Master of Science in Water Science & Management

 

This degree program will train researchers to meet current and emerging water challenges, including:

  • Improved agricultural water use efficiency
  • The need to reduce aquifer vulnerability
  • Improved watershed management for community water supplies
  • Affordable urban and agricultural conservation measures
  • Increased economic development from use of abundant brackish groundwater
  • Greater flexibility for adapting water use patterns to drought and climate change

In addition to research qualifications, program graduates will compete well for professional jobs. A recent extensive survey of regional and national employers found a strong and diverse market for the program’s graduates.

International students are encouraged to apply.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Water Science and Management include all general requirements for a graduate degree as set forth in the NMSU Catalog, plus the following:

  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
    However, students with grade point averages between 3.0 and 3.5 will be given consideration, this degree being preparatory to the Water Science and Management degree.
  • A letter of intent or statement of purpose that addresses individual professional and personal goals related to water science and management and discusses how these goals fit within the degree programs at NMSU. It is expected that the candidate will have made contact with prospective advisor(s) at NMSU and speak to how he or she would work with said advisor(s) to advance their research and study.
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted directly from persons who know the applicant professionally, including a recommendation from the candidate’s current employer/sponsor. These letters should provide evidence of professional ability, research experience, and the potential for professional development. A letter of intent or statement of purpose that addresses individual professional and personal goals related to water science and management and discusses how these goals fit within the degree programs at NMSU. It is expected that the candidate will have made contact with prospective advisor(s) at NMSU and speak to how he or she would work with said advisor(s) to advance their research and study.
  • A brief resume or curriculum vitae not to exceed five pages that summarize the candidate’s background and qualifications.

Required Courses

This degree is designed primarily for students who wish to obtain scientific, technical, and managerial expertise in water. The Master’s degree can be earned with WSM earn 26 credits of formal course work, plus 6 additional thesis research credits, as detailed below:

  • AEEC 575 –  Advanced Water Resource Management (3 credits)
  • RGSC 518 – Watershed Methods and Management, OR SOIL 456 – Irrigation and Drainage (3 credits)
  • A ST 505 – Statistical Inference I (4 credits)
  • Seminar – (1 credit)
  • Electives– Electives for the relevant concentration in consultation with the student's committee (15 credits)
  • Thesis – (6 credits)

 

Five concentrations are offered for the M.S. Degree:

  • Agricultural water resources
  • Watershed, riparian, and aquatic systems
  • Water quality and treatment
  • Water economics and policy
  • Water informatics

 

Outline of Required Events to Complete the M.S. Degree

1. Meet with graduate committee no later than second semester to outline planned coursework and to discuss planned research for thesis.
2. File the “Application for Admission to Candidacy” (Program of Study) no later than after the completion of 12 credits of graduate work.
3. File the “Masters Final Examination Form” with Graduate School at least 10 working days before exam.
4. Deliver the thesis in hard or digital copy (at the discretion of the Committee Chair) to each committee member 7 business days before final exam.
5. Successfully defend the thesis and pass the accompanying oral exam by the relevant deadlines for the term in which this exam is held.
6. Complete the Master’s Thesis Student Checklist & Procedures on the NMSU Graduate School website.
7. Submit your approved Thesis to ProQuest at http://www.etdadmin.com/nmsuetd