School Details
The University of Idaho is a research-driven, innovative institution with a history rooted in agriculture, engineering, and military sciences. Founded in 1889, it serves as Idaho’s land-grant research university. The university offers a comprehensive range of more than 300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, with a strong commitment to shaping the future through innovative thinking, community engagement, and transformative education.
The university places emphasis on providing access to a unique educational experience that fosters problem-solving skills and lifelong learning, complemented by a strong foundation in the liberal arts. The University of Idaho’s commitment to excellence, respect, integrity, perseverance, and sustainability fosters leadership and prepares students for a lifetime of service.
The university also offers online degree programs through Independent Study in Idaho. These online degrees allow students to work at their own pace, within the limits set by course instructors, with the option to start anytime and complete courses within a year.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Idaho is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
All Programs
Business
The University of Idaho features a Master of Public Administration degree online. This is a professional graduate degree that is meant to be terminal. Graduates are prepared for careers in public governance and management. The primary focus is placed on local and community government, but the degree can also be used for other interests, including state, federal, international, and nonprofit organizations.
The curriculum provides the knowledge and skills needed to serve the public interest. You will learn about developing and implementing solutions to public sector problems and about delivering public goods and services. Coursework supplies hands-on experiences and opportunities to network with town and community leaders.
Computer Science & IT
Enroll in this online GIS degree and advance professional opportunities. Study the Earth and the ways in which humans interact with it. This program prepares students to solve spatial and temporal problems. Develop skills applicable to the collection, integration, analysis, and illustration of data for solving these problems.
While earning these online geography degree programs students are able to choose over half of the courses needed. Only two courses are chosen for the student.
Enroll in this online GIS degree and advance professional opportunities. Study the Earth and the ways in which humans interact with it. This program prepares students to solve spatial and temporal problems. Develop skills applicable to the collection, integration, analysis, and illustration of data for solving these problems.
While earning these online geography degree programs you are able to balance your career, education, and other obligations. Earn a degree without commuting to campus, saving time and money.
The online MS in Computer Science degree program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to participate in the discussion and development of advanced computer concepts and applications in science, engineering, business, academia, and in everyday life. This program offers both a thesis and non-thesis option.
Enroll in this online GIS degree and advance professional opportunities. This program explores the science of space and place. As you take advanced GIS courses you will explore such topics as:
- Remote sensing
- GIS programming
- Natural hazards and emergency planning
Sub-disciplines of geology are also present in this online geography master’s degree. You can choose from seven different specialties as you prepare for a career in the natural resources and energy field, environmental geology, earth science education, and more.
Benefit from access to professional research laboratories. You will choose between thesis and non-thesis options.
Education
Climb the career ladder with this online degree curriculum and instruction. This program emphasizes teacher education. Teachers learn strategies to enhance their careers and the dynamic of their classrooms. Graduates work in public or private institutions and are able to blend theories and strategies with instructional technologies for proper instruction in the curriculum they teach. Before graduation, students can choose from three master projects.
The University of Idaho offers an online Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. With this program, students learn effective ways to fill the role of principal, superintendent, or administrator. The program offers an established community of professionals for further knowledge and mindset in the area of leadership in education.
With this online masters in curriculum and instruction, students prepare to become effective educators and instructors across many grades and types of people. Students are taught to celebrate diversity through curriculum and connections with their students. The curriculum explores many different technologies and methods for using these strategies effectively.
There are numerous benefits to this online degree in curriculum and instruction. You will learn from faculty who are active leaders in educational research and dedicated to teaching the latest insights to their students. While you can study wherever you live, you will still have the opportunity to collaborate with students from all over the world.
In addition to this general curriculum and instruction degree, you may choose an emphasis on either Career and Technical Education or Teacher Certification.
Help students succeed while simultaneously ensuring your own success with this online adult education degree. With the Career and Technical Education emphasis, you will become a stronger leader and curriculum planner. Graduates work in professional education programs. Students are taught to celebrate diversity and address differences in the classroom, planning and administering district-wide curriculum, utilizing various teaching models, and more.
There are numerous benefits to this online adult education degree. You will learn from faculty who are active leaders in educational research and dedicated to teaching the latest insights to their students. While you can study wherever you live, you will still have the opportunity to collaborate with students from all over the world.
In addition to this emphasis, you may choose a general curriculum and instruction degree or complete an emphasis in Teacher Certification.
Enroll in this master’s in secondary education online degree and advance professional opportunities. With the Teacher Certification emphasis, you will work toward secondary teaching certification. The curriculum builds off of your previous experience working with students in grades 6-12, further advancing your knowledge in planning and administering curriculum, utilizing various teaching models, addressing differences in the classroom, and more.
There are numerous benefits to earning this secondary education degree online. You will learn from faculty who are active leaders in educational research and dedicated to teaching the latest insights to their students. While you can study wherever you live, you will still have the opportunity to collaborate with students from all over the world.
In addition to this emphasis, you may choose a general curriculum and instruction degree or complete an emphasis on Career and Technical Education.
