research efforts happening on campus, visit our environmental sciences faculty pages or contact us directly at (208) 885-6113 or envs@uidaho.edu.

Activities

The Sustainable Idaho Strategic Initiative is just one example of a campuswide effort aimed at providing a greater perspective and insight on important environmental issues. The initiative's goal is to transform the academic environment and educate students, faculty and staff to understand, practice and teach sustainable behaviors, and to stimulate research and increase knowledge about sustainability.

The group is committed to strengthening outreach by building strong university-community relationships and to making the university a leading sustainable institution of higher education. This group sponsors events and a sustainability speaker series which attracts experts in the field from across the region.

Hands-On Experience

The interdisciplinary nature of the environmental sciences program creates many distinctive learning and research opportunities for our students. You'll collaborate on projects with peers and faculty from a variety of fields, ultimately giving you a more rich and dynamic understanding of the role of environmental sciences in our world. 

You'll engage in research efforts to explore validated and proactive strategies for integrating environmental activities into current business and governmental processes. Some of our graduate research and thesis work is focused on topics such as waste minimization, resource recovery, pollution prevention and the consideration of environmental effects during development.

Online & Outreach

In addition to our Engineering Outreach program, you may take supporting online courses in mathematics, probability and statistics. There are also distance learning opportunities available in Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls through live classes and Web-based courses. 

Working professionals and other students may be interested in our certificate programs in environmental water science and environmental contamination assessment. 

Faculty Involvement

We are extremely proud of the more than 90 faculty and staff members that collaborate to make the environmental science program a success. Faculty teaching and research are in the areas of biological science, physical science and social science.

Adam Sowards, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Institute for Pacific Northwest Studies
Adam M. Sowards is an environmental historian who focuses on North America, especially the West, and is affiliate faculty with Environmental Science, Water Resources and American Studies.
» View Adam Sowards Profile