Environmental Design Bachelor of Science
Design sustainable environments
Environmental design is about more than planting trees and making gardens — it’s about creating spaces that benefit communities and ecosystems. In University of Idaho's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Design program, you’ll explore the principles of sustainable design and urban planning and use technologies like Computer-Aided Design (CAD). This pre-professional degree provides the foundation you need to pursue a career in environmental design or a master’s degree in landscape architecture.
Take the first step toward becoming a landscape architect
At University of Idaho, our environmental design program prepares you to use your creativity and skill set to enrich lives and protect the environment, all while equipping you for advanced study. Here’s how:
- Pathway to licensure: Seamlessly transition to U of I’s Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.) program, an accredited professional degree required for licensure as a landscape architect. You can complete both degrees in as few as five-and-a-half years.
- Hands-on learning: Take courses in immersive undergraduate design studios and participate in community projects and cutting-edge research.
- Flexible study options: Begin your coursework at our Boise Center before transferring to our Moscow campus or finish your entire degree in Moscow.
- Real-world experience: Leverage our strong industry network for internships with the National Park Service, state parks and professional design firms across the U.S.
- Global perspective: Expand your knowledge with study abroad opportunities in Italy and other locations.
Explore the environmental science bachelor’s degree
The environmental design program at U of I could be a good fit if you:
- Have an interest in design and environmental studies, cultural and behavioral studies, and sustainability.
- Enjoy the outdoors and want to enhance the natural environment.
- Are creative and imaginative.
- Have previously taken courses in humanities and natural and social sciences.
Curriculum and courses
The B.S. in Environmental Design degree program combines theoretical courses with practical application in hands-on design studios. Study topics like sustainable design practices and green infrastructure, urban and community planning, and plant ecology while learning to use tools such as CAD, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other digital design software.
Through the seamless M.L.A. curriculum, you can start graduate-level coursework during your senior year of the environmental design major. This allows you to work toward your master’s degree and complete your undergraduate degree simultaneously, saving time and money while preparing for professional licensure.
As an environmental design major, you'll gain versatile design skills and foundational knowledge that prepare you to contribute to projects improving natural and built environments. You could work for professional design firms, government agencies like the National Park Service or non-profit organizations.
Further education is essential to become a licensed landscape architect. You can pursue licensure as a landscape architect with University of Idaho’s seamless M.L.A. program. This degree opens doors to leadership roles, higher earning potential and more opportunities to improve outdoor spaces through thoughtful design.
The College of Art and Architecture (CAA) awards more than $42,000 in scholarships each year. Learn more about scholarships.
To provide you with resources like design studios, advanced equipment and student group support, CAA charges a Professional Fee. Fee costs are:
- All full-time students (10-20 credits) - $716.00 per semester
- Part-time undergraduate students (1-9 credits) - $72.00 per credit
- Part-time graduate students - $80.00 per credit (does not exceed $716)
Join student organizations that help you build connections, complete real-world projects and enhance your experience in the environmental design major:
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA)
- Freedom by Design
- International Federation of Landscape Architects
- Sigma Lambda Alpha Honor Society
- Student Chapter of the American Association of Landscape Architects (SCASLA)
- Student Congress of Art & Architecture
- Urban Land Institute
- U.S. Green Building Council
Discover Other Opportunities »
Environmental design internships
Internships are a crucial part of launching your career. Through the College of Art and Architecture’s strong industry connections, you can gain practical experience and build a professional network while working with organizations like:
- Bureau of Land Management
- Idaho State Parks and Recreation
- Local Parks and Recreation agencies
- Museums, Zoos and Interpretive Centers
- National Park Service
- Professional firms in Idaho and throughout the U.S.
- U.S. Forest Service
Applying to University of Idaho is simple. Start your journey in environmental design by reviewing our general admission requirements for all student types.
Ready to apply?
Request more information about environmental design
Have questions?
You can shape the future of our landscapes and communities. Contact us to learn more about University of Idaho’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design program.