Water resources | Engineering and science option
Doctor of Philosophy
Shape water resources
Tackle today’s most pressing water-related challenges with advanced training in hydrology, water quality and water resources management. In this interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, you’ll explore the physical, chemical and biological aspects of water systems while developing expertise in engineering, modeling and environmental science. You’ll work alongside faculty researchers on complex, real-world water issues like water supply, watershed restoration and aquatic ecosystem health.
This program prepares you for leadership roles in research, consulting and public policy, contributing to sustainable water solutions for communities and ecosystems.
Overview
Explore the world’s water issues
Application information
Applicants for the master’s 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
Graduate students are typically funded through a variety of sources. Funding opportunities are provided directly by faculty advisors, and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact potential major professors to develop a dialogue prior to applying.
To learn about 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 passionate about helping the environment
- Are interested in the integration of engineering, ecology, water policy, and law
- Have strong research, quantitative, 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.