Watershed Science - PhD

Degree Programs

A Doctor of Philosophy degree in Watershed Sciences is available for students interested in pursuing a research or academic career. The PhD requires completion of original research and 30 approved graduate credits beyond an MS degree, or 60 approved graduate credits with no MS degree. Written comprehensive examinations are required of all students pursuing the PhD degree. At the discretion of the student’s graduate supervisory committee, an additional oral examination may be required.

At least one year of full-time registration must be in residence at USU including a minimum of two consecutive semesters.  The purpose of the residency requirement is to ensure that the doctoral student experience includes at least one period of concentrated attention to study, research, and interaction with faculty.  This period of immersion in the department is an important part of preparation for future work in academic and other research communities.  The residency requirement for PhD students requires at  least 33 USU semester credits from an approved Program of Study. The balance of credits may be from USU or from other institutions, subject to transfer credit limits and the approval of the student’s supervisory committee.

With committee approval, graduate credit may be transferred from other accredited graduate schools, 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 Climate Adaptation Science, Geomorphology, and Earth Surface Processes. 

Requirements

PhD (Post-BS)

Course Requirements

A total of 60 credits is required for a PhD degree for a student who holds a Bachelor’s degree only. Up to 30 credits of 3000 – 5990 level coursework can be used on a post-BS PhD student’s Program of Study. However, no more than three credits of 3000-4990 level coursework can be part of this overall total. Dissertation Research at least 18 credits required.

Additional Program Requirements

1. Participate in the WATS Graduate Research Symposium

2. Responsible Conduct of Research training (ideally by end of first semester)

3. Participate in the WATS Graduate Research Symposium

4. Complete Comprehensive Examinations by the end of the first year

5. Successfully defend a Ph. D. dissertation

6. Deposit approved Ph. D. dissertation with the USU Merrill-Cazier Library

7. Approval of academic forms required for doctoral students by the School of Graduate Studies

PhD (Post-MS)

Course Requirements

A total of 30 credits is required for a PhD degree for a student who holds a Master’s degree. Up to 15 credits of 3000 – 5990 level coursework can be used on a post-MS PhD student’s program of study. However, no more than three credits of 3000-4990 level coursework can be part of this overall total. Dissertation Research at least 12 credits required.

Additional Program Requirements

1. Participate in the WATS Graduate Research Symposium

2. Responsible Conduct of Research training (ideally by end of first semester)

3. Complete Comprehensive Examinations by the end of the first year

4. Successfully defend a Ph. D. dissertation

5. Deposit approved Ph. D. dissertation with the USU Merrill-Cazier Library

6. Approval of academic forms required for doctoral 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 7970 - Dissertation Research 1-12 credit(s)