Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Watershed Science Overview

Watershed science is the interdisciplinary study of the physical, chemical, and biological factors that affect the quantity, quality, and flux of water. Such hydrologic changes have important implications for other natural resources that depend on water. The Watershed Science MS and Ph.D. programs are internationally renowned, and the completion of a graduate degree is excellent preparation for a career in governmental agencies, private industry, teaching, or research

Areas of Study

• Biogeochemistry
• Erosion and sedimentation
• Geographic information systems and spatial analysis
• Hydrologic modeling
• Land use hydrology
• Physical hydrology
• Remote sensing
• Snow and alpine hydrology
• Water quality
• Water resource planning
• Watershed analysis and cumulative watershed effects
• Watershed hydrology
• Watershed management
• Watershed modeling

Next Steps

• Request more program information
• When you’re ready: start your application

Department Resources

Admission to this program requires both an eligible research position and faculty advisor support within the department. Applicants must identify at least one faculty member with aligned research interests for their application to be eligible for review. While all eligible applications receive a holistic review by the department’s admissions committee, only those aligned with an open faculty position will be considered for admission

If this sounds like your ideal pathway, we encourage you to:

• Explore our Faculty Directory to find advisors whose work aligns with your interests
• Take a look at the Graduate and Professional Bulletin
• If available, current Graduate Opportunities within the Department will be listed on the Graduate Research Opportunities page

Requirements

• Apply by February 1 for fall term start date
• GRE is not required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated proficiency in an area of interest that aligns with the prospective faculty advisor’s open position

Application Materials:

• CSU Application, including some department-specific supplemental questions
• Non-refundable Application Fee $60 Domestic, $70 International
  • Some applicants qualify for fee waivers. Please review this site for details
  • Please do not contact the department to request a fee waiver if you do not meet these requirements
• Transcripts of all collegiate work
  • Review this Guide to Submitting Your Transcripts for details
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• International Applicants must submit Official English Proficiency test scores

Coursework, credit requirements, and more information are available in the Colorado State University catalog. If you have questions after reviewing these resources, please contact your department representative with program-related questions

Student Employment

Once admitted, graduate students interested in employment positions (GTA, GRA, GSA appointments, and hourly positions) should contact their advisor and the departmental graduate coordinator for the application process to apply

Financial Aid

• Financial aid resources are available through the Office of Financial Aid website
• Your department may have financial aid options available and please check our financial resource section for additional opportunities

Curriculum Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Watershed Science trains students in the interdisciplinary study of the physical, chemical, biological, and social factors that affect the quantity, quality, and flux of water. Our program provides students with the training to study watershed function and address watershed problems.

A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program.