Program Overview

Professional Science Master's in Ecosystem Science & Sustainability (PSM-ESS)

The Professional Science Master's in Ecosystem Science & Sustainability (PSM-ESS) is a graduate program that equips students with data science specific to water resource management, understanding of the social, physical, chemical, and ecological aspects of water systems, and basic water resource policy proficiency.

Water Resources Degree Focus

The Water Resources focus in the PSM-ESS program teaches students applied skills in water resource management for work with municipalities, utilities, governments, NGOs, consultancies, and more. The curriculum provides a foundation in water systems with emphases on water sustainability and policy, data science and analysis, hydrology, water chemistry, field experience, and more.

Course Selection

The course selection can be designed to obtain both the PSM and the water resources certificate. Some of the classes students take as part of the water resources track include:

• Water Resource Development
• GIS and Data Analysis in Water Resources
• Land Use and Water Quality
• Water Law for Non-Lawyers
• Land Use Hydrology
• Applied Advanced Water Resource Economics
• Environmental Data Science: Water Applications

Internships

As part of the Professional Science Master's, students complete a 400-hr, 4-credit internship to gain on-the-job experience and expand their professional networks. Students apply to their internship with the guidance of their faculty advisor and internship coordinator. These internships are almost always paid.

Careers

The Water Resources focus in the Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Professional Science Master's program prepares students for a variety of careers in the sustainability, water resources management, and data science sectors. Students have gone on to become Environmental Data Managers, Staff Hydrologists, environmental consultants, and more.

Program Outcomes

At the end of this program, students will be able to describe and interpret major processes affecting the water cycle and apply this understanding to environmental management aimed at water conservation, water quality maintenance, restoration, or other management decisions that affect water resources. Students will also develop expertise in quantitative analysis, spatial analysis (GIS), and statistical analyses commonly used in the hydrological sciences.