The Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM) program at University of San Francisco (USF) is grounded in an interdisciplinary education featuring a mix of practical and theoretical instruction, real-world experience, and career connections.
Students have the option of pursuing one of four Concentrations during their (typically) two years in the MSEM program: Ecology, Water Management, Environmental Health & Hazards, or Energy and Climate. This broad selection of coursework is made possible by the outstanding USF MSEM Faculty.
In this post, we’re sharing insight into the Water Management concentration. As always, if you’d like additional information you can fill out this form or reach out to msem@usfca.edu.
Sample electives that help students earn their Water Management concentration include:
- Watershed Management – This course examines water-related processes and how land use decisions and natural phenomena can affect basin hydrology, stream function, and related geomorphic. We will look at the potential application of ecosystem services quantification and also take a critical look at some of the more commonly used methods in stream and watershed restoration/management and visit sites where some of these techniques have been successfully applied.
- Water Policy – California water policy dictates how Californians manage one of the state’s most precious resources, both above and below ground, in both the built and natural environment. This class explores the history of water development in California from before the Gold Rush to today, focusing on how natural, social and political factors have contributed to the current complex state of water policy in California.
- GIS for Water Management – This course introduces students to topics related to water resources management and how to harness GIS mapping and modeling to assess and manage risks related to extreme water events, like droughts and floods. The course explores methodologies for analyzing hydrological data to assess water distribution and availability. Students engage in case studies and projects that integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world data, equipping them with the skills to address critical challenges in water system management and environmental risk assessment and mitigation. This course is offered by our USF Geospatial Analysis Lab.
- Water and Wastewater Treatment – This course covers drinking water quality regulations, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and water recycling. The focus is on conceptual understanding of physical, chemical, biological processes used in treating water and wastewater. Emerging technologies and challenges, such as water scarcity and reuse, are highlighted. Through field trips to water treatment facilities students become familiar with current practices and future opportunities for urban water systems.
- Stream and Riparian Ecology – This course covers the physical and biological components of stream ecosystems, including stream geomorphology and stream and riparian ecology. Additionally, we explore critical issues related to assessment, management, conservation, and restoration of stream ecosystems.
- Marine Resources – Our marine systems are in a crisis, with overfishing, ocean acidification, coastal development, and climate change threatening many species. This course explores the science behind these problems and solutions to evaluate the efficacy of various management strategies.
Other water management electives include courses such as Wetland Delineation, Environmental Engineering I & II, Aquatic Pollution, Introduction to Hydrology, Soil & Groundwater Remediation, and others. Check out our newest Special Topics courses offered by the USF Geospatial Analysis Lab on water management-centric courses and more.
