Watershed Science - MS

Degree Programs

A Master of Science degree in Watershed Sciences is offered for students interested in pursuing either research or management careers in watershed sciences. The Plan A is designed for students who desire research experience and requires production of a thesis based on original research conducted by the student. The Plan B option is designed for individuals with previous water resources administrative experience who do not desire research training.

The Plan A option for a master’s degree requires preparation of a thesis and 30 credits of course work, including at least 24 credits in residency and 6-15 semester credits of thesis research. The semesters during which a student registers for thesis credit should correspond as closely as possible to the semesters in which the thesis work is done and faculty supervision is provided. The Plan B option requires the production of a paper and 2-3 credits of thesis research. No more than 3 credits of thesis credit can be included on the Program of Study.

With committee approval, graduate credit may be transferred from other colleges and universities with accredited graduate programs, provided the minimum residency requirement (including thesis and dissertation credit) at USU is met. Transfer credit, which must not have been used for any other degree, will be shown on official USU transcripts at completion of the degree.

Specializations

A specialization is available in Geomorphology and Earth Surface Processes.

Requirements

A total of 30 credits is required for an MS degree. Up to 15 credits of 3000-5990 level coursework can be used on an MS student’s Program of Study. However, no more than three credits of 3000-4990 level coursework can be part of this overall total.

• WATS 6260 - Watershed Sciences Graduate Student Induction Course 1 credit(s)
• WATS 6270 - Big Ideas in Watershed Science 2 credit(s)
• WATS 6970 - Thesis Research 1-12 credit(s)

Additional Program Requirements

1. Successfully defend a Plan A/Plan B thesis/paper
2. Responsible Conduct of Research training (ideally by end of the first semester)
3. Participate in the WATS Graduate Research Symposium
4. Deposit approved Plan A/Plan B thesis/paper with the USU Merrill-Cazier Library
5. Approval of academic forms required for master’s students by the School of Graduate Studies

• WATS 6260 - Watershed Sciences Graduate Student Induction Course 1 credit(s)
• WATS 6270 - Big Ideas in Watershed Science 2 credit(s)
• WATS 6970 - Thesis Research 1-12 credit(s)