Water Resource Policy & Management
Ready to get started?
Fill out the form below to get in touch with an enrollment counselor.
- Become a leader in sustainability
- Comprehensive curriculum for in-demand course of study
- 100% online
Program Details
- Next Start Date
- January 21st
- Est. Program Length
- 1-2 years
- Course Length
- 8 weeks
- Cost per Credit
- $388.80*
- Credit Hours
- 30
- Credits Accepted
- 9
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $734.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.
Request InfoRise to the next level of your career
The Master of Science in Water Resource Policy and Management program at East Central University Online prepares you to become a knowledgeable leader in water issues at the state, national and international levels. Designed for those who want to build a career in water policy decision-making, the program teaches you the complex challenges of water resource management and to develop solutions that are socially acceptable, politically and economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Because the water resources master’s degree online program is offered in a fully online format, you have the opportunity to earn your degree in a flexible format that fits around your needs. Attend class when and where it’s right for you, without sacrificing your personal and work commitments.
Topics of Study
The online water resource management degree features an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares you for a meaningful career. Key topics of study include:
- Policy research, analysis and methodology
- Water law
- Environmental conflict management
- Native American law
- Tribal politics
- Native American water rights
- Environmental toxicology
- Hydrogeology
- Watershed management
- Water quality and treatment
Learning Outcomes
When you graduate, you will have the ability to:
- Build research skills and contribute knowledge through original research to the field.
- Demonstrate political capacity (written and oral communication skills). Furthermore, you will speak with policymakers about what the science of water policy actually means.
- Integrate policy and science.
Courses & Requirements
Our M.S. in Water Resource Policy and Management program requires a total of 30 credit hours, including 21 credit hours for required courses and 9 credit hours for elective courses. There are optional courses that may take place of an elective.
- WRPM 5103
- WRPM 5203
- WRPM 5303
- WRPM 5403
- WRPM 5503
- WRPM 5603
- WRPM 5703
Policy Research and Methodology
3 Credits
This course will study research methods, research strategies and statistical analysis skills necessary to both produce and critically analyze research reports and data compilations used to form public policy.
Natural Resource History & Policy
3 Credits
This course examines public land and natural resources history and policy from multiple perspectives. Natural resource policy development and decision-making, common determinants of natural resources challenges and solutions to contemporary management problems and conflicts will be covered.
Water Resource Policy Analysis
3 Credits
This course focuses on the development of water resource policies and fundamentals of water resource planning. Techniques for evaluating economic and environmental effects of water resource projects will be examined and policies for allocating the resource among competing interests will be covered.
Water Law
3 Credits
This course explores legal schemes for securing and using water rights in surface and groundwater for private and public uses in the United States. Students will examine prior appropriation doctrines of water allocation, groundwater management regimes, federal water management and regulation and interstate allocation devices.
Environmental Conflict Management
3 Credits
This course explores legal schemes for securing and using water rights in surface and groundwater for private and public uses in the United States. Students will examine prior appropriation doctrines of water allocation, groundwater management regimes, federal water management and regulation and interstate allocation devices.
Water Resource Economics
3 Credits
Explores the economics of water resources, including static and dynamic efficiency for consumers and producers and other topics concerned with water quality. Explores effects of climate change on water resources and economic approaches to mitigate these effects.
International Environmental Policy
3 Credits
This course introduces students to contemporary international environmental problems from theoretical and policy perspectives to understand the cause of environmental problems. Students will investigate strategies used to address a nation’s problems, recognizing failure and success. Additionally, students will examine national security and economic stability in light of the environmental policies in place, particularly those policies related to water.
- WRPM 5113
- WRPM 5193
- WRPM 5213
- WRPM 5313
- WRPM 5413
- WRPM 5513
- WRPM 5613
- WRPM 5713
- WRPM 5813
Advanced Native American Law
3 Credits
The study of issues related to Native Americans and the law. Emphasis on the analysis of sovereignty issues, treaties and Native American courts.
Advanced Tribal Politics
3 Credits
This course will survey tribal government and politics in the United States with a special emphasis on the intergovernmental relationships among tribal, state and federal governments.
Advanced Public Policy Making
3 Credits
This course will examine models of public policy making, leading the analysis of various problems confronting government. The course is concerned with interest groups, which influence policy making, the processes (governmental, institutional and environmental) through which policies plow, the final conclusions of policy making and the impact on Society. “
Native American Water Rights
3 Credits
This course covers the scope of tribal, federal and state authority to regulate or affect the development of Native American Lands established by statute or treaty, tribally and individually owned. Students will explore the philosophical background and case law pertaining to Native American management of water. Emphasis will be placed on the nature of the federal-tribal trust relationships and the doctrine of reserved rights as it applies to water.
