Environmental education and science communication
Certificate, graduate
Overview
- Cost: $23,092
Turn research into engagement
The environmental education and science communication graduate certificate program is designed for motivated Ph.D./M.S. students who wish to diversify their skill set and broaden the impact of their graduate work.
This interdisciplinary program integrates coursework in environmental education, science communication and related fields, preparing graduates for career advancement in education, outreach and public engagement within environmental and scientific organizations.
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are already enrolled in a graduate degree program.
- Want to enhance your degree by gaining powerful hands-on experiences.
- Are excited to join a collaborative community of diverse learners.
- See your future as part of a professional network of scientists, researchers and leaders.
Graduate residents at the McCall Field Campus gain valuable professional experience and skills through coursework and a hands-on, field-based teaching practicum.
The practicum is conducted outdoors year-round, requiring graduate students to be prepared for all weather conditions. As part of the program, students will use Ponderosa State Park, which surrounds the McCall Field Campus, as their outdoor classroom.
Turn your research into connection and action
Curriculum
You will take a combination of ecology, leadership and teaching courses with the environmental education and science communication graduate certificate.
Learning outcomes include:
- Applying principles of ethical leadership and engagement to advance and sustain local and global communities.
- Acquiring and conveying intended meaning with various methods of communication that demonstrate respect and understanding in a complex society.
- Planning and delivering inclusive, student-centered place-based instruction.
View the online environmental education and science communication graduate handbook
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,909 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Postsecondary Environmental Science Teachers
$87,482 - Environmental Restoration Planners
$92,730 - Natural Sciences Managers
$153,637 - Conservation Scientists • Park Naturalists
$76,794 - Biological Technicians
$55,143
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
2026-27 environmental education and science certificate program costs
All students enrolled in the environmental education and science certificate program pay the same flat tuition rate of $23,092 for the program, regardless of residency status, enrollment level or academic term.
Courses taken outside of the environmental education and science curriculum are billed separately at the university’s standard online or in-person tuition rates, depending on the course format.
Financial aid
U of I certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships. Financial aid and scholarships are available only to students enrolled in graduate degree programs.
For more information or to explore funding options for your education, visit Financial Aid or contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Program Coordinator, McCall Field Campus
Leslie Dorsey
ldsorsey@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions contact
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu,
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the environmental education and science communication graduate certificate program must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Semester intake: Fall
- Not eligible for international students who require F-1 status
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Concentration: Non-thesis
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
- Transcript requirements: Bachelor’s degree transcript, along with any graduate-level transcripts, are required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for the initial admission review and admission offer. Official transcripts will be required upon admission. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- Letters of recommendation: not required
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose may be required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or whose undergraduate degree is in a significantly different field from the graduate program to which they are applying
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application fee: $30
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
For more information, check the Graduate Certificate page.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
- Cost: $23,092
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Leslie Dorsey
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Why earn your environmental education and science communication certificate?
Scientific knowledge only creates impact when people understand it. University of Idaho’s Environmental Education and Science Communication graduate certificate prepares you to communicate complex environmental and scientific topics through education, outreach and public engagement. Through interdisciplinary coursework in science communication, leadership, place-based education and ecology, you’ll build the skills to connect communities with environmental science and natural resource issues.
- Develop science communication and environmental education skills grounded in real-world application.
- Learn how to engage diverse audiences through storytelling, outreach and place-based education.
- Build leadership and teaching experience through hands-on environmental education opportunities.
- Study environmental communication, ecology and community engagement in an interdisciplinary learning environment.
- Prepare for careers in environmental education, science communication, outreach, interpretation and public engagement.