Water Resource Policy
Master of Science (M.S.)
Graduate Major
Annis Water Research Institute • Face to face, Hybrid • 33 Credits
Overview
Grand Valley's Master of Science (M.S.) in Water Resource Policy is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in the development and implementation of water resource policies. This program caters to a diverse range of academic backgrounds, including sciences, public administration, and political science, and is suitable for both traditional graduate students and professionals in the environmental field.
The interdisciplinary coursework reflects the complex nature of water resource issues. Students will engage in courses from the Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI), biology, resource management, and public administration. The program requires a minimum of 33 credits and includes both coursework and an internship, providing practical experience in the field. This combination ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address current and emerging water resource challenges.
As the first program of its kind in Michigan, it addresses the growing need for trained water policy professionals. The program's relevance is underscored by the increasing demands on water resources, which are expected to continue rising over the next decade. Students benefit from relevant internship placements, opportunities to study at AWRI in Muskegon, and flexible class formats that accommodate working professionals. These features make GVSU an excellent choice for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of water resource policy.
Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute
gvsu.edu/wri
Lake Michigan
Center
Muskegon, MI
(616) 331-3749
Biology Department
gvsu.edu/biology
3300a
Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-2470
Application Deadline
Please visit the website to submit an application for fall. Admission during other semesters will be considered on a case by case basis. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University.
Career Opportunities
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Top skills- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 42,666.05 | 10% |
| $ 49,280.61 | 25% |
| $ 56,461.19 | 50% |
| $ 63,412.63 | 75% |
| $ 73,864.51 | 90% |
Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,554.26 | 10% |
| $ 60,390.22 | 25% |
| $ 78,218.09 | 50% |
| $ 94,566.50 | 75% |
| $109,247.01 | 90% |
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 35,452.61 | 10% |
| $ 46,746.41 | 25% |
| $ 61,156.70 | 50% |
| $ 80,791.08 | 75% |
| $105,645.01 | 90% |
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 42,071.42 | 10% |
| $ 53,041.06 | 25% |
| $ 69,291.08 | 50% |
| $ 94,448.37 | 75% |
| $113,350.82 | 90% |
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 80,288.00 | 10% |
| $102,044.80 | 25% |
| $137,654.40 | 50% |
| $190,715.20 | 75% |
| $237,328.00 | 90% |
Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 58,192.16 | 10% |
| $ 65,195.14 | 25% |
| $ 82,883.79 | 50% |
| $107,562.73 | 75% |
| $138,295.69 | 90% |
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
4,963
Students Participated in Experiential Learning
The Only Program of It's Kind
In Michigan
The Annis Water Resources Institute
The Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) is Grand Valley's premier water research facility on Muskegon Lake in Muskegon, Mi. Three buildings support AWRI's research, education, and outreach activities.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
An Interdisciplinary Degree
Water resource issues are complex. This program was designed to give graduates the skills they need to tackle these issues and advocate for water resources. A mix of biology, public administration, and natural resources management provide a well-rounded curriculum to Grand Valley graduate students.
Request Information