Get ready for a leadership role with this online master’s in education administration. Students of this program learn about changes in the school system today and how to be at the forefront of theory and research to be part of the solution. Become a principal, superintendent, program administrator, or classroom educator. This program offers an online community for students to collaborate on this important role they play in the education arena. At the same time, the online nature of this online education administration degree allows you the flexibility to study wherever it is convenient.
Study such topics as safe and healthy play, sports, and activities with this online physical education degree. The focus is on physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, which is something very important in the world today as many children prefer video games and screens over outdoor play.
There are numerous benefits to earning this physical education degree online. For example, you can study wherever it is convenient without coming to campus daily. At the same time, there is a small student-to-faculty ratio which allows students to interact closely with faculty.
Prepare to begin or further a career working with a growing part of the student population through this online special education degree. With this program, students can seek positions of employment successfully because they learn so much knowledge about children with special needs and disabilities. Students learn about the disorders but also about teaching students with them so they can be effective learners as they grow.
Students can study wherever it is convenient without coming to campus daily. At the same time, you will have opportunities to network with others in this field.
Become a leader in the educational field. With this online adult education degree, you will learn to lead and teach professional development and training programs. The curriculum ensures students know how to foster healthy organizational growth and transform strategic thinking.
This online adult education degree is flexible. Study wherever it is convenient and customize your degree to fit your interests and goals.
Engineering
This is a non-thesis online civil engineering degree that prepares students to work in a variety of engineering areas. The curriculum covers environmental and sanitary engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics and water resource engineering, structural engineering and structural mechanics, and transportation engineering. Courses may include:
- Open Channel Hydraulics
- River Restoration
- Rock Mechanics
- Seepage and Slope Stability
- Engineering Statics
This program is available on campus and online. Online courses offer the flexibility students need to earn a degree without commuting to school.
The online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering program involves the application of the principles of electrical engineering and computer science to benefit society. Students will learn to design and use digital computers for instrumentation, control, communication, and power conversion systems as they study digital hardware design, digital systems design, computer systems, and other related areas. Graduates will have an in-depth knowledge of the field and the ability to use the results of applied research and other existing information necessary to either carry an engineering project from the conceptual through the design and production phases or perform advanced laboratory or computer simulation studies and appropriately and accurately analyze and interpret results.
This non-thesis online electrical engineering degree program prepares students to work with the application of electrical phenomena for the benefit of society. The curriculum teaches students how to design and use circuits and systems for computers, instruments, communication devices, and power conversion equipment. Areas of emphasis include supercomputing, microwaves, communication systems, electromagnetics, control systems, signal analysis, network synthesis, digital systems design, and electrical power systems.
Benefit from the opportunity to work on practical research projects with faculty. These research projects are both vital to the industry and prepare you for a future in an area of interest.
Explore the analytical, technical, and human resource aspects of managing in technical environments with an online engineering management degree. This program is designed for professionals moving from technical engineering specialties to technical management responsibilities. It integrates business and management courses to prepare engineers for extensive management responsibilities. Bridge the gap between engineering and business. Gain leadership skills and business knowledge, organization insights, and communication skills to become a proficient manager and leader of projects, operations, organizations, and people.
This non-thesis online mechanical engineering degree is designed for engineers with industrial experience. Become a project manager or project engineer in industrial settings. Topics covered include:
- Mechanics and Materials Science
- Dynamic Systems
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer
- Thermodynamics and Energy
- Manufacturing and Energy Management
The curriculum provides diverse research experience. You will have the opportunity to work with faculty in industry-sponsored research.
This online computer engineering degree involves the application of the principles of electrical engineering and computer science to benefit society. Learn to lead the discussion and development of advanced computer concepts and applications in science, engineering, business, the academic environment, and everyday life. You will learn to design and use digital computers as you learn about the limitations of the field. Graduates are able to apply methodological and inspired approaches to overcome these obstacles.
There are both thesis and non-thesis options. Both of these are available online, allowing you to earn a degree without commuting.
This online electrical engineering degree program, which requires a thesis, prepares students to work with the application of electrical phenomena for the benefit of society. The curriculum teaches students how to design and use circuits and systems for computers, instruments, communication devices, and power conversion equipment. Areas of emphasis include supercomputing, microwaves, communication systems, electromagnetics, control systems, signal analysis, network synthesis, digital systems design, and electrical power systems.
Learn to apply your knowledge to develop complex electrical solutions for computers, power conversion, and more. You will be able to learn all of this without commuting to campus each day.
Jumpstart your career with this online engineering degree. Prepare to work in an industry that combines geology and engineering. You will work in a professional discipline that relies on the use of geologic conditions and implications to:
- Design and construct civil and mining projects
- Evaluate and mitigate natural and human-caused geologic hazards
- Explore and develop mineral and energy resources
This program is flexible. Not only can you choose where to study but you can also choose between thesis and non-thesis program options.
Math & Science
Make a difference with this online environmental science degree. Climate change is becoming an increasing problem that more and more people are becoming aware of. This brings the need for environmental scientists. Prepare to help meet this need with this certificate.
