Master of Science

Water Resource Policy & Management

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  • Become a leader in sustainability
  • Comprehensive curriculum for in-demand course of study
  • 100% online

Program Details

Next Start Date
January 16th
Est. Program Length
1-2 years
Course Length
8 weeks
Cost per Credit
$377.80*
Credit Hours
30
Credits Accepted
9

*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $713.80 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.

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Rise 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
WRPM 5113
WRPM 5193
WRPM 5213
WRPM 5313
WRPM 5413
WRPM 5513
WRPM 5613
WRPM 5713
WRPM 5813
WRPM 5951-3
WRPM 5691-6
WRPM 5981-4
WRPM 5991-4

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
  • Two 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 ComponentRequirementsCostTotal
Tuition30 credit hours$377.80*$11,334.00
Total with transfer credits (up to 9)$7,933.80

*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $713.80 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 Aid

Military 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 Benefits

Native 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 page

Are 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 page

Transfer 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 page

Career 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.

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