Program Overview

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Freshwater Science and Sustainability Program

The Freshwater Science and Sustainability program at Western Michigan University is an interdisciplinary and integrative course of study that provides students with the knowledge, training, and skills to tackle regional, national, and global sustainability challenges related to freshwater in the 21st century.

Program Overview

In this program, students blend a rigorous academic core with electives that further their individual career goals, whether in conservation biology, aquatic ecology, resource management, water quality, public health, environmental writing, policymaking, law, or other areas. The program fosters an understanding of both the core principles within and the intersections between the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic systems, with a particular emphasis on freshwater sciences.

Program Requirements

As a Freshwater Science and Sustainability major, students take 72 to 74 credit hours of required coursework focused on freshwater and sustainability. Due to the rigorous interdisciplinary nature of the program and the large number of credit hours required for the degree, the program does not require a minor. Additionally, this program offers a number of courses in hybrid or online formats, which may include significant fieldwork components required to successfully complete the course. Summer coursework may be required to complete the program.

Beyond the Classroom

Students are encouraged to gain valuable experience outside the classroom by participating in cutting-edge research projects with a faculty mentor or pursuing an internship. Research programs and internships provide real-life, hands-on experience in subjects learned about during class and may help identify specific career paths. Student organizations, such as Students for a Sustainable Earth, and working with WMU's Office for Sustainability also offer ample opportunities for students to get involved and gain real-world experience.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of WMU's Freshwater Science and Sustainability program include:

• Aquatic biologists
• Conservation scientists
• Freshwater quality analysts
• Watershed managers
• Sustainability coordinators
• Environmental and resource managers
• Corporate social responsibility coordinators
• Environmental consultants or advocates

The degree will also prepare students to pursue graduate studies in a wide variety of disciplines, such as freshwater biology and ecology, hydrology, water resource management, environmental policy, and environmental law.

Program Location

The Freshwater Science and Sustainability program is offered in Kalamazoo.

Related Programs

Other programs of interest include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Chemistry: ACS Certified
• Community and Regional Planning
• Earth Science
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies
• Geochemistry
• Geology
• Geophysics
• Hydrogeology

This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges facing freshwater ecosystems and to contribute to sustainable management and problem-solving in freshwater systems. By combining academic rigor with practical experience, the Freshwater Science and Sustainability program at Western Michigan University prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities and graduate studies in fields related to freshwater science and sustainability.