Primary Contact

Chelsea Smith - Evans Liberal Arts 136 
Phone 512-245-1852 / Email

Major Advisors

Dr. Richard Earl, ELA 365 / Phone 512.245.3204 / Email
Dr. Jim Kimmel   ELA 322 / Phone 512.245.3201 / Email 
 

Major Faculty

Dr. Laura Stroup, Dr. Richard Dixon, Dr. Richard Earl, Dr. Mark Fonstad, Dr. James Kimmel

Major Description

The water studies concentration provides a focused study of the physical, chemical, social, political, and economic factors of water resources from the geographic perspective. As water resources become ever more critical to the nation, and in particular Texas and the Southwest Borderlands, this degree program addresses the increasing need for professionals in this crucial field. Graduates are highly sought after by government agencies, local, state and federal industries that have large water demands, agricultural interests and private consulting firms that specialize in water resource issues. The Lower Colorado River Authority(LCRA), the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA),  the Edwards Aquifer Authority, and the San Antonio Water System all employ graduates of the program.

Water Studies Major Course Checklist

Pre-Major Requirements

Students who meet the university admission requirements enter the Department of Geography’s undergraduate program as pre-majors. To become a major in geography, students must:

1. Complete GEO 1309 and/or GEO 1310, GEO 2410 & GEO 3301 with a minimum grade of C for each course.
2. Complete 45 or more credit hours with an overall minimum GPA of 2.25 for all courses.

Degree/Major Requirements

1. Students majoring in water studies complete the bachelor of science (B.S.) degree.
2. The B.S. degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of geography with: 
     a) at least a 2.5 GPA for all geography courses attempted at Texas State University and   
     b) at least a 2.25 GPA for all courses taken at Texas State University.
3. The degree requires a minor area of study with a minimum of 18 semester hours.
4. Texas State requires a minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework to graduate including:  
    a) general education core requirements;
    b) major requirements;
    c) minor requirements; and   
    d) additional elective courses selected from disciplines other than major or minor.
5. At least 36 semester hours must be advanced (3000 – 4000) level courses.  
6. At least 9 semester hours must be writing intensive (WI).

Minor Requirements

Minor may be any approved Texas State minor. Biology, chemistry, geology, political science, anthropology, business administration, plant and soil science or nature and heritage tourism minors are highly recommended to complement your geography major in water studies. Other minors may be appropriate depending upon your interests and career goals. Discuss possible options with your advisor. 

Optional Certificates

Geographic Information System (GIS) - The GIS Certificate requires completion of 16 hours:  GEO 2426 & (Choose one: GEO 2427 or GEO 3411 or GEO 3416) & GEO 4426 & GEO 4427 with a minimum grade of C for each course and an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 for all four courses. Additional course work beyond minimum degree/major requirements may be required for the certificate. 

Water Resources Policy -The water resources policy certificate requires completion of 13 hours: GEO 3434,  GEO 4313, GEO 4314 and GEO 4341 (spring only) with a minimum grade of C for each course and an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 for all four courses. Additional course work beyond minimum degree/major requirements may be required for the certificate.