A student of hydraulic engineering may take courses in multiple scientific fields. These studies may include a variety of coursework from lectures, experimentation, essays, research and reports. The student can learn to safely utilize water power, how to protect the environment and to provide safe water resources.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.