Prepare for Success
Our students have diverse backgrounds in hydrology, geology, environmental engineering, civil engineering, science, political science, natural resources management, political science, public policy, government, constitutional law and civil procedure.
You are best suited for this degree if you have the following aptitudes and skills:
- Quantitative problem solving (engineering, science)
- Analytical and logical reasoning
- Understanding and ability to apply core math principles (engineering, science, management)
- The ability to conduct surveys and interviews (management & policy)
- Strong abilities using written and oral communication
- Experience in hypothesis testing (engineering, science)
- Familiarity with methods for scientific experiments
- Computer skills, including the ability to organize and analyze data, modeling (science, engineering)
If you are interested in either the engineering and science option or the science and management option, you should prepare with upper-level math and science courses in calculus, statistics, chemistry, physics and biology. You must also be proficient in fluid mechanics and differential equations.
Students interested in the law, management and policy option should prepare with courses in government, public policy and natural resources management.
Visit the Waters of the West Web site for more information on admission requirements.
Your First Year
During the first two years, all Waters of the West students will complete the following common courses:
- Interdisciplinary Methods in Water Resources: A course taught by a team of faculty members from different disciplines that focuses on methods of integration across disciplines to solve specific water resource problems. Past course projects included addressing the scientific, environmental, social and legal challenges surrounding the local Palouse Basin Aquifer.
- Interdisciplinary Projects in Water Resources: Another team-taught course in which you will conduct a real-life integrated basin analysis.
- Water Resources Seminar: This course teaches presentation skills and exposes you to research by scientists, agency personnel and fellow students on water resources issues in the region.
Major Professor and Committee
You will select your major professor no later than second semester. Your major professors will provide valuable guidance for your required course plan and thesis/dissertation, and will also help you form a committee, which must include graduate faculty members from more than one discipline.
Visit the Waters of the West Web site for a detailed list of courses.
Current Students