If you’ve biked Downtown Boise, hiked Table Rock, or have taken a spin on one of Boise’s electric bikes, then you’re already appreciating this city’s outstanding sustainability efforts.
As Idaho’s capital and epicenter of everything that’s cool about this midwestern state, Boise is home to beautiful spaces, loads of accolades (it’s been ranked among the top cities for raising a family, retiring, staying healthy, and more), and outstanding initiatives and programs that ensure the beauty and health of Boise remain for generations to come.
One of the big game changers in Boise’s sustainability efforts is Sustainable Boise, a citywide initiative that’s focused on everything from energy efficiency to air quality to water conservation to waste management. Most recently, Boise committed to 100% clean energy by 2035– the first city in Idaho to do so.
Whether your interests lie in grassroots advocacy, public policy, sustainable architecture, or one of the countless other fields in sustainability, Idaho has an opportunity for you. With the right degree and training by your side, you can become part of this state’s exciting sustainability efforts.
Sustainability Jobs Available in Idaho with the Right Degree
Organizations and agencies in sustainability are alive and well in Idaho, providing aspiring sustainability professionals like you with superb opportunities in private industry, nonprofits, and grassroots advocacy groups.
The Idaho Chapter of the Sierra Club works to promote the conservation of Idaho’s natural environment through public policy and grassroots efforts. The Idaho Chapter is one of 64 Sierra Club Chapters throughout the country working to protect the state’s wildlands and endangered species.
The Idaho Center for Sustainable Agriculture promotes sustainable food communities by working alongside farmers and local food distributors. Other areas of action within this nonprofit include advocacy for sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and health soils.
The Idaho Conservation League, which has offices in Boise, Sandpoint and Ketchum, is a conservation community that has been protecting the wilderness and public lands, preserving natural resources, and advocating for energy efficiency and conservation for more than 40 years.
Professionals in sustainability in Idaho enjoy competitive salaries and a variety of exciting career opportunities. According to 2018 statistics from the BLS, environmental engineers in Idaho earned an average salary of $96,870, while environmental scientists earned less, at $60,470, along with conservation scientists, at $66,510.
Master’s in Sustainability Available Through Schools in Idaho
Idaho’s options in sustainability master’s degrees are as abundant as this state’s green initiatives. These programs are generally aimed at a specific area within sustainability, thereby providing professionals like you with the focused course of education you need to advance your career.
Architecture
The University of Idaho offers a variety of master’s degrees in sustainable architecture, including a Master’s in Architecture, a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, an MS in Bioregional Planning and Community Design, and an MS in Integrated Architecture and Design. All of these programs are offered through the College of Art and Architecture, which contains the Urban Design Center, home to beautiful studio spaces in which students engage in exciting projects.
Sustainable Development
The University of Idaho’s Master of Natural Resources is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes ecology, tools and technology and planning and society. You’ll be able to specialize your master’s with your choice of concentration in integrated natural resources, fire ecology & management, or environmental education and science communication.
Policy
Boise State University’s Master of Public Administration features your choice of concentration in environmental, natural resources and energy policy administration, state and local government policy and administration, or general public administration and exciting hands-on opportunities through the Public Policy Center.
Technology
Idaho State University offers an MS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Environmental Engineering, both of which offer your choice of focus area in geotechnical engineering, hydraulics/water resources engineering, structural/earthquake engineering, or environmental engineering. These programs are offered through the Department of Civil Engineering, which is home to an experienced faculty, a small student-to-faculty ratio, and a higher than national average pass rate on the Fundamental of Engineering examination.
Sustainability Bachelor Degree Programs in Idaho
Bachelor’s programs in sustainability in Idaho are the ideal foundation for building a career in sustainability. The University of Idaho is undoubtedly the leader in undergraduate programs in sustainability in Idaho. This major Idaho university offers programs in environmental soil science, horticulture and urban agriculture, water science and management, sustainable food systems, and more.
Online Sustainability Degrees Offered Through Schools in Idaho
With a shift toward programs that are designed for adult learners and other non-traditional learners, online sustainability programs in Idaho and across the nation are more accessible than ever.
The University of Idaho is a leader in online learning, offering a variety of natural resources and environmental science master’s programs online.
