Earth and Spatial Sciences
Exploring Earth's systems and spaces
The Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences at University of Idaho provides a dynamic environment for studying the Earth's physical characteristics and the spatial relationships that shape our world. Our programs integrate classroom learning with immersive research, offering you opportunities to engage in cutting-edge studies in areas such as geology, geography and hydrology. Whether you're aiming for a career in environmental science, resource management or geospatial technologies, our department equips you with the knowledge and experience to succeed.
Academic programs
Our programs offer a strong foundation in earth and spatial sciences, complemented by practical experience in laboratory and field settings. For more than 100 years, we have been training leaders in geology and Earth Science with state-of-the-art labs and productive industry partnerships.
Undergraduate degrees:
- B.S. in climate change and solutions
- B.S. in earth and spatial sciences, geological sciences option
- B.S. in earth and spatial sciences, hydrology and climate option
- B.S. in earth and spatial sciences, geography and global sustainability option
- B.S. in geographical information systems
- B.S. in geology, physical geology option
- B.S. in geology, energy resiliency option
- B.S. in geology, environmental hydrogeology option
- B.S. in geology, sustainable mining and earth resource management option
- B.S. in geology, geological education option
- B.S. in geology, mining geologist option
Graduate degrees:
- M.S. in geographic information science, remote sensing application area
- M.S. in geographic information science, GIS programming application area
- M.S. in geographic information science, natural hazards and emergency planning application area
- M.S. in geographic information science, geospatial aspects of sustainable planning application area
- M.S. in geographic information science, geotechnician application area
- M.S. in geographic information science, geospatial habitat assessment application area
- M.S. in geographic information science, geospatial intelligence application area
- M.S. in geography
- M.S. in geology
- M.S. in groundwater hydrology
- Ph.D. in geology
- Ph.D. in geography
Certificates:
- Undergraduate certificate in climate change
- Graduate certificate in climate change
- Undergraduate certificate in environmental hydrology
- Undergraduate certificate in geographic information systems
- Graduate certificate in geographic information systems
Minors:
Meet our team
Faculty
Alistair Smith
Timothy Bartholomaus
Elizabeth Cassel
Jerry P. Fairley
Grant Harley
Jeffrey Hicke
Karen Humes
Jeff Langman
Felix Liao
Renee Love
Eric Mittelstaedt
Erika Rader
Bradley Ritts
Jessica Stanley
Thomas Williams
Meng Zhao
Renee Jensen-Hasfurther
Hands-on learning opportunities
The Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences offers numerous opportunities for you to gain personal experience and engage with the scientific community:
- Research projects: Participate in faculty-led research across various earth and spatial science fields.
- Internships: Gain experience with environmental agencies, research institutions and industry partners.
- Workshops and seminars: Attend events featuring guest speakers and industry professionals.