Watershed Science - MS

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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.

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. Required courses for an MS degree include:

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) 6-15 credits for Plan A students; 2-3 credits for Plan B students

Additional Program Requirements

Approval of all academic forms required for Master’s students by the Utah State University School of Graduate Studies

Complete the Responsible Conduct of Research training (ideally by the end of the first semester)

Participate in the WATS Graduate Research Symposium

Successfully defend a Plan A thesis or Plan B project/paper

Deposit the approved Plan A thesis or Plan B project/paper with the Utah State University Library

In summary, to be awarded an MS in Watershed Science from the Department of Watershed Sciences, students must complete the following requirements:

Submit an approved Supervisory Committee
Submit an approved Program of Study
Submit an approved proposal for a Plan A thesis or Plan B project/paper
Complete the Responsible Conduct of Research training
Participate in the WATS Graduate Research Symposium
Successfully defend a Plan A thesis or Plan B project/paper

Deposit the approved Plan A thesis or Plan B project/paper with the Utah State University Library
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Complete the 30-credit degree requirement