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Water Resources Management: The UDC Edge
While other programs focus solely on policy, UDC blends policy with hands-on technical learning, giving you the ability to understand water resource issues more completely—you will learn by doing. Our EPA-certified Environmental Quality Laboratory, currently in development, will give you the opportunity to perform research that makes an immediate impact, such as evaluating pesticide contamination in the District of Columbia.
You can also apply your education and gain valuable experience as a graduate assistant in the research or outreach units of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES), including the Agricultural Experiment Station, Water Resources Research Institute and the Cooperative Extension Service
Professional Science Master's Degree (PSM) in Water Resources Management
You are passionate about environmental issues, and the importance of water as a precious natural resource is clear to you. Whether your interest is in science, policy or business, you may be looking for a way to channel your passion about the environment into not just a career, but a way to make a practical difference.
The professional science master's degree program (PSM) in water resources management at the University of the District of Columbia prepares you to address the growing complexity of water issues facing our communities with a blend of rigorous coursework and extensive field and laboratory experience.
Our interdisciplinary program, based in UDC's College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES), provides not only deep knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological sciences applicable to water resources assessment, monitoring and management, but also strong skills in environmental policy, communication, business management, project management, ethics and leadership. This diverse toolkit will make you uniquely equipped to tackle the challenge of improving our environment, for both today and tomorrow.
Related:
- Department of Environmental Sciences
- Learn more about applying for admissions to the water resources management master's program
- Find out about scholarship opportunities for water resources management students
- Office of Graduate Studies
- Ask a question about graduate studies at UDC
Curriculum and Requirements in the UDC Water Resources Management Graduate Program
Working professionals who have a bachelor's degree and a strong background in math, science or engineering are encouraged to apply to the master's degree program in water resources management. You must also have basic knowledge of information technology. See the general admissions criteria for graduate students.
In order to graduate, you must complete a minimum of 35 credits, which can be completed in two years by a full-time student. These include:
- 15 credits of hydroscience courses
- 12 credits of core water resources management courses
- 7 credits of professional (science-plus) courses
- A 4-credit internship/capstone seminar
Course options (most of which feature both lecture and laboratory components) include:
- Water Quality Assessment, Monitoring & Treatment
- Surface & Groundwater Hydrology
- Water Quality Modeling
- GIS for Water Resource Management
- Stream Restoration
- Environmental Impact Assessments
- Ethics, Responsible Conduct of Research and Professional Responsibility
Student Organizations and Activities in the UDC Water Resources Management Graduate Program
Students have the opportunity to participate in a water resources management internship for a minimum of one semester. You will gain experience in:
- Data collection, analysis and interpretation
- Working in the field and/or laboratory
As part of the internship experience, you will also complete a capstone project and a technical report.
The newly established Environmental Sustainability Leaders club offers leadership opportunities in environmental stewardship and sustainability that prepare you for success in the workforce.
Faculty Spotlight: UDC Water Resources Management Graduate Program
Dr. Todessa Deksissa joined UDC in 2006 as a research associate and became a lead researcher and lab coordinator for the Agriculture Experiment Station and Water Resources Research Institute before he established the PSM program in water resources management in 2010. He has successfully established state-of-the-art water and environmental quality laboratories for both identifying and quantifying a wide array of environmental pollutants ranging from conventional pollutants through toxic or emerging contaminants.
