Water Resources option

Major: Environmental Science

A group of students completes environmental testing in a creek.

What is water resources?

Water resources focuses on understanding, protecting and managing one of our most essential natural resources. The water resources option combines environmental science with coursework in water quality, hydrology, soils and watershed management. Students learn to assess water resources, understand how land use and human activities affect water systems and apply science to management decisions, preparing them to address water challenges affecting communities, agriculture, industry and ecosystems.

Why water resources?

If you are interested in water and the environmental challenges surrounding its quality, availability and management, the water resources option provides hands-on preparation for a growing range of professional opportunities. Graduates are prepared for careers in water quality and watershed management, environmental monitoring and assessment, environmental consulting and compliance, conservation, water resource planning and related fields. Opportunities can be found with private companies and consulting firms, municipalities and utilities, conservation organizations, and local, state and federal agencies. The option also provides a strong foundation for graduate study and advanced work in water and environmental sciences.

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Career paths

Employment for graduates occurs in a wide range of fields and sectors. Our graduates can look forward to a career in one or more of the following fields:

Aquatic ecologist
Environmental laboratory analyst
Environmental sampling technician
Environmental water analyst
Hydrologic technician

Hydrology
Soil and water quality specialist
Water resource consultant
Water resources planner
Watershed management specialist

100% CAREER PREPARATION

Every OSU environmental science student builds professional experience and career-ready skills through sampling and analysis courses, internships and a capstone experience.

Highlights

Hands-on learning

Understanding water resources means getting into the field. Through field and laboratory experiences, internships and the senior capstone project, students gain practical experience collecting and analyzing environmental samples, assessing water quality and quantity, interpreting data, and applying science to real-world water resource challenges

Connecting land and water

Water connects communities, agriculture, industry and natural ecosystems. The Water resources option combines environmental science with water quality, hydrology, soils and watershed science to help students understand how natural processes and human activities influence the availability and quality of water. This broad perspective prepares students for careers in water quality, watershed management, environmental consulting and compliance, conservation, water resource planning and government agencies.

Undergraduate research

Water resources students can work with faculty across the Ferguson College of Agriculture and beyond on research involving water quality and quantity, watersheds, soils, aquatic systems and other environmental topics. Undergraduate research allows students to investigate water-related questions while developing skills in field and laboratory methods, data analysis and scientific communication—and explore whether graduate study or research may be part of their future.

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