Watershed Science and Sustainability Major and Minor - Warner College of Natural Resources

Ready to solve complex challenges in freshwater resources? You’re in the right place!

Water is a critical component of Earth’s ecosystems. Management of freshwater resources is an increasingly important challenge in Colorado and worldwide. This program capitalizes on its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and High Plains, Colorado to provide students with opportunities in water governance, sustainability, data science, and technical skill development.

The Watershed Science and Sustainability program capitalizes on its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, High Plains, and inter-montane basins of Colorado, to give students unique educational opportunities in outdoor laboratories, as well as in traditional classrooms and laboratory settings. Upper-level undergraduates are able to participate in internships, volunteer activities, co-operative educational opportunities or summer jobs in watershed science, to enhance practical training and development.

Did you know?

Find curriculum highlights, check sheets, and much more on our Undergraduate Program Curriculum and Course Offerings page.
Our Academic Success Coordinators provide advising and guidance for students. View their contact information and additional student resources on our Advising and Student Resources page.
ESS undergraduates can start earning a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability while still enrolled as an undergrad through our Accelerated Master's Program

Areas of Study

Students begin the degree with a solid foundation in physical and natural sciences in preparation for upper-division courses emphasizing experiential learning and the ability to incorporate studies in earth science, ecology, and sustainability. Courses include:

Sustainable Watersheds

Land Use Hydrology and Water Quality

Watershed Measurements

Natural Resource Ecology and Measurements

Snow Hydrology and Seasonal Snow Environments

Watershed Problem Analysis

Our Watershed Science and Sustainability program allows you to specialize in discipline-specific areas within your major. All concentrations offer opportunities for hands-on field work, lab experimentation, and applied research.

Watershed Science: Explore the factors affecting water hydrology and land-use impacts, including snowpack and water quality, for comprehensive problem-solving in the biological, chemical, and physical dimensions of water resources.
Watershed Data: Build a foundation in Watershed Science while developing skills in applied data science and statistical analysis that will inform sustainable ecological decision-making in water resources.
Watershed Sustainability: Dive into Watershed Sustainability with a focus on policy analysis impacting water resource management with both human-centered and sustainable approaches that inform equitable allocation and access.

The Watershed Science Minor provides a background in core watershed science classes, including water resources, hydrology, and the watershed practicum field course. The minor offers a broad and flexible selection of additional courses that emphasize both physical and societal aspects of water. Students can select the combination of courses that best fits their interests and complements their major.

Upon graduation, Watershed Science and Sustainability students will:

Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts in watershed science, including surface and subsurface hydrology and water quality.
Demonstrate understanding of land use effects on fresh water resources.
Develop skills in collection and analysis of meteorological, hydrological, and water quality data.
Develop skills in watershed problem analysis, including the use of watershed models.
Demonstrate strong critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skills.
Continue on to productive careers in academia, business, and governmental organizations, or be well-prepared for graduate school.

The Watershed Science and Sustainability degree also qualifies students within two professional hydrologist certifications.

Similar Majors

Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Bachelor’s of Science (BS)

Undergraduate Degree Program

Beyond the Classroom

At Warner College, the classroom is just the beginning.
Opportunities for getting outside to learn, do research, and recreate are extensive.

Field Courses

Students participate in immersive field courses at CSU Mountain Campus and beyond.

Research

Undergraduate students can participate in research projects to further their education.

Study Abroad

Take your education international and spend a semester abroad. More Warner College students study abroad than any other college at CSU.

Connect with Other Students

Watershed & Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (WESS) Club

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities may be found in consulting firms, government agencies, international development and resource management agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry.

USDA Forest Service
Watershed Science and Engineering, Inc.
ELEMENT Water Consulting
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Environmental Science Associates
Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed
Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District
Tetra Tech

Graduating with the Watershed Science and Sustainability degree ensures you have the foundational and specialized knowledge and experience to address modern water issues with careers in state/federal service, municipal and utility water resource management, conservation, and environmental consulting.

Hydrologist
Hydrologic Technician
Water Quality Analyst
Watershed Biologist/Scientist
Aquatic Ecologist
Watershed Resource Specialist
Water Conservation Technician
Environmental Consultant

Questions?

Carmyn Ginnetti

College Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator

[email protected]

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