School of Freshwater Sciences

Turn Science Into Action.

Join us in tackling the world’s freshwater and climate challenges.

Want to protect Earth’s
natural resources?

Learn how to use science to address complex ecosystem and climate issues at the nation’s only School of Freshwater Sciences.

Located on the shore of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem, in Milwaukee’s culturally rich Harbor District, our school offers a unique opportunity to study complex freshwater ecosystems, weather patterns and climate change. You’ll learn how to apply science and policy to address the environmental challenges our communities face. 

The School of Freshwater Sciences offers bachelor’s, master’s, accelerated master’s and doctoral degree programs in freshwater sciences and atmospheric science. Discover your path to making a difference. 

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Drivers jumping into lake

School of Freshwater Sciences Spotlight Stories

  • Applications for Research Semester Abroad in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Due Aug. 26
    Want to explore one of the most unique aquatic ecosystems in the world? Join the School of Freshwater Sciences' International Research Experience for Students this fall. The program provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to enroll in a field research experience in the Southern Yucatán Peninsula at the Laguna Bacalar International Research Station … Read more
  • Microplastics pass through fish, but do they cause harm?
    By Laura Otto, UWM Report When Dong-Fang Deng and her students make feed for the fish they raise at UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences, they often use ground fishmeal – dried fish parts from fisheries or wild catch – as the protein source. It’s possible to find microplastics in commercial fish food, she said, because … Read more
  • As part of his internship with WaTA, Dominic Marr created a sensor to detect E. coli in water samples.
    Master’s Student Uses Fiberoptics and Ingenuity to Identify E. coli
    One of the things Dominic Marr enjoyed about his internship with the Water Technology Accelerator Laboratory (WaTA) is that it required ingenuity. “It was nice to come up with ideas and see how they went,” says the May graduate of the UWM School of Freshwater Sciences Professional Science Master’s program. “It was wonderful to have … Read more
Sandra McLellanThe Sewage Sleuth
DaphinaMiniscule manmade materials with big environmental impacts
50+Years of Great Lakes Research

Interested in Hands-On Research?

Join our community of scientists who are studying everything from aquaculture to emerging contaminants and ecosystem health to weather forecasting and climate change projections. With access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment, a genomics center, a weather center and research vessels, you will have opportunities to develop skills in the latest scientific techniques.

The school’s unique location lets you explore a variety of water systems, including the Great Lakes and a confluence of three urban rivers.

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