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.