Watershed Science - PhD

S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

Department of Watershed Sciences

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 Department of Watershed Science website.

 

To be awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Watershed Science, students must:

A. Complete the Required Course (1 credit)

• WATS 6260 - Watershed Sciences Graduate Student Induction Course : 1 credit

B. Complete a Committee-Approved Program of Study

A Ph.D. Program of Study requires a minimum of 29 additional credits for students with an approved M.S. degree, or 59 additional credits for students without an approved M.S. degree, including:

1. Dissertation Research (WATS 7970 ): at least 12 credits with an approved M.S. degree or at least 18 credits without an approved M.S. degree.
2. Elective Courses: 17 or fewer credits (depending on the total number of research credits taken) with an approved M.S. degree or 41 or fewer credits (depending on the total number of research credits taken) without an approved M.S. degree.

 

C. Complete the Following Graduation Requirements:

1. Responsible Conduct of Research training (ideally by the end of the first semester)
2. Approved Supervisory Committee
3. Present at the WATS Graduate Research Symposium
4. Give a biennial update at the WATS Graduate Research Symposium
5. Approved Dissertation Proposal
6. Approved Comprehensive Examinations by the end of the first year
7. Successfully defend a Ph.D. dissertation
8. Submission of the dissertation to the USU Merrill-Cazier Library
9. GPA of 3.0 or higher

 

D. Fulfill the USU School of Graduate Studies general graduation guidelines

• Degree Verification: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to and completion of a graduate program.
• Overall Graduate GPA at least 3.0 with no grades of C- or lower: Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for courses on their Program of Study.  Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.
• Course Number Acceptability: If the student has an approved M.S. degree, a Ph.D. Program of Study must include at least 18 semester credits at the level of 6000 or above.  If the student does not have an approved M.S. degree, a Ph.D. Program of Study must include at least 48 credits at the level of 6000 or above. Credits in the following areas are not acceptable in a degree program: foreign languages (unless included in an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 5000.
• Matriculation Start Semester: A Ph.D. degree must be completed within eight years of entering the degree program.  Additional time may be requested by a student’s supervisory committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review and approval.
• Coursework Validity: Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.
• Dissertation Research Credits: A Ph.D. degree requires the preparation and defense of a dissertation.  A minimum of 12 credits of Dissertation Research (WATS 7970 ) are required for students with an approved M.S. degree.  A minimum of 18 credits of Dissertation Research (WATS 7970 ) are required for students without an approved M.S. degree.
• Successful defense and submission of the dissertation to the USU Merrill-Cazier Library
• Approval of academic forms required for doctoral students by the School of Graduate Studies
  • Supervisory Committee
  • Program of Study
  • Application for Candidacy
  • Appointment for Examination
  • Record of Examination
  • School of Graduate Studies and USU Merrill-Cazier Library dissertation review and approval
  • Graduation Check Request
  • Application for Graduation ($15.00 fee)