Water Resources Management B.S. Degree

Program Description

The Bachelor's Degree in Water Resources Management introduces students to public policy decisions and statutory mandates that govern water demand, affect water supply, and impact water quality. The concentration in Water Resources Management enables students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to apply organizational theories in leadership and integrated resource management, facilitate the complex nature of intergovernmental relations among local, state, federal, and private organizations, interpret major policies, legislative acts, and regulations governing water resources, analyze water policy issues, and evaluate alternative policy solutions. The program emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in water resource planning and management, ensuring that students understand how equitable policies and inclusive practices contribute to sustainable and socially responsible water governance. Students also explore financial management and budget forecasting functions and facilitate strategic planning and goal-setting processes for water sector organizations.

Employment for graduates occurs in a wide range of fields and sectors, including private, non-profit, and government agencies. Possible career paths include leadership roles in:

  • Water Supply Utilities
  • Water/Wastewater Treatment Plants
  • Regulatory Agencies
  • Groundwater and Conservation Districts
  • Watershed/River Basin Authorities

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Applied Technology, Transportation & Culinary Arts

Department

Water Supply Technology

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Manufacturing, Industry, Transportation

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Engage proactively with stakeholders and community decision makers to promote the utility provider as valued, competent, and trustworthy environmental stewards and the water infrastructure as community assets.

  2. Produce technical documents that respond to the needs of multiple audiences, including international/global audiences of water resources.

  3. Employ project management processes and analytical tools to achieve a sustainable outcome to regulatory compliance and environmental problems.

  4. Develop the skills of utilizing information technologies capabilities in water resources management to track performance, identify variability, and manage performance more effectively and precisely.

  5. Apply key terminology, facts, concepts, principles, historical perspectives and theories to effectively “supply water” and “manage wastewater” infrastructure functions.

  6. Gain comprehensive knowledge of integrated water resources management with specific emphasis on best practices leading to water sustainability and financial viability.

  7. Acquire skills to address contemporary issues related to water resources management and understand their societal, economic, and environmental impacts.

  8. Analyze social justice in the workplace and determine one’s own self-concept based on the dimensions of diversity equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

  9. Articulate the core concepts of sustainable management of water resources from local to state to national and global viewpoints.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

Lower Division Coursework

59-68 units

Upper Division Coursework

60 units