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

Water is life—and learning how to protect it has never been more important. From Colorado’s Rocky Mountains to the High Plains, freshwater challenges are growing, and the Watershed Science and Sustainability program puts students at the heart of it all.

This program makes the most of its stunning location, offering hands-on experiences in outdoor “living laboratories,” as well as in classrooms and labs. Students explore water governance, sustainability, data science, and technical skills—all while connecting deeply with the landscapes they’re working to protect.

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 with a strong foundation in the physical and natural sciences before moving into upper-division courses that emphasize fieldwork, lab experience, and applied learning across earth science, ecology, and sustainability.

Sample Courses:

Sustainable Watersheds

Land Use Hydrology and Water Quality

Watershed Measurements

Natural Resource Ecology and Measurements

Snow Hydrology and Seasonal Snow Environments

Watershed Problem Analysis

Students can tailor their degree with one of three concentrations:

Watershed Science: Focus on hydrology, snowpack, water quality, and land-use impacts to solve complex water challenges.
Watershed Data: Combine watershed science with data science and statistical tools for informed ecological decision-making.
Watershed Sustainability: Study the human dimensions of water management through policy, equity, and sustainability.

The Watershed Science Minor provides a background in core watershed science classes, including water resources, hydrology, and the watershed practicum field course. Open to all majors, the minor offers flexible, interdisciplinary coursework in hydrology, water resources, and watershed field methods.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates are equipped to:

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 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 of Science (B.S)

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

Career Pathways & Impact: Turning Knowledge into Action. With this degree, you’ll have the foundational knowledge, hands-on experience, and interdisciplinary insight needed to lead in fields like water policy, conservation, environmental restoration, and water utility management.

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]

Learn in Fort Collins

Fort Collins blends education and industry, hard work and outdoor recreation, tradition and progress. If you’re looking for a college experience with the perfect fusion of culture, opportunity and adventure, Fort Collins is where you’ll find it.

Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins provides extensive access to hundreds of miles of trails for biking and hiking, world-class fishing and rock climbing, and camping, all in an area with over 300 days of sun per year.

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