Soil, Water and Environmental Science - PhD

SWES offers graduate work leading to Ph.D. degree in Soil, Water and Environmental Science. Two tracks are offered, "Environmental Science" or "Soil and Water Science". In addition to the major, each Ph.D. student must complete a minor, which can be intra- or interdepartmental. Many, if not most, SWES graduate students enroll in several non-SWES courses as part of their program. This reflects the multi-disciplinary characteristics of the SWES program in general, and also that a minor is required for all Ph.D. students. The most frequently used outside courses are in Chemistry, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hydrology and Water Resources, and Microbiology.

Once enrolled in the SWES graduate degree program, students may concurrently pursue a Graduate Certificate in Water Policy. There is flexibility in both course selection and schedule, to meet the specific needs and interests of a variety of students. The program is interdisciplinary.

The department also offers two dual degree options:  the Master of Science in Soil, Water and Environmental Science and a Master of Arts in Journalism; and a dual Ph.D. in Soil, Water and Environmental Science and MBA from the Eller College of Management.  Graduates with the dual MS/MA degrees would be able to make important contributions not only to discussions within news organizations about the ways in which information about science should be gathered and evaluated, but also discussions in the fields of science and journalism about the ways in which this information influences public perceptions and public policy, and therefore the effects of science on society.  Those with the dual Ph.D./MBA would be prepared for science-related careers in industry and government that require understanding of development, production and regulation, as well as skills in management and leadership.