The department offers a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a major in hydrology. The faculty offers competence in hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, hydrometeorology, hydroclimatology, environmental hydrology, ground-water hydrology, surface-water hydrology, vadose zone hydrology, mathematical and statistical methods in hydrology (including stochastic and numerical modeling), water resources systems, and water resources policy. Learn more about our research focus areas here.

The program is designed for students with interests in the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the hydrologic cycle, as well as water resources systems, environmental studies, or water policy and the social sciences related to water resources. Students 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.

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. A Doctoral Final Oral Examination, or defense of the dissertation, is required at the end of residency. More information is available at the department's website, Doctor of Philosophy in HWRS.

Students with a Ph.D. degree in Hydrology have multiple career paths and enjoy professional careers in private industry, government and tribal agencies, NGOs and NPOs, and academia and national laboratories.