Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for GRE?

We do not require the GRE for admission into our program. See: WMHS Admission Requirements

What is the minimum GPA required for admission in the WMHS program?

We require a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 undergraduate hours and a master’s degree minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for a PhD (see WMHS Admission Requirements).

What is the cost of attendance?

The estimated cost of attendance for a College Station graduate student enrolled full-time (9 hours) in Spring and Fall (no summer) is around $30,144.02 for a Texas resident and $41,411.2 for a non-resident per year. Note: these estimates are based on the Tuition Calculator and Cost of Attendance. To replicate results, select Graduate, the appropriate semester, your Texas residency status, College of Arts & Sciences, Program: Water Mgmt & Hydrological Sc, 9 hours. International applicants should visit the International Student & Scholar Services Costs & Financial Documents page and review the estimated cost of attendance tables.

What are the most important components of the application process?

  • Applicants should have completed college-level mathematics and science classes.

  • We require a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 undergraduate hours and a master’s degree minimum GPA of 3.0 for a PhD.

  • A 1-2-page statement describing why you are applying to this program. Include your academic strengths and background, area of interest, and career goals. PhD applicants should list the names of WMHS faculty that have agreed to serve as their Chair.

  • Three letters of recommendation are required. The recommendation letters are important. Choose recommenders who can adequately and fairly assess your potential, both as a student and a researcher.

  • International applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS. For the TOEFL, a minimum score of 95 (Internet-based) is required and for IELTS, a score of 7 or better is required. Read more about the Proof of English Proficiency requirement here: TAMU Admissions - International Graduate

What are the coursework requirements prior to admission?

Applicants should have completed college-level mathematics and science classes.

Do I need to secure a potential supervisor before applying?

PhD applicants must have a designated Committee Chair before admission. MS applicants are encouraged to reach out to at least two faculty members with whom they share research interests and mention these faculty by name in their Statement of Purpose.

What are the language requirements?

Citizens from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit proof of English proficiency to be eligible for review. For a list of citizenships exempt from the English proficiency requirement for admission and considered English Language Proficiency (ELP) Verified visit: TAMU Admissions - International Graduate.

CAN CURRENT TAMU GRADUATE STUDENTS TRANSFER TO THE WMHS PROGRAM?

We will consider transferring applications on a case-by-case basis, and as detailed below:

Current MS (thesis) students: first year MS students currently chaired by a WMHS faculty member.  Transferring students must provide a letter of support from their committee chair approving the transfer application and indicating a plan for student support. Additionally, students must ask their current graduate program to share their original graduate school application with the WMHS program coordinator.

Current PhD students: PhD students currently chaired by a WMHS faculty member if they request the transfer before the end of their second year. Transferring students must provide a letter of support from their committee chair approving the transfer application and indicating a plan for student support. Additionally, students must ask their current graduate program to share their original graduate school application with the WMHS program coordinator.

Current master’s non-thesis students: Please contact the WMHS Program Coordinator for guidance.

HOW CAN CURRENT TAMU UNDERGADUATE STUDENTS APPLY TO THE MWM (NON-THESIS) DEGREE OPTION?

Prospective MWM (non-thesis) students currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree at Texas A&M University should use the application that includes “Current TAMU Applicants” in the program name. 

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR FUNDING FOR MY GRADUATE STUDIES?

The WMHS program does not directly offer Teaching Assistantships. Limited Research Assistantships are available and are typically provided by the faculty Chair (advisor) directing the student’s research. Applicants reach out to our faculty members directly to inquire about their funding availability.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many opportunities as they are eligible for from the External Fellowship Opportunities for WMHS Applicants list as well as from the Graduate and Professional School Fellowship Lists

Eligible students accepted by the WMHS program may be considered for the IDP Merit Fellowship and the Avilés-Johnson Fellowship.

The Texas A&M University Graduate Merit Fellowship for Interdisciplinary Degree Programs, hereinafter referred to as IDP Merit Fellowship, seeks to encourage high-quality applicants to enroll in Texas A&M’s doctoral IDPs.

Nominees must be a U.S. resident, U.S. Permanent resident, or an eligible noncitizen and have applied for PhD admission to a Texas A&M IDP for the first time for summer or fall 2025.

The WMHS Executive Committee reviews the applications/applicants and recommends who will be nominated for an IDP Merit Fellowship. Reviewers will consider all aspects of the applicant’s experiences in the evaluation process with a focus on excellence and how the applicant will contribute to diversity at Texas A&M.

The review elements noted below may be gauged in multiple parts of the nomination application. Such measures include, but are not limited to, cumulative grade point average in the wider context of the academic record; the maturity and sophistication of the personal statement; the extent and quality of prior research experience; recommendations from faculty; and correspondence between research interests and available faculty expertise.

  • Evidence of superior academic achievement GPA; honors or other awards.

  • Relevant experiences outside of the classroom such as extracurricular experiences related to course of study; leadership experiences; work experiences; military experiences; internships/externships; personal history; international experiences (i.e., study abroad, semester at sea); research experiences (either at their own university or in summer undergraduate research opportunities at other universities); oral or poster presentations; publications; and the like. Non-cognitive and personal attributes that speak to the nominee’s research potential, adaptability, creativity, and collegiality; motivation and experience; persistence in and commitment to educational success; social and emotional skills and character traits; and the like.

  • Reference or support letters: to what extent do support letters indicate the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate school; statements that highlight how the applicant stands out; and the like.

Can the MWM Degree be completed online?

No, the Water Management & Hydrological Science Program only offers on campus degrees.