M.S. EnvS at a Distance Curriculum

Download the online Course List for Fall 2012

The non-thesis degree program requires at least 30 credits: 4 credits of non-thesis research and 26 credits of course work. 21 credits must be at the 500 level, meaning that a student can take up to 9 credits at the 400 level. With the approval of the Environmental Science Program Director, up to 12 credits may be transferred from another institution and included in the student’s curriculum.

The M.S. curriculum can be combined with certificate programs in Water Science, Restoration Ecology, Environmental Contamination, Fire Ecology, GIS, and more.

Most distance students enroll part-time and complete the program in around 3 years.

Don't have a background in environmental science or a related field?
You may need to complete some deficiency coursework. All students 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.


The M.S. at a distance has four components:

1. Each student must complete 21 credits in the environmental science option area. These consist of:

• Six credits, or two classes, in social science.
• The remaining 15 credits, or five classes, need to come from biological science and physical science to give you depth and expertise in your field. (If you would like to take additional social science courses as part of these 15 credits, please contact Alecia Hoene in the Environmental Science Program for approval – hoene@uidaho.edu or (208) 885-6113.)

2. One 500-level course (3 credits) in statistics or research methods. Most distance students enroll in EnvS 541, Sampling and Analysis of Environmental Contaminants, to fill this requirement. This is an online course offered every spring.

3. Two credits of EnvS 501, environmental science seminar. Students complete this course through independent study, attending 20 events – conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings of city or county government, etc. – related directly or indirectly to environmental science. Click here for course instructions.

4. Four credits of EnvS 599, Non-thesis Research. This consists of a substantial project in which the student demonstrates ability to do rigorous independent work. The student's advisor oversees the project. Once completed, the project must be evaluated and approved by the student’s committee. The committee will be composed of the student’s faculty advisor, who is a member of the EnvS faculty, and the Director of the Environmental Science Program. Additional committee members are optional.