Undergraduate Major and Minor in Watershed Science
Watershed Science is the interdisciplinary study of the natural processes of human activities that affect water resources on a basin or catchment scale. The program requires a solid grounding in the physical and natural sciences before undertaking upper-division courses in topics such as land-use hydrology, land use and water quality, and watershed analysis.
The Watershed Science major is broad-based, allowing students to obtain a sound academic and practical basis for professional careers. The professional orientation of the major is reflected in the success of our graduates in obtaining positions in resources industries, environmental consulting firms, government resource management, and regulatory agencies, including the Forest Service, Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Many students use this academic preparation to enter graduate school or other professional degree programs.
Experiential learning opportunities are provided at Pingree Park summer field program and at the Watershed Practicum.
Major in Watershed Science: Course Requirements.
The Watershed Science minor is open to all majors at Colorado State . While it has sufficient flexibility to be applied to a variety of subject areas, the minor is especially tailored to those majors within the College of Natural Resources . The minor provides a basic understanding of the discipline and is complementary to a wide variety of other majors such as geology, forestry, range, soils, fishery and wildlife, biology, and engineering. The minor in Watershed Science provides an opportunity to obtain a background in watershed science to complement other majors.
Minor in Watershed Science: Course Requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
Understanding of the key concepts in watershed science, a familiarity and understanding of commonly-used models, and an ability to analyze complex data. Performance standards include the following:
- knowledge and ability to collect, analyze and evaluate meteorological, hydrological, and water quality data;
- knowledge of surface water hydrology, including the ability to quantify a design storm, development of a water balance, and use of runoff prediction tools;
- knowledge of erosion processes and sediment pond design;
- knowledge and use of conceptual, empirical, and physically-based models; and
- knowledge of water quality hydrology including the design and implementation of water quality monitoring programs to assess influences of land use activities.
Ability to prepare comprehensive and technical reports and to orally present the results of their work. Students will develop the following skills:
• organization of a presentation;
• ability to clearly communicate technical content;
• use of quality graphics and technology; and
• confidence and delivery in the oral presentation.
Potential Occupations
Completion of the undergraduate degree qualifies students for a wide variety of careers in hydrology, watershed, and water resources management. Employment opportunities include consulting firms; governmental bodies at the local, regional, and national levels; international development and resource management agencies; and private industry. Participation in internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Examples of possible careers include, but are not limited to: watershed scientists; hydrologist; environmental consultant; water quality analyst; watershed manager; watershed analyst; land use specialist; water conservation specialist.