Environmental and Resource Management (Water Management), MS
Are you a systems thinker who views water as both a critical challenge and a powerful opportunity? In this highly ranked program, you can transform environmental passion into expertise. Gain a deep understanding of the science, policy and technology of water management while developing solutions to issues of scarcity, quality and sustainability.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
If you have a background in the sciences, engineering, management, natural resources management, environmental health and safety or other affiliated areas, you gain the regulatory and technical background you need to mitigate the environmental impact of industrial sources of pollution, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and manage and preserve engineered and natural ecosystems through the Master of Science program in environmental and resource management.
The concentration in water management focuses on issues of water quality, supply, treatment, reclamation and conservation, as well as augmentation strategies. This program is especially appropriate if you work in municipal, state, federal and tribal water and environmental agencies; with water providers to urban and agricultural users; and in manufacturing and mining industries. It's also an excellent fit if you are interested in sustainable development in this country and around the world.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours and a portfolio, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours and a written comprehensive exam, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ERM 593)
Required Core (6 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Electives or Research (9, 12 or 15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0, 3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for the approved course list for electives or research. Other coursework may be used with the approval of the academic unit. The thesis and applied project options require an oral defense.
ERM 502 Regulatory Framework for Toxic and Hazardous Substances (3) or ERM 527 Environmental/Resources Regulations Concepts (3)
ERM 503 Principles of Toxicology (3) or ERM 506 Chemistry of Hazardous Materials (3)
ERM 523 Soils and Groundwater Contamination (3)
ERM 533 Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies (3)
ERM 535 Water Law and Policy (3)
ERM 593 Applied Project (3)
ERM 599 Thesis (6)
portfolio (0)
written comprehensive exam (0)
Students choose one of the culminating experiences listed above. Thesis students take nine credit hours of electives or research; applied project students take 12 credit hours of electives or research; and portfolio and written comprehensive exam students take 15 credit hours of electives or research.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply sustainable development practices and trends to water management systems
- Apply legal principles and concepts as described in environmental laws and regulations in order to manage engineered, industrial and natural water systems
- Apply management, scientific and technical solutions to address water management challenges and problems
Apply sustainable development practices and trends to water management systemsAdmission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must have earned a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or a similar field. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in their first bachelor's degree program or in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in nine semester hours of graduate coursework from a U.S. institution; or a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable conferred master's degree program from a regionally accredited college or university. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Global Launch at ASU offers an online alternative to standardized testing for international students who are seeking admission to ASU and need proof of English proficiency. If the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirements, the application may still be considered. In certain cases, demonstrated aptitude through professional experience or additional postbaccalaureate education is considered. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at the time of application. If admitted, applicants must then submit official transcripts to ASU Graduate Admission Services.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling* |
*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are employed by industrial operations such as manufacturing and mining industries; federal, state and local environmental and water agencies; environmental firms; utilities; international agencies such as the United Nations and the World Bank; and nongovernmental organizations.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Environmental and Resource Management
|
SUTON 240
polygrad@asu.edu
480-727-1874
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
