More than one quadrillion gallons of the world’s freshwater is appropriated each year to support agriculture, industry, mining, and urbanization. These thirsty culprits, together with climate change, have stressed the global supply and quality of water, imperiling human health and the functioning of freshwater and coastal ecosystems alike. Mitigating water scarcity and pollution relies on management approaches and policy levers that reflect the most recent advances in scientific understanding and on skill in forecasting ecosystem responses and socio-economic consequences of potential management and policy actions. The purpose of this specialization is to build student expertise in the science, policy, and management of water resources in preparation for careers that call for solutions to challenges posed by the world’s emerging and longstanding water-related issues. Students seeking employment within federal and state environmental agencies (e.g., USGS, USEPA, DEP), non-governmental organizations (e.g., WRI, Nature Conservancy), local and interstate watershed commissions, and environmental consulting firms should consider following this specialization.
Natural Sciences
Ecology of Aquatic Environments
Hydrologic and Watershed Sciences
Biogeochemistry of Natural Waters
Students intending to specialize in Water Resources Management are recommended to take at least three courses from any combination of the sub-topical areas under “Natural Sciences” and at least one course each from the “Management,” “Policy Analysis,” and “Spatial and Statistical Analyses” sections. Students seeking further counsel on selecting courses within this area should speak with their academic advisor or the Faculty Coordinator of Water Resources Management Specialization.
Faculty Coordinator: Jim Saiers
Specialization Faculty: Shimon Anisfeld, Gaboury Benoit, Pete Raymond, Dave Skelly, Brad Gentry
