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Water Resources ,Certificate

Water Resources, Certificate

Academic programs / Undergraduate minors and certificates / Water Resources

Civil Engineering, Environment, Hydrology, Sustainability, geology

Water resources are irreplaceable and under stress from population growth and climate change. Management of these resources is increasingly in demand from many perspectives. Acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to manage this vital resource.
Description ▲

The certificate program in water resources covers topics related to hydrologic science and their application to water resources management. The sequence of classes offered through the certificate program builds from a foundation in geological sciences up to water policy and design aspects of hydrology, as selected by the student.

At a glance ▲

Curriculum ▲
View curriculum archives
Requirement Minimum Grade Credit Hours
The certificate requires 16 credit hours. At least 12 credit hours must be completed in upper-division coursework and at least nine credit hours must be completed at ASU. At least six upper-division hours in the certificate must be completed in courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher is required for each course used to fulfill a certificate requirement.
GLG 108 Water Planet (SCIT) or SOS 182 Water Planet (SCIT)
4 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 4
GLG 327 Earth's Critical Zone or SOS 374 Earth's Critical Zone
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
GLG 470 Hydrogeology
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
6 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 6
Notes
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment requirements ▲

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Program learning outcomes▲

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Analyze scientific data to quantify and make predictions about water flow at or near Earth’s surface in response to gravitational, atmospheric, topographic, and hydrologic characteristics of the medium through which it moves.
  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of the hydrologic cycle and the interactions among physical, biological, and chemical components of a particular geologic setting.
Career opportunities▲

With water resources jobs increasing at a rate faster than other job outlooks (up to 6% growth between 2022 and 2032, well above the national average of 2.8%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), the demand for individuals with industry-specific skills is clear.

Students who earn a certificate in water resources can advance their career and become more marketable to employers. Exciting career opportunities in this field exist within government agencies, private sector consulting, engineering firms and nonprofit organizations, though most career areas require more training than a certificate alone can provide.

Career opportunities include:

  • hydrologist
  • soil and water conservationist
  • water or wastewater engineer
  • water resources technician

Sample career settings include:

  • environmental industry
  • governmental agencies
  • nonprofit organizations
  • private voluntary organizations
  • regulatory agencies
  • utilities
Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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