Water Resources Engineering
Overview
Water resources engineering programs prepare people to design systems that collect, store, and conserve water.Water resources engineering programs include topics such as:
- Water collection and storage
- Water conservation
- Water quality control
- Water cycle management
- Flood control
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in water resources engineering. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree, students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Very few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in water resources engineering. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four or five years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in water resources engineering. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Applied Mathematics
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering, General
- Environmental Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences
- Geological and Geophysical Engineering
- Hydrology and Water Resources Science
- Mathematics
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Engineers
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Civil Engineers
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Scientists
- Conservation Scientists
- Engineering Technicians
- Water Treatment Plant Operators
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in science or engineering, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
An undergraduate program in engineering typically includes core courses in the following subjects:
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Dynamics
- Electronic Circuits
- Engineering Physics
- English Composition
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Linear Differential Equations
- Senior Design Project
- Statistics
- Strength of Materials
- Thermodynamics
Graduate Program Courses
A master's program in water resources engineering typically includes courses such as the following, plus a thesis:
- Aquatic Chemistry/Biology
- Engineering Analysis
- Environmental Analysis of Watersheds
- Environmental Science and Technology
- Flood Control Hydrology
- Fluid Mechanics
- Geology for Engineers
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Groundwater Management
Things to Know
Most engineering jobs require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and other humanities courses will develop your communication skills.
Some bachelor's programs combine work experience with classes, and may take five or six years to complete. This work experience teaches skills, helps build job contacts, and you may be paid while you work.
To become licensed by your state to work as an engineer, you must have a degree from an accredited engineering program. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam. Many people take the exam at the same time they graduate or soon after.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Cascadia College
- Sustainable Practices