Sustainable management of freshwater resources is an increasingly important and complex challenge in Colorado and worldwide, and we need scientists who can address complex water issues. The watershed science program focuses on how water moves through the landscape, what factors affect its quality, and how to manage water resources. Students in the Master of Science in Watershed Science, Plan A program work closely with research scientists in the classroom, laboratory, and field on both basic and applied watershed science research. Students are exposed to cutting-edge field, data analysis, and modeling techniques through flexible programs of study and access to a breadth of water-related courses throughout the university. Students also have opportunities to participate in seminars and field courses.
The program emphasizes the advisor/student relationship. There is no core curriculum; rather, the advisor and student develop a program of study that best meets the requirements of the research to be undertaken and the needs of the student, culminating in the completion of a master's thesis.
The program has a strong record of employment and acceptance to leading doctoral programs after graduation, with graduates holding positions in federal, state, and local natural resource agencies, consulting firms, non-governmental organizations, industry, teaching, and research. Most students complete coursework that enables them to meet the U.S. governmental hydrologist certification.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
- Systems understanding: Identify and distinguish systems components and their interactions to explain, illustrate and analyze system understanding.
- Watershed science content and principals: Apply complex watershed science principals to complex problems to develop sustainable solutions.
- Problem solving: Work in teams and communicate effectively using a diverse set of analytical and applied tools.
- Interdisciplinary understanding: Work in an interdisciplinary environment and demonstrate respect for alternative points of view.
- 30 credits that meet Graduate School requirements
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Thesis
- Selected courses approved by advisor and committee -- Prefixes that can be used to meet course requirements: ANTH, AREC, ATS, BZ, CHEM, CIS, CIVE, ECOL, ECON, ENVE, ESS, FW, F, GR, GEOL, GRAD, HORT, MATH, NR, NRRT, RS, SOC, SOCR, STAA, STAT, WR.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |