College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Water Science Management (Ph.D.)
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Water Science Management (Ph.D.)
Solve the World’s Most Pressing Water Challenges — Doctorate in Water Science and Management
Step into the forefront of water research and management with the Ph.D. in Water Science and Management at New Mexico State University. This interdisciplinary program trains future leaders to address critical state, national, and global water challenges — such as drought adaptation, aquifer vulnerability, watershed restoration, and water-policy innovation. With five specialized concentrations—from agricultural water resources to water informatics — you’ll engage with cross-disciplinary faculty, hands-on research methods, and advanced instruction in water science to make a measurable impact in the field.
Admission Deadlines
February 15 (fall admission) and September 1 (spring admission)
- Total credits: 75
- Total dissertation credits: 18
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Water Science and Management emerge prepared for high-impact careers where science meets policy, ecosystems meet economics, and leadership drives sustainability. Possible career trajectories include becoming a senior hydrologist or water-resources scientist in government or consulting firms, a watershed restoration director for public utilities, a policy advisor shaping drought-management legislation, a water-economics analyst for global resource companies, or an academic researcher influencing the future of water science. With rigorous training in research and management, you’ll be ready to lead the next generation of solutions for our water-stressed world.
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy in Water Science Management? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a Ph.D. in Water Science Management at NMSU?
Join a community of innovators dedicated to shaping a more sustainable water future. NMSU’s Water Science and Management program equips you with the research expertise, field experience, and interdisciplinary insight to tackle the world’s most pressing water challenges head-on. From improving agricultural water efficiency and protecting vulnerable aquifers to advancing watershed management and conservation strategies, you’ll gain the skills to create real impact where it matters most. With opportunities to explore cutting-edge solutions for drought adaptation, climate resilience, and sustainable use of brackish groundwater, this program empowers you to lead transformative change — locally, nationally, and globally.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
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 master's 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.
Take classes like:
- RGSC 518 – Watershed Methods and Management
- C E 557 - Water Resources Development
- A ST 505 – Statistical Inference I
- GEOG 588 - GIS and Water Resources
- WSAM 610 - Water and Sustainable Economic Development
- AEEC 5350 – Economics of Water Resource Management and Policy
Agricultural Water Resources relates to the major use of ground and surface water in providing safe and secure food systems while ensuring ecosystem services. This field of study includes water allocation, water conservation, and water management issues facing urban water supply and irrigated agriculture. 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.
Take classes like:
- RGSC 518 – Watershed Methods and Management
- C E 557 - Water Resources Development
- C E 452 Geohydrology
- GEOL 474 Groundwater Geology
- M E 535 Turbulence and Chaos
- AEEC 575 – Advanced Water Resource Management and Policy
Watershed, Riparian, and Aquatic Systems includes the processes of organizing and guiding land and other resources used in a river basin to provide desired goods and services without adversely affecting soil and water resources. Watershed, riparian, and aquatic system management involves an array of nonstructural (vegetation management) practices, as well as an array of structural (engineering) activities, when conditions warrant. The Ph.D. degree can be earned in about 33-35 credits of formal course work beyond the master's degree, plus 18 additional dissertation research credits, for a minimum total of 75 credits beyond the BS degree.
Take classes like:
- RGSC 518 – Watershed Methods and Management
- C E 557 – Water Resources Development
- FWCE 459 Aquatic Ecology
- BIOL 533 Environmental Physiology of Plants
- FWCE 482 Ichthyology
- AEEC 575 – Advanced Water Resource Management and Policy
Water Quality and Treatment includes processes used to make water acceptable for desired end-uses. These can include use as drinking water, industrial processes, agricultural uses, and environmental management. The goal of water treatment processes is to remove existing contaminants in the water or reduce the concentration of such contaminants so the water becomes fit for its desired end-use. The Ph.D. degree can be earned in about 33-35 credits of formal course work beyond the master's degree, plus 18 additional dissertation research credits, for a minimum total of 75 credits beyond the BS degree.
Take classes like:
- RGSC 518 – Watershed Methods and Management
- C E 557 – Water Resources Development
- ENVE 462 Sampling and Analysis of Environmental Contaminants
- EPWS 520 Environmental Fate of Pesticides
- CHEM 472 Analytical Methods for Toxic Organics and Metal Ions in the Environment
- AEEC 575 – Advanced Water Resource Management and Policy
Water Economics and Policy examines the demand for water by all its competing uses, including irrigated agriculture, energy, urban supply, and environmental restoration and management. Policies are examined for their influence on water supplies, water demands, and economic values of water reallocations among agricultural, environmental, energy, and urban users. It examines the role of water markets, water user decisions, institutional adjustments, and water-related policies with respect to resource costs, water quality, profitability, and environmental effects. The Ph.D. degree can be earned in about 33-35 credits of formal course work beyond the masters's degree, plus 18 additional dissertation research credits, for a minimum total of 75 credits beyond the BS degree.
Take classes like:
- RGSC 518 – Watershed Methods and Management
- C E 557 – Water Resources Development
- AEEC 501 Microeconomic Theory
- ECON 457 Mathematical Economics
- AEEC 540 Econometrics I
- AEEC 575 – Advanced Water Resource Management and Policy
Water Informatics is an interdisciplinary science primarily concerned with the collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval and especially the dissemination of water information, including both human and machine readable documents. Examples of human readable documents include maps, field data sheets, operational schedules, and long term asset management plans with narrative text. Machine readable documents include files for geographic information systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), relational database management systems, and emerging applications. The Ph.D. degree can be earned in about 33-35 credits of formal course work beyond the master's degree, plus 18 additional dissertation research credits, for a minimum total of 75 credits beyond the BS degree.
Take classes like:
- RGSC 518 – Watershed Methods and Management
- C E 557 – Water Resources Development
- GEOG 521 Geographic Information Science Applications and Modeling
- GEOG 572 Geodatabase Design
- GEOG 586 Geospatial Techniques for Natural Resources Assessment
- AEEC 575 – Advanced Water Resource Management and Policy
GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission.
Application: The application includes transcripts, three letters of recommendation, evidence of capacity for research (e.g. master’s thesis, a professional paper, peer reviewed manuscripts), a letter of intent or statement of purpose that addresses individual professional and personal goals related to water science and management and discusses how these goals fit within the degree programs at NMSU, and a CV/resume.
Residency Requirement: 24 credits must be completed at NMSU.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.