Whether you call it water, agua, čúuš, 水, 물, nước, вода, or something else, it’s a part of daily life. From drinking water and cooking to agriculture, manufacturing, recreation, art and much more, water is key to surviving and thriving on our planet. 

How do you translate a personal interest in water into academic research or a career? Or as a professional, how do you connect with others who work in water-related disciplines or research water issues? Read on to learn more about opportunities at PSU and beyond.

At PSU, undergraduate and graduate students pursue a broad range of degrees, minors, and certificates that connect with water. Unique partnerships, internships and research experiences provide the opportunity to explore disciplines and build professional skills. At PSU, students can study water in the context of other disciplines, such as ITECK, communications, conflict resolution and more.  Learn more by clicking on one of the links below.

Did you know?

In the next 10 years, approximately 50,000 water workforce-related jobs are projected to be available in Oregon. Most of these jobs require at least a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree.

Water@PSU: In the News

Riding the Next Career Wave: Water@PSU

In November 2025, the Portland State Magazine recognized Water@PSU as core part of PSU's water workforce efforts.

A River Set Free: Experiencing the Newly Opened Klamath

Jill Marshall, an assistant professor in Geology, recently took a trip down the newly undammed Klamath River.

people crouched down and collecting samples with gloves near the river

PSU students help tell Oregon's water stories

Geography students are assisting Follow the Water with their novel statewide clean water outreach campaign.

Partner Highlight: Follow the Water Video Series

A video series featuring diverse voices about finding and fostering connection, disconnection, and reconnection with water.

The Klamath River flows in a canyon below steep rocky and forested slopes.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Event

Date

Details

Spring 2026: Joint OSU-PSU-USGS Water, People, and Society Seminar

Wednesdays, 4 p.m., April 8 - June 3

Cramer Hall 53 and/or Zoom (https://beav.es/WRS_S2026; PW: WRS2026) (Hybrid format)

EES 407 or 507 credit available.

Open to the public.

UPP Science Seminar: 

Using an Interdisciplinary Approach to Understand Lamprey-People Relationships and Inform Lamprey Restoration in the Willamette River Basin, Oregon
 

May 14 from 4-6pm

(Seminar from 4-5pm; networking with refreshments from 5-6pm)

Seminar in VSC B1-15; networking hour on the VSC SW patio.
 

Vernier Science Center (VSC)
1025 SW Mill St.
Portland, OR 97201

 

 

Contact 

waterpsu@pdx.edu

 

Updated: November 4, 2025