Think geologists only study rocks? Think again. Today's geoscientists utilize a variety of tools and disciplines in their quest to understand scientific issues like the formation and changes of our planet, the effects of shrinking glaciers on the oceans and climate, alternative energy sources, and much more. As a student in this program, you will explore the geological processes of the earth, the effect of erosion and deposition, and the formation and uses of rocks and minerals. You will also learn methods for locating, preserving and protecting natural resources like groundwater, metals and petroleum. Students in this program can focus their studies on general geology, hydrology, environmental geology, resource exploration, structural geology and tectonics, or geological education.

Microbes are exceedingly small organisms. Microbiologists study the biology of organisms so small they require specialized equipment, microscopes, just to visualize them. Microbes are very important for technologies that help us, but are also significant pathogens of humans, livestock, and plants. In this program, you will explore the fundamental biological principles of microorganisms. You will study concepts in evolution, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, physiology, disease and more. You will develop your investigative skills, with hands-on research experiences both in the laboratory and out in the field. The program is excellent preparation for advanced degree programs in biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, food science, or agriculture.

Today’s justice system relies on forensic scientists to help investigate and evaluate important information and evidence in crimes, accidents and other legal situations. This program provides you with the chemistry foundation, analytical skills and laboratory experiences to pursue a career in the crime lab. Coursework provides an understanding of the properties of chemicals and other substances, how they interact with each other, the changes they undergo, and the natural laws that cause these changes. The program emphasizes laboratory research with opportunities to apply your chemistry knowledge to solve problems in a variety of settings.

From research and development of new technology and products, to financial analysis for businesses, to teaching in the classroom, the opportunities for math majors are as exciting as they are diverse. In this program, you will build advanced problem-solving and quantitative reasoning skills that are valued in a number of professions. Depending on your career goals, you may learn how to apply your math skills to design and analyze experiments, develop technology, research scientific phenomena, operate successful business and much more. The program offers special opportunities to engage in math-related research and to participate in the Mathematical Association of America Putnam Examination, the most prestigious mathematics competition in the nation.

How do changes in the physical landscape affect society, the environment, political and economic systems, and other important issues facing our world? As a geography student, you will gain knowledge in digital mapping, statistics and field methods to help answer that question. You will study human-environment interactions and learn geospatial technologies like Geographical/Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, remote sensing and computational analysis. Graduates of this program are prepared to apply their geographic knowledge and technical skills to address problems related to global climate change, regional planning and development, natural resources and much more.

Anything you touch, smell or see contains natural or man-made chemicals. Chemists study these chemicals – and they invent new ones – to create new medicines, build stronger and safer materials, find new sources of energy, and much more. In this program, you will gain an understanding the properties of chemicals and other substances, how they interact with each other, the changes they undergo, and the natural laws that cause these changes. You will develop strong research skills and learn how to apply your chemistry knowledge to solve problems in areas like medicine, energy, national security, food production and preservation, the environment and manufacturing. In addition to the general program, the degree options are available in forensic science, pre-med, and professional.

Statisticians play a crucial role anywhere data is used. Their skills are valued in business, government, natural resources, medicine and many other fields. In this interdisciplinary program, you will develop the mathematical and statistical tools to design and analyze experiments, plan and interpret surveys, and study relationship variables in the social, physical and biological arenas. Many students combine knowledge in statistics with a major in another subject, such as business or science, greatly enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.

The impact humans have exerted on earth is the core of what makes up the Earth and Spatial Sciences, and much of society’s most pressing needs calls for professionals in the evolved geological and geographic sciences. With a basis in climatology, hydrology, sustainability, geography and environment, you will be prepared to enter into a profession that can lead the way in solving those problems. Your time in the program cumulates in a senior capstone experience that includes field work and work collecting, integrating and interpreting data and observations. Take your knowledge with you into a career as a geographer, geologist, hydrologist or geographic information scientist in support of resource extraction, conservation and restoration that is crucial to the health of the state of Idaho and the nation.

Anything you touch, smell or see contains natural or man-made chemicals. Chemists study these chemicals – and they invent new ones – to create new medicines, build stronger and safer materials, find new sources of energy, and much more. In this program, you will gain an understanding the properties of chemicals and other substances, how they interact with each other, the changes they undergo, and the natural laws that cause these changes. You will develop strong research skills and learn how to apply your chemistry knowledge to solve problems in areas like medicine, energy, national security, food production and preservation, the environment and manufacturing. In addition to the general program, the degree options are available in forensic science, pre-med, and professional.

Transform an idea into a viable business. In this program, you will study entrepreneurship and the process of getting innovative ideas into the marketplace. You will learn how to recognize, create and commercialize business opportunities, analyze business feasibility, develop solid business plans and find and secure sources of start-up funds. Successful entrepreneurs have a strong understanding of all areas of business. The College of Business and Economics curriculum is to "learn business by doing business" throughout all four years. Our learning environment encourages our students is to focus on their major study, but also engaging in several hands-on learning opportunities that will prepare them to become outstanding leaders after graduation.

In this program, you will learn how decisions made by consumers, firms and governments about the use of resources — like time and money — affect business. You will study economic factors that all businesses face, like supply and demand, inflation, international trade, unemployment, and governmental policies. As a business economics major, you will develop strong critical thinking, analytical and research skills. You will also build a solid foundation in all areas of business — including marketing, finance and management — through several hands on learning programs that give students the opportunity to learn business by doing business.

In today’s global marketplace, economics and finance go hand-in-hand. When you pursue this option, you will explore how economic drivers — like economic growth, inflation and market regulations affect financial markets. You will develop a broad understanding of business economics, with a special focus on the financial aspects of the field. You will also have opportunities to learn firsthand about the financial world through hands-on learning programs such as the Barker Capital Management and Trading program — where you can invest real money, manage funded portfolios and practice using the latest trade technologies. As a business economics major, you will develop strong critical thinking, analytical and research skills. When you choose the finance option, you will study finance in more depth than other economics majors.

This program provides a wide-reaching course of study that shapes educators who can guide families and individuals in making informed life decisions. From human development and food science to personal finance and child and family development, you will explore diverse topics and prepare for a career addressing the complex issues facing individuals, families and communities. You will experience hands-on learning in the foods lab and child development lab and choose a focus area that suits your interests and career goals in preparation for a people-centered profession. If working with others and helping citizens in your community thrive is appealing to you, then a degree in family and consumer sciences is the right choice.

All health and health-related professional programs require a university degree and the Medical Sciences degree is specifically designed to prepare students to be highly successful in these follow-on programs. However, it is also very good preparation for the student interested in a biomedical research career. In the Medical Sciences program, you will take a comprehensive range of coursework in fundamental concepts of biology, critical thinking, leadership and professional conduct, psychology, global and cultural competence and biomedical specialty areas. There is scope for hands-on research experience and internships within the local community that could be valuable assets in future professional programs. This program is excellent preparation for a health professional program such as medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology or radiology.

The challenges associated with both human-induced climate change and natural climate variability call for professionals that are well-versed in environmental sciences and natural resources management, and students of the Climate Change and Solutions program are primed to address and mitigate those challenges. You will gain the expertise needed for this field with a diverse blend of geography, geology and climate change courses that explore water availability, human migration, climate-driven natural disasters and geopolitical and economic security. Students gain exposure to real-world climate mitigation solutions and will have the climate change, programming and data analytics background necessary for careers in climatology, land management agencies, non-government organizations and other similar fields.