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College of Natural Resources

Physical Address:
975 W. 6th Street
Moscow, Idaho

Mailing Address:
875 Perimeter Drive MS 1138
Moscow, ID 83844-1138

Phone: 208-885-8981

Fax: 208-885-5534

Email: cnr@uidaho.edu

Web: College of Natural Resources

Directions

Environmental Science

Undergraduate Depth Areas by Emphasis

To develop expertise in this area, you will take four courses from at least two depth areas during your junior and senior years.

 

    Culture & Communication

    • Environmental Writing
    • American Environmental History
    • Environmental Literature & Cultures
    • Environmental Hydrology
    • Water Shed Science & Management
    • Philosophy, Politics, & Economics

    Ecological Restoration

    • Public Involvement Natural Resources Management
    • Climate Change & Society
    • Land, Resources & Environment
    • Principles of Environmental Toxicology
    • Foundations of Economic Analysis
    • Management & Communication of Science Data

    Integrated Sciences

    • Physical Geology & Lab
    • The Soil Ecosystem
    • Principles of Chemistry & Lab
    • Probability & Statistics
    • Tribal Sovereignty and Federal Policy
    • Introduction to Spatial Analysis NR Management


    Policy, Planning, & Management

    • International Environmental Organizations
    • Law, Ethics, & the Environment
    • LIDAR & Optical Remote Sensing Analysis
    • Management & Communication of Scientific Data
    • NR & Ecosystem Service Economics
    • Environmental Communication Skills

    Sustainability Science (Online only)

    • Mathematics, Physics, & Statistics
    • Social Dimensions
    • Sustainability Science
    • Management Tools
    • Geospatial Tools
    • Water & Soils
    • Environmental Policy & Regulations
    • Energy Systems
    • Restoration & Remediation

    Program Administration

    Lee Vierling, Ph.D.
    University Distinguished Professor,
    Director of the Environmental Science Program and
    Department Head, Natural Resources and Society
    Email: leev@uidaho.edu 
    Phone: 208-885-7911

    Jamie Jessup
    Administrative Assistant
    Environmental Science
    Email: jessup@uidaho.edu
    Phone: 208-885-6113

    Program Requirements

    EnvS 101 Introduction to Environmental Science (freshman standing)

    This course provides an introduction to basic principles in the biological, physical, and social science areas of environmental science.

    EnvS 102 Field Activities in Environmental Science (freshman standing)

    Freshman students visit 10 field sites that are of interest to environmental scientists.

    EnvS 225 International Environmental Issues (sophomore standing)

    Sophomores explore issues from a global perspective. The course focuses on various social and physical issues related to the environment and natural resources using human population dynamics as a backdrop.

    EnvS 400 Environmental Science Seminar (junior standing)

    Juniors analyze advanced environmental topics using the scientific knowledge they have acquired in the previous two years of study. The course includes numerous guest speakers, readings, and discussion.

    EnvS 497 Senior Practicum (senior standing)

    In their senior year students work individually to do primary research (thesis), or work in a team to complete a project. The course includes preparation of a research proposal, poster, formal presentation and written thesis or report based on research or project conducted with a faculty member. Research addresses an environmental problem using laboratory, field, or library techniques. Students get one-on-one contact with faculty members and develop their public speaking, interviewing and research skills. This capstone class readies students for the job market or graduate studies. Alumni often comment that this class was extremely valuable in getting the job they wanted.

    For detailed information, please visit the catalog description for this degree and its options.

    Career Guide

    Many careers focus on the protection of the environment and/or human health, such as:

    • Environmental Analyst
    • Environmental Scientist
    • Environmental Specialist
    • Environmental Compliance Officer
    • Environmental Program Coordinator
    • Environmental Health & Safety Specialist
    • Environmental Protection Specialist

    Environmental Consultant
    Analyze business or government practices and make recommendations on how to reduce their environmental impact and comply with environmental regulations. Some consultants advise on a wide variety of topics, while others specialize in areas such as water quality or waste management.

    Environmental Remediation/Restoration Planner
    Use your knowledge of the natural sciences to assess polluted or degraded areas and develop plans to reclaim the land and waters or return them to their natural state.

    Sustainability Specialist
    Work with business managers to help their organizations adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. This often involves changes in energy operations, waste management, water resources, and building design.

    Environmental Policy Analyst
    Advise business and government leaders on cultural trends – e.g., consumer trends of buying sustainably harvested wood or organic produce - and assist them in setting goals to establish environmentally responsible practices that balance environmental and economic concerns.

    With environmental science training you can also become a(n)  

    Environmental Outreach Coordinator
    Develop strategies to increase public involvement in environmental sustainability efforts through outreach and marketing activities aimed at the general public, students, professional organizations, and more.

    Environmental Lawyer
    Work with clients to resolve disputes relating to a wide range of environmental issues – e.g., contamination, water rights, conservation – or help them implement sustainability initiatives within their organizations.

    Research Scientist
    Join government or university research programs exploring such topics as the drivers of climate change, biofuel production, contaminant remediation, and more.

    Educator
    Teach science at the K-12 level or become an environmental educator, teaching children and adults about their environment and how they can help keep it healthy.

    Contact Us

    College of Natural Resources

    Physical Address:
    975 W. 6th Street
    Moscow, Idaho

    Mailing Address:
    875 Perimeter Drive MS 1138
    Moscow, ID 83844-1138

    Phone: 208-885-8981

    Fax: 208-885-5534

    Email: cnr@uidaho.edu

    Web: College of Natural Resources

    Directions