Master's Degree in Water Resources

The M.S. degree in Water Resources is offered through the Graduate School and jointly administered in collaboration with the Virginia Water Resources Research Center. Students academically remain affiliated with their home departments through their major professors, research focus areas, and specialized coursework, while also participating in core graduate in a shared set of core graduate courses with students from a broad range of disciplines. 

This interdisciplinary cohort model is designed to build strong analytical, critical, and technical skills needed to address complex, real-world water resource challenges. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing  students  to tailor their training to a range of academic, professional, and career objectives. 

Prospective graduate students are encouraged to identify and contact faculty members whose research aligns with their interests prior to applying.

This program offers both a thesis and non-thesis option. For both options, the following core courses are required. 

Core Courses: 15 credit hours

• GEOG 5134G/GEOS 5844G: Advanced Interdisciplinary Issues and Ethics in Water Resources (3 credits)
• WATR 5614G: Advanced Watershed Assessment, Management, and Policy (2 credits)
• FREC/CSES 5144: Watershed Hydrology (3 credits)
• CSES 5314: Water Quality for Professionals (3 credits)
• WATR 5244G: Advanced Hydroinformatics (3 credits)
• WATR 5004: Seminar in Water Science and Society (1 credit)

For additional requirements, see the program page in the Graduate Catalog. 

Course descriptions are available from the Graduate Catalog, and current course offerings are available through the timetable of classes. 

• The following minimum requirements apply for admission to the program: 
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher 
  • Letters of recommendation: 3 required, at least one of which must be from a faculty member familiar with their academic performance and/or undergraduate research.
  • CV 
  • Personal Statement of Academic and Research Interests
  • Names of potential advisors (up to three)
  • GRE: optional 
• International applicants must meet the following minimum test scores: TOEFL iBT total of 90, with sub-scores of at least 20 in reading, listening, and speaking; or IELTS of 6.5. 
• Application deadlines follow the Graduate School defaults: August 1 for fall admission and January 5 for spring admission. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by January 15 for fall admission and October 15 for spring admission.
• Students are strongly encouraged to contact potential advisors prior to applying, as securing an advisor is an important part of the admissions process. 
• Applications are submitted through Virginia Tech’s Graduate School, which outlines how to apply.

Faculty support is a critical component of admission to the program. Students will not be admitted without a clear indication that a graduate faculty member is willing to serve as their advisor. Prospective students should ensure that their research interests align with those of at least one faculty member and are strongly encouraged to confirm that the potential advisor is accepting new graduate students.

The program includes numerous graduate faculty members who mentor students across a wide range of water‑related disciplines. Applicants are encouraged to review faculty profiles to learn more about academic backgrounds and specific research areas. The Virginia Tech faculty listed on the Virginia Water Resources Research Center website is an excellent place to begin exploring potential advisors.