Water resources | Water resources, science and management option
Doctor of Philosophy
Turn complex water issues into practical solutions
The Ph.D. in water resources, science and management option prepares students to address complex water challenges through an interdisciplinary blend of science, policy and management.
In this program, you’ll explore the physical, biological and social aspects of water systems and develop the skills to manage water resources for diverse human and environmental needs. You’ll work closely with faculty across multiple departments, engaging in research that tackles real-world water issues such as water quality, watershed management, aquatic ecosystems and sustainable resource use.
Graduates of this program are equipped to lead in government agencies, environmental consulting, research institutions and nonprofit organizations, where science-based water management solutions are critical.
Overview
Related Topics
Advance knowledge. Protect water.
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in water resources program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: Statement of research interests
Program availability:
Semester intake: Fall and Spring
Deadlines: General application deadlines
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Contact information
Water Resources Graduate Program contact: Timothy Link, tlink@uidaho.edu
Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4001
To find faculty advisor contacts, reach out to Water Resources steering committee members:
- Elowyn Yager; eyager@uidaho.edu (Engineering)
- Robert Heinse; rheinse@uidaho.edu (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences)
- Erin Brooks; ebrooks@uidaho.edu (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences)
- Kendra Kaiser; kkaiser@uidaho.edu (Idaho Water Resources Research Institute)
- Manoj Shrestha; mks@uidaho.edu (College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences)
- Dylan Hedden-Nicely; dheddan@uidaho.edu (College of Law)
- Jeff Langman; jlangman@uidaho.edu (College of Science)
- Andy Kliskey; akliskey@uidaho.edu (College of Art and Architecture, EPSCoR)
- Timothy Link; tlink@uidaho.edu (College of Natural Resources)
Costs, funding and research opportunities
Graduate students are typically funded through a combination of research assistantships (RAs), teaching assistantships (TAs), hourly temporary help (TH) positions, scholarships, outside employment (e.g. agency, private, non-governmental organization, or other), student loans, and/or personal sources.
Graduate student funding is provided directly by faculty advisors. We strongly advise that prospective students directly contact potential major professors to develop a dialogue regarding mutual research interests prior to applying.
To learn about other ways to fund your graduate degree, check out the Graduate Funding page.
Visit Financial Aid to find detailed information about the cost of attendance.
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are interested in natural resources
- Are passionate about interdisciplinary water issues
- Are interested in the integration of water science, ecology, water policy, law, and engineering
- Have strong research and analytical thinking skills
- Can communicate and work well with others
Hands-on learning
- Access to indoor and outdoor laboratories
- Distinctive combination of research, networking and community involvement
- Availability of the Idaho Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Clubs and organizations
- Idaho Water Resources Research Institute
- H2IdahO is a student club for those interested in water
- Graduate and Professional Student Association
- IdaH2O is a Master Water Stewards Program for community outreach
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,871 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Chief Sustainability Officers
$193,281 - Architectural and Engineering Managers
$169,180 - Natural Sciences Managers
$152,874 - Regulatory Affairs Managers • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
$97,250 - Environmental Compliance Inspectors
$81,914
* Career data provided by Lightcast.