Water Management

A crucial area of global concern

In today’s interconnected world, those who lead for the greater good must possess knowledge in various fields and be able to apply that knowledge where change most often occurs—at the intersection of science, policy, and society. The Water Management concentration addresses water quality, quantity, and disruption. You will gain a mastery of water science, law, policy, economics, and communication. This curriculum will prepare you for success in the dynamic field of water resource management—a field that is growing ever more crucial globally.

How to apply

6STUDENTS FOCUSED ON WATER MANAGEMENT (Spring 2021)

1:2FACULTY: STUDENT RATIO

90.4%MPA-MSES PLACEMENT RATE (2018)

A strong skill base

Our signature dual degree program combines rigorous scientific training with one of the nation’s best masters programs in policy and management for a powerful and flexible combination of skills—positioning you at the crucial intersection of science, policy, and society. All dual MPA-MSES students must take the core requirements from both the MPA and the MSES degrees program.

Add in-depth knowledge and detail

The concentration is unique in that it allows students to obtain a MPA-MSES concentration specializing in the crucial field of water resources management. In addition to your competencies, you will take three classes (10 credit hours) required of Water Management students. You’ll then choose five elective classes from two different areas; Water Science Electives (Physical Science and Ecology & Management) and Policy and Administration Electives.

Water Management Requirements (10 credit hours)
  • Limnology, 4 credits (E 556)
  • Water Law (R 531) —OR— Water Policy and Economics (R 532)
  • One Physical Science class listed below

Water Science Electives (6 – 9 credit hours)

Physical Science Courses
  • Water Quality Modeling (E 502)
  • Aquatic Chemistry (E 539)
  • Groundwater Flow Modeling (E 555)
  • Fluvial Process and Sediment Transport (GEOL-G 690)*
Ecology & Management Courses
  • Fisheries and Wildlife Management (E 460)
  • Fisheries and Wildlife Management Lab (E 461)
  • Wetlands Ecology and Management (E 540)
  • Lake and Watershed Management (E 545)
  • Stream Ecology (E 546)
  • BMP Design for Healthy Urban Watersheds (E 555)

Policy & Administration Electives (6 – 9 credit hours)

  • Benefit-Cost Analysis (P 541)
  • Water Law (R 531)
  • Environmental Economics and Policy (R 625)
  • Natural Resources Management and Policy (R 643)
  • Environmental Law (R 645)
  • Water Policy and Economics (V 550)
  • Human Behavior and Energy Consumption (X 511/E 501)
  • Water and Society (GEOG-G 553)*

You must work with an adviser when taking courses outside of the O’Neill School.

The above are examples of your course options. For a complete listing, see the official Indiana University Graduate Bulletin and work with your advisor as you make your schedule.

Gain real-world experience while still in school

You can choose from many professional student organizations that offer networking and current information on events in the industry.

Get involved

Learn from faculty with expertise and experience in water management

V M

Professor; Director, Environmental Master's Programs

Phone:
(812) 855-3836
Email:
meretsky@indiana.edu
T R

Professor; Faculty Chair for Environmental Science; Director, Royer Laboratory

Phone:
(812) 855-0971
Email:
troyer@indiana.edu
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George Nishikawa, MPA-MSES’17

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

“The most important thing that I learned did not come from any single class. The sum of my experience has taught me to think logically, critically, and thoughtfully”

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Dana Parkinson, MPA-MSES’17

BURNS & MCDONNELL, ASSISTANT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA

“The deep compassion for others shared by the students defines the culture of the MPA-MSES program. You will take that with you wherever you go.”

50 years at O'Neill