Skip to main content

2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

Search Help

Master of Science in Water Resource Policy

Water Resource Policy

Water is a critical component for life. As the demand for water grows, issues and concerns related to water resources will become more acute. The availability of water resources over the long-term will be inherently linked to sound water resource policy. The Master of Science in Water Resource Policy will prepare individuals to take a leadership role in the development and implementation of future water resource policy. The program offers options for students with either STEM or non-STEM backgrounds.

The Master of Science in Water Resource Policy is a post-baccalaureate professional degree that will provide students with a unique skill set developed from a combination of multidisciplinary coursework and an internship. The program includes courses offered through the Annis Water Resources Institute, biology, public administration, and natural resource management reflecting the cross-disciplinary nature of water resource issues. The curriculum is designed to serve students with a range of academic backgrounds including the sciences, public administration, political science, etc. In addition, the program has been developed to serve both traditional graduate students and professionals working in the environmental field.

The Master of Science in Water Resource Policy requires a minimum of 33 credits. Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Admission to the Master of Water Resource Policy

  • A 500-word essay that articulates your educational and professional goals
  • Three letters of reference
  • Academic transcripts
  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) overall and during the last 60 credits
  • Complete an interview with faculty via telecommunication or a visit to campus.

Program Location

Courses offered as part of the MWRP degree are offered at the Pew Campus DeVos Center in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, and at the Allendale Campus Kindschi Hall in Allendale, Michigan.

Website: https://www.gvsu.edu/wri/ms-water-resource-policy-120.htm

Requirements

Master of Science in Water Resource Policy

For students with non-STEM background.

Core Courses (24 to 27 credits)

Master of Science in Water Resource Policy

For students with STEM background.

Core Courses (21 to 24 credits)

Electives

Students with non-STEM background (6 to 9 credits)
Students with STEM background (9 to 12 credits)

Suggested Order of Coursework

Non-STEM Sample Sequence

Year One

Fall

Winter

Year Two

Fall

  • Elective course (3 credits)
  • Elective course (3 credits)
  • Elective course (3 credits)

Winter

STEM Sample Sequence

Year One

Fall

Winter

Year Two

Fall

  • Elective course (3 credits)
  • Elective course (3 credits)
  • Elective course (3 credits)

Winter


If you are in need of assistance please submit any questions or comments.