Geography

The Department of Geography at the University of Idaho emphasizes the study of human-environment interactions in a constantly changing landscape.

The department emphasizes the integration of human and physical geography and encourages the use of geospatial technologies including GIS, cartography, remote sensing and computational analysis.

The department has strengths in physical geography (including biogeography, hydrology, climatology and meteorology) that seek to understand mechanisms and spatial processes of the global environmental system. Likewise, the department has strengths in human and political geography that seek to understand patterns and process within social systems. Finally, where the physical and society systems meet, we ultimately seek to understand the impacts pertaining to both human and physical systems in a changing planet.

As a graduate student of geography, you'll learn theoretical and analytical techniques in mapping, statistics and validated field research methods.

We offer the following advanced degrees:

• Master of Science in Geography (thesis option)
• Master of Science in Geography (non-thesis option)
• Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Geography

We are a leader in the study and application of advanced GIS and other geospatial information technologies. You'll study analytical techniques in remote sensing, statistical and mathematical modeling, geographic-computational models, network and spatial analysis, and quantifying and modeling. You'll also learn to apply geographic technologies to answer questions about spatial patterns and processes related to real-world challenges.

You’ll become prepared for a career in research, development and consulting for architectural, engineering or environmental firms. Or, you can find career opportunities in public organizations, including federal, state and local governmental agencies.

Directed study programs, internships and independent research experiences will give you exposure to on-the-job scenarios and a significant edge in the job market.

Prepare for Success

If you want to pursue an advanced degree in geography, you should have an interest in closely related disciplines such as natural resource management, geology, engineering, planning and business marketing. Employers are also particularly interested in graduates with strong technical skills.

You should enter the program with an understanding of how to use geospatial information technologies to assemble, integrate and analyze location data for environmental studies, policy planning and other high-level strategic initiatives.

Your First Year

A faculty member with experience in your chosen research area will serve as your major adviser to help you determine your class schedule and to organize your research efforts. See our geography course requirements.

What You Can Do

With a graduate degree in geography, you’ll probably gravitate towards management-level policy, planning and research-oriented positions. Potential career titles include:

• Geographic information consultant
• Urban planner
• Community planner
• Transportation planner
• Hazard mitigation analyst
• Climate change adaptation specialist
• Land and water management
• Government agency administrator
• Professor/teacher

Opportunities

The field of geographic information science and spatial analysis has grown significantly over the last two decades. It continues to expand as data collection, data storage and data analysis technology – including GIS and global positioning systems (GPS) – become more accurate, cost-effective and pervasive.

New opportunities are growing in the areas of urban planning, emergency preparedness, and natural resource exploration and mapping. Nearly 100 percent of our graduates are employed in the field. Employers who hire geographers with advanced degrees include:

• U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
• National Forest Service
• Department of Transportation
• Soil Conservation Service
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Natural history museums
• Energy organizations (petroleum, coal, natural gas)
• Engineering firms
• Environmental firms
• Environmental advocacy groups
• Waste management companies

Current Research

Internships and research projects are an integral part of your graduate study at the University of Idaho. Our faculty members are currently studying:

• Polar meteorology and remote sensing in arctic environments
• Regional climate change in the Western United States
• Forest disturbances and environmental change
• Human adaptation to climate change in high latitudes
• Hazards and hazard mitigation
• Transportation planning
• Natural resource applications of GIS in quantifying carbon fluxes
• Alpine glaciology
• Wildfire
• Water resources in a changing climate
• Invasive species
• Quantitative political geography
• Environmental and resources issues in the American West

Activities

The UI Geography Club/Bigfoot Research Society provides opportunities to meet students who share your interests. You’ll also network and learn about job opportunities and discoveries in the world of geography. You may also partake in the variety of lectures, seminars and workshops on campus and at neighboring universities.

Hands-On Experience

As a graduate student, you’ll get real-world experience through research projects and internships with local agencies and businesses. Current faculty and student research projects include: 

• National Science Foundation Grant: This newly awarded five-year $15 million grant will support new faculty and facilities at the University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University in an effort to understand the current and future impact of climate change on both the Snake and Salmon River watersheds.
• Mapping lodgepole pine stand structure susceptibility to mountain pine beetle attack across the Western U.S.: Geography faculty member Jeff Hicke recently published a research paper supported by funding from the USDA Forest Service, USGS Western Mountain Initiative and the National Science Foundation. This article shows that a large proportion of lodgepole pine forest is in a condition susceptible to the outbreak.

Online & Outreach

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program can supplement your education in GIS analysis and give you an understanding of the techniques and applications of today’s more sophisticated GIS technologies.