Watershed Science - PhD

Program Contacts

Department Head: Dennis Newell, (435) 797-0479, dennis.newell@usu.edu

Graduate Program Coordinator: Daniel Carolan, (435) 797-2463, daniel.carolan@usu.edu

Program Description

Graduates are prepared to work as hydrologists, wetland specialists, and watershed managers for federal and state agencies. 

Because USU’s watershed science program is designated as a Western Regional Graduate Program, students from participating western states qualify for in-state tuition. For more information, visit http://wrgp.wiche.edu.

Students in the program study water-related physical processes, including climate, surface and ground water, river formation, soil sciences, and water chemistry. This discipline focuses on protecting aquatic systems and includes coursework in hydrology, geomorphology, stream restoration, water pollution, climate change, and aquatic habitats.

Each student has an individualized plan of study created for them by their graduate committee. Students are able to take courses in other departments on campus, including civil and environmental engineering; plants, soils, and climate; and geology. This program encourages students to gain a broad-based education in areas related to watershed systems and water resource use.

Specializations are available in Climate Adaptation Science, Geomorphology, and Earth Surface Processes as part of this degree.  For additional degree information, see the program page or the  ?dept? website.

Applying for graduate study in Watershed Sciences is a two-step process. We admit applicants to begin graduate study during Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters. Applications should be submitted by the following deadlines.

• Summer: March 15

• Fall: June 15

• Spring: October 15

Preference is given to applicants who apply before January 10. Fellowships for non-University funds, such as Quinney Fellowships, have different deadlines. Please see individual applications for deadlines.

1. Gain a faculty sponsor and funding

• Contact a faculty member you would like to work with directly. Students cannot be admitted to the program without first having a faculty sponsor and funding provided by their sponsor or an outside agency. In your email please explain why you are interested in working with your prospective mentor and discuss your qualifications for graduate study, including any undergraduate research. Be sure to also include your GPA. (Please note that the requirement to take the GRE has been removed.) To choose a prospective mentor, consult the list of faculty who have current active graduate programs.

2. Apply through the School of Graduate Studies

• Once you have secured a faculty sponsor and funding, you will be invited to officially apply through the School of Graduate Studies, send official transcripts, and pay the application fee.

Admission Requirements:

• GPA of 3.2 or higher

• Sponsorship by a faculty member (gaining a sponsorship usually requires correspondence directly with the faculty)

• A formal application

• A detailed statement outlining your objectives in graduate education, your future goals, and your specific area of research interest.