FAQs for Distance M.S. Students
How do I apply for the EnvS MS program? The application process for students at a distance is the same as for on campus students. See Admission Requirements and Application Materials at
http://www.webs.uidaho.edu/envs/distance_ed/OutreachMS.htm.
Will I have to travel to the Moscow campus to complete the degree? No. The masters degree offered at a distance is administered primarily online. Video and independent study courses are also available, so you will not have to come to Moscow, Idaho.
Is the GRE (Graduate Records Exam) required? No.
Do I have to take the TOEFL exam? If you are an international student from a non-English speaking country you will need to take the exam. For more information on acceptable exams see the UI catalog (
www.uidaho.edu/registrar/classes/catalogs ). For more information about the TOEFL exam, go to
http://www.ets.org/toefl/ .
Can I transfer in graduate credits? Students may transfer up to 12 graduate credits with the approval of the Environmental Science Program Director. We cannot accept credits that were used to complete another degree program. You may be asked to provide catalog descriptions of these courses for the Director’s review.
What is the age limit on transfer credits? All transfer credits need to be approved by the Environmental Science Program Director. University of Idaho policy states the combined total of transfer credits, correspondence credits, non-degree credits, and approved credits more than eight years old at the time the degree is awarded shall not exceed 12 credits for master's programs requiring 36 or fewer credits. Credits can be transferred to UI, with the consent of the student's committee and the vice president for research and graduate studies, only if the institution from which the course credits are being transferred has a graduate program in the course's discipline or, should there be no graduate program in the course's discipline, if an exception has been granted by the vice president for research and graduate studies. Transfer credits are subject to all other Graduate College rules and regulations.
How much does the program cost? Please refer to the
fee schedule for a breakdown of costs.
Will I be considered for funding or can I get financial aid? Non-thesis students are not eligible for graduate funding through the EnvS Program. However, other forms of financial aid may be available.
Students can contact Student Financial Aid for more information at:
Financial Aid
208-885-6312
finaid@uidaho.edu
What kind of job can I get with this degree? The opportunities in EnvS are varied. We have students working nationwide for state and federal agencies, environmental consulting firms and private industries. We publish fall and spring newsletters that contain some information about where alumni are working now, and maintain a list of organizations where alumni have found employment. Contact the EnvS office for more information.
Do I need to submit letters of recommendation? Yes, we require three letters of recommendation. We request that all three letters of recommendation be from faculty, but if you have been out of school for a number of years two of the letters may be from past or current employers.
Where do I send official transcripts? Transcripts, along with all other application materials, are sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions, University of Idaho, PO Box 444266, Moscow, Idaho 83844-4266. Please do not send them to the Environmental Science Program.
How do I formally state my qualifications and academic objectives to the program? Applicants must write a one-page typed statement of career objectives and research interests. This statement is extremely important as it helps us determine whether or not your research interests match the interests of the graduate faculty and will assist the Director in helping you to choose an appropriate research project as it relates to the distance education curriculum. This project may relate to your current work.
What if I don't have a background in environmental science or a related field?
You may need to make up some undergraduate "deficiency" coursework to prepare you for graduate level science courses. All applicants must meet basic requirements in chemistry or physics, physical geography or geology, biological sciences (2 courses), social sciences (2 courses), statistics, mathematics, and English. You may be asked to provide catalog copies of the course descriptions of these. If you are deficient in some of the courses necessary for preparation for this degree, you will need to make these courses part of your study plan and complete them before you graduate.
If my GPA is slightly below the required 3.0, can I still get into the program? Yes, but only if your application file excels in all other categories (i.e., letters of recommendation, GRE scores, statement of research interests).
Can I talk to someone over the phone? If you are in Idaho (other than Moscow) you can contact Boise Center, Idaho Place or the Coeur d’Alene Center. If you would like to speak to an EnvS advisor in Moscow, the phone number is (208) 885-6113. Academic advisors are available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday during the academic year.