S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Department of Watershed Sciences
A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Watershed Science is for students interested in pursuing either a research or academic career in the watershed sciences.
A Ph.D. degree requires the production of a dissertation based on original research. Written comprehensive examinations are required of all Ph.D. students and, at the discretion of the student’s graduate supervisory committee, an additional oral examination may be required. In addition, 60 credits of coursework for students with a Bachelor’s degree only (18 credits of which should be Dissertation Research) or 30 credits or coursework for students with a Master’s degree (12 credits of which must be Dissertation Research) is required. The semesters during which a student registers for Dissertation Research credit should correspond as closely as possible to the semesters in which work for the dissertation is performed and faculty supervision is provided. At least three semesters, two of which must be consecutive, of full-time registration in residence at Utah State University is required.
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 Ph.D. degree.
Specializations
Specializations are available in Climate Adaptation Science, Geomorphology, and Earth Surface Processes.
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