Master of Science in Water Resources Management

Program Overview

The Water Resources Management program at UNLV offers a versatile curriculum combining hydrology, governance, and management principles. Students can tailor their studies to their interests, with options for a thesis or non-thesis track. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and provides research opportunities, preparing graduates for diverse careers in water resources management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Overview: The Water Resources Management (WRM) program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a versatile, cross-disciplinary curriculum leading to a Master of Science degree.
It combines the scientific and technical aspects of hydrology with governance and management principles. The program's flexibility allows students to design a course of study tailored to their interests and existing expertise.
• Objectives:
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of water-related issues within the students' respective areas of interest
• Enhance research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities in water resources management
• Prepare students for professional roles in water management, research, policy development, and other relevant fields

Outline:

Thesis Track:

• Course Requirements:
• Required Course (3 credits):
Select one from WRM 706 (Research Methods in Water Resources Management) or GEOL 701 (Research Methods in Geoscience)
• Hydrologic Sciences Courses (6 credits):
Approved GEOL or CEE courses
• Additional Science Course (3 credits):
Approved science, mathematics, or engineering courses (BIOL, CEE, CHEM, GEOL, MAT, ME, PHYS, STA prefixes)
• Administrative Courses (9 credits):
Approved management, public administration, economics, law, or political science courses (ECO, ENV, HIST, LAW, MGT, MIS, PSC, PUA prefixes)
• Elective Courses (6 credits):
Approved courses from BIOL, CEE, CHEM, ECO, ENV, GEOL, HIST, LAW, MAT, ME, MGT, MIS, PHYS, PSC, PUA, or STA
• Thesis (6 credits):
WRM 798 (Thesis)
• Degree Requirements:
• Minimum of 33 credits with a GPA of 3.00 or higher
• At least 15 credits must be 700-level courses

Non-Thesis Track:

• Course Requirements:
• Required Course (3 credits):
Select one from WRM 706 (Research Methods in Water Resources Management) or GEOL 701 (Research Methods in Geoscience)
• Hydrologic Sciences Courses (6 credits):
Approved GEOL or CEE courses
• Additional Science Courses (6 credits):
Approved science, mathematics, or engineering courses (BIOL, CEE, CHEM, GEOL, MAT, ME, PHYS, STA prefixes)
• Administrative Courses (12 credits):
Approved management, public administration, economics, law, or political science courses (ECO, ENV, HIST, LAW, MGT, MIS, PSC, PUA prefixes)
• Elective Courses (6 credits):
Approved courses from BIOL, CEE, CHEM, ECO, ENV, GEOL, HIST, LAW, MAT, ME, MGT, MIS, PHYS, PSC, PUA, or STA
• Professional Paper (3 credits):
WRM 796 (Professional Paper in WRM)
• Degree Requirements:
• Minimum of 36 credits with a GPA of 3.00 or higher
• At least 15 credits must be 700-level courses

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment throughout the program through assignments, projects, presentations, and exams
• Comprehensive oral examination for both Thesis and Non-Thesis tracks
• Successful defense of either a thesis or a professional paper

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, discussions, research projects, seminars
• Faculty: Experienced professors and researchers from various disciplines within the university
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to engage with faculty and peers from diverse academic backgrounds
• Research opportunities that provide hands-on experience in addressing real-world water management issues

Careers:

• Graduates of the WRM program pursue diverse career paths related to water resources management, including:
• Water resource planners and managers
• Hydrologists and environmental engineers
• Water policy analysts and legislators
• Environmental consultants
• Water conservation and sustainability specialists
• The program's interdisciplinary nature prepares students for careers in government agencies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and research institutions