Environmental design
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design
Overview
- In-state: $11,274
- Out-of-state: $30,750
- WUE/Invitation to Idaho: $14,988
Explore scholarships and financial aid
*Includes Art and Architecture professional fees. See fee details in cost accordion below.
Related Topics
Shape the landscapes that connect people, communities and the natural world
Every landscape tells a story. A shaded path can make a neighborhood easier to walk. A restored stream can protect wildlife and reduce flooding. A thoughtfully designed park can give a community room to gather, play and breathe. Even the smallest choices — where water flows, which plants take root and how people move through a site — can shape how a place feels and functions for decades.
At University of Idaho, the environmental design program gives you the foundation to think like a landscape architect, environmental designer and planner. You’ll study the relationship between people and the land while learning how design, ecology, culture, community needs and long-term environmental change come together in outdoor spaces.
You’ll build skills in design principles, site analysis, technical drawing, environmental planning, land management and visual communication. In studio and field-based learning experiences, you may sketch how people move through a public space, study the slope and vegetation of a site, map environmental conditions, explore planting strategies or test ways to restore a damaged landscape. Back in the studio, you’ll turn those observations into plans, models and presentations that make your ideas visible.
Faculty mentors and classmates will challenge you to explain not only what you designed, but why it belongs on that site and whom it serves. Through critiques, hands-on projects and portfolio development, you’ll learn to balance creativity with environmental responsibility and practical problem-solving.
This pre-professional degree prepares you for careers in landscape architecture, environmental consulting, regional planning, land management, public agencies, parks, community design and related environmental fields. It also provides a seamless pathway into University of Idaho’s Master of Landscape Architecture program, allowing you to complete the professional degree required for licensure in as little as five and a half years.
This degree could be a strong fit if you:
- Notice how landscapes influence the way people move, gather and feel
- Care about protecting natural systems while meeting human needs
- Enjoy exploring places through observation, drawing, mapping or fieldwork
- Want to combine creativity with science and environmental responsibility
- You are comfortable developing ideas through feedback and revision
- You can imagine yourself designing parks, public spaces, regional systems or restored landscapes
Contributing to a greener future
Curriculum
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design will complete 124 required credits toward the degree in addition to UIdaho core requirements. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
View the sample four-year plan for this degree.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,141 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Landscape Architects
$73,100 - Urban and Regional Planners
$97,439 - Construction Managers
$105,466
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design program provides organizations and clubs to connect students, create community and help shape future leaders.
Student clubs and organizations
- Sigma Lambda Alpha Honor Society
- Student Congress of Art and Architecture
- Urban Land Institute
- International Federation of Landscape Architects
- U.S. Green Building Council
- Freedom by Design
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA)
- Idaho-Montana Chapter of ASLA
- Student Chapter of the American Association of Landscape Architects (SCASLA)
Internships
The College of Art and Architecture has strong industry connections providing internship and networking opportunities that are crucial as you establish your career.
- Professional firms in Idaho and throughout the U.S.
- National Park Service
- City and regional planning departments
- Idaho and local state parks and recreation agencies
- U.S. Forest Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Museums, zoos and interpretive centers
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
- Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.
If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Art and Architecture undergraduate program professional fees
This program includes a professional fee to support studio resources, equipment and opportunities, like field trips, that enhance your learning experience:
- All full-time undergraduate students (10-20 credits) - $725.00 per semester
- Part-time undergraduate students (1-9 credits) - $73.00 per credit
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.
Overview
- In-state: $11,274
- Out-of-state: $30,750
- WUE/Invitation to Idaho: $14,988
Explore scholarships and financial aid
*Includes Art and Architecture professional fees. See fee details in cost accordion below.
Related Topics
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
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