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.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area staff build bundles of willows and other hardwoods and plant them along sections of the Klickitat Wild & Scenic River

Faculty Directory

Water@PSU has compiled a list of faculty across disciplines to foster connections between faculty, staff and other water professionals as well as current and prospective students.

Follow the Water homepage

Follow the Water at Hydro Social Stories

Follow the Water (FTW), which is part of the Clean Rivers Coalition, recently attended PSU's Hydro Social Stories mini-conference on Water and Society. Watch their featured video and learn more at followthewater.info.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Event

Date

Details

Tribal Water Webinar: Tribal Water Rights - Understanding frameworks to secure water rights for Tribes

Thursday, July 16, 9:00 to 10:30 am

Facilitated by Direlle Calica

Register Here

Tribal Water Webinar: Reflections on the Changing Currents Water Summit

Thursday, August 17, 9:00 to 10:30 am

Facilitated by Direlle Calica

Register Here

Water@PSU: In the News

Microplastics in Oregon's Aquatic Ecosystems

Environmental Science and Management Professor Elise Granek discusses microplastics in six of Oregon's seafood species. 

USGS-PSU Partnership Featured in PSU Magazine

The latest PSU Magazine recognizes the UPP as a model partnership making waves across the state.

photo of columbia river running through landforms with sunshine on the far right of the image

A new approach to conservation: ‘Indigenize’ not ‘decolonize’

Serina Fast Horse began working as an intern with the Environmental Services’ Community Watershed Stewardship

Follow the Water Video Series

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

river flows swiftly over rocks with trees along the bank

Contact 

waterpsu@pdx.edu

 

Updated: July 2, 2025