S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Department of Watershed Sciences
A Master of Science (MS) degree in Watershed Science is for students interested in pursuing either research or management careers in the watershed sciences. The Plan A option is designed for students who desire research experience and requires the production of a thesis based on original research conducted by the student. The Plan B option is designed for students with previous water resources administrative experience who do not desire research training.
The MS Plan A option requires production of a thesis and 30 credits of coursework, 6-15 (at least 6, but no more than 15) credits of which should be Thesis Research. The MS Plan B option requires the production of a project or paper and 30 credits of course work, 2-3 (at least 2, but no more than 3) credits of which should be Thesis Research. For both plans, the semesters during which a student registers for Thesis Research credit should correspond as closely as possible to the semesters in which work for the Plan A thesis or Plan B project/paper is performed and faculty supervision is provided. For both plans, at least 24 of the 30 credits, including Thesis Research credit, must be taken in residency at Utah State University.
With committee approval, up to 12 credits may be transferred from other colleges and universities with accredited graduate programs, provided they adhere to Program of Study limitations (see below) and the minimum Utah State University residency requirement is met. Transfer credit, which must not have been used toward any other degree, will be shown on official Utah State University transcripts upon completion of the MS degree.
Specializations
Specializations are available in Geomorphology and Earth Surface Processes.