Public Organization Theory
3 Credits
This course covers the key concepts of public organization theories and the applications of theories to solve world problems. A significant portion of the class will apply the concepts to water policy decision-making.
Advanced Watershed Management
3 Credits
This course considers the watershed holistically and seeks solutions to an interrelated set of social, economic and environmental problems. Students will explore a wide range of threats to the productivity and health of watersheds and explore new collaborative approaches to watershed management.
Hydrogeology
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices associated with an understanding of groundwater and its utilization. Students will examine the relationship between geologic materials and the process of water movement within the earth with a consideration that groundwater is a precious resource that is increasingly at risk for exploitation and contamination.
Advanced Water Quality and Treatment
3 Credits
This course covers the fundamentals of water quality and distribution systems that include natural purification of surface water, wastewater collection systems, water and wastewater treatment technologies and design strategies.
Studies in Environmental Toxicology
3 Credits
The course covers poisonous or toxic properties of substances and the regulations and management practices for these chemicals.
- WRPM 5951-3
- WRPM 5691-6
- WRPM 5981-4
- WRPM 5991-4
Internship in Water Resources
1-3 Credits
An in-depth and practical study of Water Resource Policy and Management.
Thesis
1-6 Credits
Students completing the thesis option are required to conduct research and prepare a scholarly paper or other appropriate creative component, under the guidance of a faculty committee for submission to the Graduate School. This course is repeatable. A minimum of three hours must be completed. A maximum of six hours may be counted toward the degree.
Seminar in Water Resources Policy and Management
1-4 Credits
Directed group study on special subject or problem.
Individual Study in Water Resources Policy and Management
1-4 Credits
Directed intensive study on a selected problem or special topic.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into ECU Online’s M.S. in Water Resource Policy Management program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a 3.0 GPA
- If you are a non-native English speaker, you must have a minimum of 79 Internet-based, 213 computer-based or 550 paper-based TOEFL score or a minimum 6.5 IELTS score
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit the following materials:
- Online application
- Transcripts of all work completed (baccalaureate and graduate)
- Current resumé
- Three letters of recommendation (include writer’s name, mailing address and email)
- Responses to essay questions
Have a question about this program or the admission process? Get connected to one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 30 credit hours | $388.80* | $11,664.00 |
| Total with transfer credits (up to 9) | $8,164.80 | ||
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $734.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.
View Financial AidMilitary Benefits
East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.
View Military BenefitsNative American Students
Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.
View our Native American Students pageAre You the First in Your Family to Go to College?
At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.
View our First-Generation College Students pageTransfer Students
If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.
View our Transfer Students pageCareer Outlook
The online water resource management degree prepares you to become a leader in water policy decision-making. Here are just a few opportunities available to graduates of the program:
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts are responsible for trying to change or implement new public policies or laws. They may be responsible for reviewing and monitoring policies to determine their value and impact, working with stakeholders to determine needs, gathering and analyzing data, creating policy reports and other related tasks.
Average annual salary: $56,719
City Manager
City managers are responsible for overseeing a number of departments within municipal governments, including budgets and purchasing. They may be charged with implementing legislation, supervising department heads, preparing and administering city budgets, managing day-to-day operations of city departments and other related duties.
Average annual salary: $88,351
Environmental Consultant
Environmental consultants work with companies and organizations to help them understand the ecological impact of their workspace. This might include evaluating raw products to determine if they are safe, analyzing samples, creating data projections, determining legal compliance and a host of related tasks.
Average annual salary: $54,118
Environmental Technician
Environmental technicians are responsible for working with public works agencies, for-profit and nonprofit organizations to study environmental effects on proposed or existing man-made projects. They may be charged with collecting data, making recommendations for compliance, communicating and documenting hazards, reviewing equipment, overseeing environmental operations and various related tasks.
Average annual salary: $40,264
All information cited from PayScale.
Program FAQs
Graduates of the water resources master’s online degree program are prepared to work in a wide range of areas within the workforce. These may include state and federal agencies, environmental consulting firms, international development agencies or non-governmental organizations.
Online degree programs are especially suited for those who want to earn their degree conveniently and affordably. At ECU Online, you’ll have the opportunity to log on to your classes at a time and place that’s right for you, allowing you to fit your studies around your busy schedule. You’ll also attend school at a lower cost, as online programs do not incur the same price as their on-campus counterparts. And you’ll still experience the same quality instruction while interacting with instructors who are experts in their field.
The M.S. in Water Resource Policy and Management program is a unique one that caters to the needs of those in our region. It blends three academic areas: law & policy, water science and Native American issues. This allows you to put your education into practice in a way that positively impacts the complex challenges of water resource decisions in the region.