Flexibility is key to this degree. There is only one required course and a large variety of electives from which to choose the other courses. While no track is required, there are three areas of emphasis available. These are:
- Climate Change (Human and Natural Systems)
- Climate Change and Energy/Society
- Climate Change and Biophysical Impacts
Learn to solve natural resource management problems as you earn this online environmental science degree. You will also be able to integrate technical “field” knowledge with analytical skills. Study ecological processes, such as human impacts that influence ecosystem change, and the future sustainability of natural resources. Graduates are able to achieve natural resource-related objectives.
This is a flexible degree with no required courses. Choose all of your courses from a plethora of options.
With all of the climate changes we are experiencing, environmental scientists are now more important than ever. Prepare to fulfill this need with an online environmental science degree that dives deep into global climate challenges and problems. You will not just learn about climate change problems, but you will also learn about mitigation solutions.
This degree is flexible with only one required course. The others are chosen by you from a variety of options.
Prepare to solve complex issues facing fire management with an online forestry degree. This program includes courses in the concepts, science, and tools used in fire ecology and management. Graduates will have met the requirements required for federal employment.
This forestry online degree can easily be combined with a Master of Natural Resources, Master of Science, or doctorate. Whatever path you choose, you will be able to continue your career as you earn your degree online.
Turn your interests in environmental issues into a career by earning an online environmental science degree. This program provides the knowledge and research experiences you need to contribute to solutions to increasingly complex problems facing our natural world. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of natural resource disciplines and issues, ranging from forest resources and conservation sciences, to fire science and wildlife and fisheries resources, to rangeland management and forest products. Study the social, political, and legal issues that are connected to the conservation and management of natural resources while studying the science behind the problems.
This program allows you to study at your own pace and wherever it is convenient. Balance your career with your education without giving up either one.
Turn your passion for helping the environment into a career with this online environmental science degree. This program helps students understand and keep in balance the bio-complexity of all of Earth’s ecosystems. The curriculum explores environmental problems and teaches students to solve them through integrated and coherent approaches.
This is a flexible online environmental science degree. Choose between the thesis or non-thesis option. Either way, you will lead independent research on a topic of your choosing.
This online mathematics degree provides sound training in the fundamental principles and techniques of statistics. Learn to design and analyze experiments, plan and interpret surveys, and explore relationships among social, physical, and biological variables. You will be able to use numerical data to interpret surveys and use numerical data to solve real-world problems. Graduates are prepared for a variety of statistical careers in industry, business, agriculture, government, and biomedical fields or to engage in further study at the doctoral level.
All students have the opportunity to complete projects and perform research with faculty, businesses, and government agencies.
Climb the career ladder with this science degree online. This is a multidisciplinary graduate degree with several areas of emphasis. It covers such emphases as:
- Water resources
- Sustainable Soil and Land Management
- Precision Nutrition for Human and Animal Health
- Geographic Information, Skills, Mapping, and Monitoring
- Climate Change
Regardless of the area of emphasis, you will be taught by the same world-class faculty as students taking on-campus courses. In as little as two or two-and-a-half years you will graduate without interrupting your career. The flexibility of this online science degree allows you to balance your career, education, and other commitments.
Psychology & Human Services
The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Idaho is an online psychology degree with a lot of flexibility. Students can complete this program as either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science; either option features a diverse set of courses that allow students to explore the topics that interest them the most. All psychology courses are based on the question of why we do the things we do. You will examine the human mind and its role in behavior, relationships, and development. With a degree in psychology students are prepared for careers in counseling, social work, human resources, and more.
The Bachelor of Arts option focuses on the humanities in the general education requirements, including courses in foreign languages and humanity courses chosen by the student. The Bachelor of Science places greater emphasis on the science general education courses.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Psychology is an online psychology degree from the University of Idaho which emphasizes human factors. This degree enhances how people interact with technology, products, computers, equipment, facilities, and other environments as students learn to analyze and understand interactions. The curriculum includes courses required in the master’s program along with additional required electives; courses include:
- Psychology of Action
- Sensation and Perception
- Special Topics – Current Issues in Human Factors
- Advanced Research Methods
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
In addition to the coursework, you will complete a master’s theses, preliminary oral and written examination, and a doctoral dissertation. Central to each of these is the assessment of the student’s mastery of human factors and the ability to utilize this knowledge to solve problems.
The University of Idaho offers an online psychology degree, the Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Human Factors. With this degree students learn to analyze, understand, and enhance interactions. You will enhance how people interact with technology, products, computers, equipment, facilities, and other environments. The Human Factors concentration features courses in a variety of applied topics, including:
- Product design
- Human performance and error
- Interface design
- Safety
- Ergonomics
One of the areas covered examines the ways humans and machines interact along with the ways humans and computers interact. The knowledge learned can be used to help improve performance, training, efficiency, safety, and more. Graduates find careers in many diverse fields, including software and web usability, product development, consulting, public safety, healthcare, nuclear power, transportation, and research.