Program Overview

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Water Resources Management, MS

The Water Resources Management (WRM) program is an interdisciplinary graduate program leading to a master of science (MS) degree in water resources management. The program addresses the complex, interdisciplinary aspects of managing water resources by helping students integrate the biological and physical sciences with engineering, law, and the social sciences.

Program Description

The water resources management degree is designed to prepare students for employment as water resources management professionals. Rather than conduct individual research projects, WRM students participate in a group practicum workshop with a water resources management focus. Students who wish to add individual research credentials to their records frequently arrange to complete a second, simultaneous master's program in one of the university's traditional departments.

Admissions

Any person who attended an accredited institution and earned an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences, earth sciences, economics, education, engineering, history, journalism, landscape architecture, law, mathematics, physical science, political science, urban and regional planning, or other relevant field may apply for admission to the WRM program.

Admission Requirements

• Fall Deadline: January 15
• Spring Deadline: October 15
• Summer Deadline: January 15
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Funding

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Requirements

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 45 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 23 credits must be graduate-level coursework
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required
• Other Grade Requirements: Grades of BC or C are not typically accepted toward program requirements unless the grade is allowed by the students faculty advisory committee and the program chair

Required Courses

• Breadth Requirements:
  • Category A: Natural Science & Technology (9 credits)
  • Category B: Water Resources Institutions & Public Decision-Making Processes (9 credits)
  • Category C: Analytical & Design Tools in Water Resources (6 credits)
• Area of Specialty: 15 credits
• Interdisciplinary Group Practicum:
  • ENVIR ST/CIV ENGR/URB R PL 718: Water Resources Management Practicum Planning Seminar II (2 credits)
  • ENVIR ST/CIV ENGR/URB R PL 719: Water Resources Management Summer Practicum (4 credits)

Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: With faculty advisory committee and program chair approval, students are allowed to transfer up to 15 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: No credits from another institution or UWMadison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the program

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's probation policy

Advisor / Committee

All students must assemble a three-member faculty advisory committee that represents a minimum of two departments, preferably no later than their second semester in the program

Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career

Learning Outcomes

1. Expand their knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological, and social sciences and learn how to apply this knowledge to the management of water resources
2. Understand water resource decision-making at governance levels from local to national
3. Use a wide range of analytical tools to sustainably manage water resources
4. Participate in as well as lead interdisciplinary teams
5. Orally and in writing communicate to stakeholders the findings and recommendations of interdisciplinary projects
6. Have an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility