Environmental science

The Environmental Science M.S. is a 30-credit interdisciplinary graduate program combining advanced coursework, research and applied environmental learning experiences.

Rather than requiring every student to follow the same course sequence, you'll develop a study plan with your advisor and build depth in one of three areas:

Biological science

Study environmental systems through the biological sciences, with opportunities to investigate living systems, ecosystems and biological processes.

Physical science

Build expertise in the physical processes that shape environmental systems and environmental change.

Social science

Examine environmental challenges through social science, including the human dimensions of environmental systems and environmental decision-making.

Regardless of your primary area, you'll develop interdisciplinary breadth by completing graduate-level coursework in the other two areas. The curriculum also requires a graduate research methods or statistics course which provides a foundation in environmental research and professional development.

Environmental science research experience

Research is central to the program. Thesis students complete at least six credits of master's research and thesis. Non-thesis students complete three credits of non-thesis master's research. In both pathways, the research component is a substantial project demonstrating your ability to conduct rigorous independent work.

Learn more about the Environmental Science Program.

Check out the environmental science curriculum to learn more.

2026-27 environmental science program costs 

All online students pay the same flat $649 per-credit rate regardless of residency status, enrollment level or academic term for this 30 credit program. An additional $35 per-credit web-based course fee also applies. Out-of-state students taking in-person classes pay nonresident tuition and fees.

• Online, cost per credit: $649 + $35 per-credit web-based course fee

This rate includes tuition for environmental science course enrollment. Some courses may require additional fees.

Students enrolled in the on-campus environmental science program in Moscow or Coeur d’Alene pay standard University of Idaho graduate tuition and fees based on residency status, enrollment level and academic term.

• On-campus, full-time in-state per academic year: $11,796
• On-campus, full-time out-of-state per academic year: $31,272

Courses taken outside of the environmental science curriculum are billed separately at the university’s standard online or in-person tuition rates, depending on the course format.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Employer tuition assistance

Many companies provide tuition assistance as part of their employee benefits package. Explore your company's website or engage in a conversation with your manager or human resources department to inquire about the availability of tuition assistance for your professional development.

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.

Environmental Science program contact:
Jaap Vos
jvos@uidaho.edu
208-885-1505

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 interdisciplinary graduate program’s faculty page.

Find Environmental Science faculty advisor contacts

Applicants for the M.S. in environmental science program must meet the degree-specific admission requirements below:

Program availability

• Concentration: thesis and non-thesis
• Semester intake: Summer, Fall, Spring
  • Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
• Open to international applicants
• Deadlines: general application deadlines
• Start dates:
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. 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.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Other requirements: Acceptance into this research-based thesis program is contingent upon faculty who agree to serve as primary advisor. You must identify and contact faculty who are researching in the narrow focus area you are interested in pursuing to determine their level of interest in becoming your advisor. Only contact faculty with research in your primary interest. This requirement does not apply to the non-thesis option.
• 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: $50

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.

Applicants seeking admission to the thesis concentration are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the Environmental Science Affiliate faculty list to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.

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.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.

As an environmental science student, you learn from core faculty who guide the interdisciplinary curriculum and research mission of the program. These faculty members represent expertise across the natural sciences, social sciences, policy, and applied environmental problem solving.

You are taught by scholars whose work spans topics such as climate science, ecology, land and water systems, environmental governance, sustainability, and human environment interactions.

• Jaap Vos, Professor of Planning and Natural Resources
• David Roon, Associate Director of Environmental Science

Environmental Science Core Faculty

• Jennifer Ladino, Professor of English
• Jerrold A. Long, Professor of Law
• Rula Awwad-Rafferty, Chair of Design and Environment
• Romuald K. Afatchao, Professor & Associate Director of the Martin Institute
• Brant G. Miller, Professor, Curriculum and Instruction
• Amin Mirkouei, Associate Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Management
• Zachary E. Kayler, Assistant Professor, Soil and Water Systems
• Meng Zhao, Assistant Professor, Earth and Spatial Sciences

Additional faculty support

Environmental science students are also supported by about 75 affiliate faculty from across all nine colleges, strengthening the program’s interdisciplinary reach. These faculty span the university, bringing interdisciplinary expertise in policy, water science, energy systems and related fields. As a student, you benefit from abroad network of expertise, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives, methodologies and applied research.

Find environmental sciences faculty advisors