Water: Systems, Science, and Society (WSSS) Program

Tufts University's Water: Systems, Science, and Society (WSSS) program addresses the depth of water-related issues through a series of core classes, interdisciplinary, problem-focused research projects, cross-cutting seminars, field research opportunities, interdisciplinary professional experiences, and skill workshops.

The WSSS program is a collaborative effort involving the Tufts School of Engineering, School of Arts and Sciences, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, the School of Medicine, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Students participating in the WSSS program enroll in and fulfill the requirements of a graduate degree within one of these participating schools to ensure a strong knowledge base in their chosen field, as well complete WSSS requirements to receive a Certificate in Water: Systems, Science, and Society.

WSSS students work in one of six research areas on interdisciplinary, problem-focused projects:

• Water, Climate and Environmental Change
• Water and Public Health
• Water Pollution and Remediation Science
• Watershed Management
• Water, Food and Livelihood Security
• Water and National and International Security

Students also take courses in four areas including: water resources planning and policy, the biological aspects of water, health and nutrition, systems analysis, and water science. They also participate in a Professional Interdisciplinary Experience and skill workshops while completing their research. First-year students participate in a special WSSS Research Practicum.

Richard Vogel, Director of WSSS and a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, recognizes the real-world applications of the program. "This program is a response to a real societal need to provide a broad education for future leaders in the field of water," says Vogel. "Students become aware of issues such as the increasing number of wars and conflicts that arise due to water, the health implications of what is often considered to be a 'clean' water supply, and the challenges facing developing and developed countries in managing their water resources."

To learn more about the WSSS Ph.D. and MA/MS programs, go to www.tufts.edu/water or contact:

Dr. Richard Vogel
(617) 627-4260
richard.vogel[at]tufts.edu