Geology | Environmental hydrogeology option
Bachelor of Science
Study what’s under the surface
Gathering rock samples and searching for dinosaur tracks in Utah’s Hurricane Valley. Researching glaciers in Iceland. Uncovering evidence of volcanic splatter on Mars.
As a geology student, the world is your lab. Your research can take you from Alaska to Bolivia to New Zealand and beyond. You’ll spend three weeks at field school camping, hiking, exploring formations and identifying rock samples. Many students join our internationally recognized faculty on research trips to destinations like Iceland and Hawaii. Building off a 100-year tradition of training leaders, our program is among the top-ranked for quality and value in the nation.
By pursuing the geology environmental hydrogeology option, you’ll be ready to meet the need for geoscientists who know how to protect groundwater and can make informed decisions on wells, pumps, drains and the restoration of waterways following land use. You’ll learn how groundwater moves through soil and rocks, including aquifers, and the chemical and thermal interactions of the water.
View the sample four-year plan for this degree.
Overview
Science rocks
Degree fit
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy the outdoors
- Are curious about the natural world
- Care about our planet
- Like to solve problems
- Enjoy studying math and the natural sciences
Career outcomes
Current job openings
514 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
$100,043 - Conservation Scientists
$76,552 - Natural Sciences Managers • Water Resource Specialists
$152,874 - Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
$66,952 - Hydrologists
$89,685
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, getting help and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. Additionally, we offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background, and academic programs that students can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Field trips and hands-on lab work
- Geological sciences seminar series
Clubs
- College of Science Ambassadors
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.