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 for managing this vital resource.
Program 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.
Program Requirements
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.
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 prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Career Outlook
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%, 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 do 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
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Growth: 0.9%
Median Salary*: 59630
Conservation Scientists
Growth: 4.1%
Median Salary*: 64460
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Growth: 6.1%
Median Salary*: 76480
Natural Sciences Managers
Growth: 4.8%
Median Salary*: 144440
Water Resource Specialists
Growth: 4.8%
Median Salary*: 144440
Hydrologists
Growth: 1.5%
Median Salary*: 85990
Sustainability Specialists
Growth: 4.1%
Median Salary*: 75990
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Growth: 5%
Median Salary*: 89940
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
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.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
