Water Science and Management (Water Economics and Policy) - Doctor of Philosophy

This degree is designed to give students a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of water science and hydrology and training in methods of research. The Ph.D. degree can be earned in about 33-35 credits of formal course work beyond the Masters Degree, plus 18 additional dissertation research credits, for a minimum total of 75 credits beyond the BS degree, as detailed below. This degree has five available concentrations.

Prefix Title Credits
Core Courses
AEEC 575Economics of Water Resource Management and Policy3
RGSC 518Watershed Methods and Management3
or SOIL 456 Irrigation and Drainage
C E 557Water Resources Development3
Select one from the following:3-4
GEOG 578
Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science (GIS)4
GEOG 588
GIS and Water Resources3
Select one from the following: 13-4
A ST 505
Statistical Inference I4
C E 582
Statistical Hydrology3
GEOG 585
Spatial Analysis and Modelling3
Seminar Credits OR Select one from the following: 22
WSAM 605
Arid Land Water Resources3
WSAM 610
Water and Sustainable Economic Development3
GEOG 501
Research Design and History of Geographic Thought3
Concentration courses
ECON 457Mathematical Economics3
AEEC 540Econometrics I3
or ECON 545 Econometrics II
AEEC 501Microeconomic Theory3
Students must work with their committee to select 3 credoits of elective course(s) that would meet the Water Economics and Policy concentration3
Electives chosen in consultation with the student’s committee (enough to meet the required minimum of 75 credits)28
Dissertation
WSAM 700Doctoral Dissertation18
Total Credits75-77
1

With the consent of the instructor and the approval of the student's advisor, C E 582 Statistical Hydrology or GEOG 585 Spatial Analysis and Modelling may be used as a substitute.

2

Seminar may be substituted by WSAM 605 Arid Land Water Resources, or WSAM 610 Water and Sustainable Economic Development, or GEOG 501 Research Design and History of Geographic Thought.

Students are expected to have a basic foundation in Geographic Information System (GIS) within a classroom, research experience, or professional experience. Students without this background are required to take an appropriate GIS class as advised by their advisor such as: GEOG 578 Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science (GIS), or FWCE 535 Special Topics.

Ideas for Water Economics & Policy Electives