Hydrology

Overview

Key Features 

Students of the Hydrology program from The University of Arizona may concentrate in one or a combination of these fields but should acquire fundamental proficiency in all aspects of hydrology and water resources. Research-based doctoral study programs are individually planned to meet the student's special interests and professional objectives.

Doctoral applicants should have completed a Master of Science degree with a major in hydrology, water resources, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, or a related field. (Holders of a Bachelor’s degree cannot enter the Ph.D. program directly.)

All doctoral students are expected to have or acquire capability for basic coding/computer programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C++). Students must also complete a field methods-field synthesis course sequence (begins in the spring semester and ends in the presession summer session). Students develop professional communication skills through enrollment in the department's weekly colloquium (weekly seminar series), typically during the first year of academic residency, and by making two formal presentations (minimum one oral presentation) of their own dissertation research at approved regional or national conferences near the end of their academic residency.

Doctoral students may complete fundamental core courses in hydrology and water resources, but no specific core courses are required. Inclusion of core coursework in the Doctoral Plan of Study is dependent on a student's educational and professional experience. Where gaps exist in background knowledge of relevant subject matter, a student may be required to take fundamental coursework during their first year in academic residence and prior to the Doctoral Oral Qualifying Examination (details below). After all coursework has been completed, a Comprehensive Examination process (written and oral components) is begun, typically by the end of the third year in residence. A research-based Doctoral Dissertation manuscript is required; the Doctoral Dissertation Publication format option is also available.