Freshwater Sciences, MS: Water Policy (Thesis)

MS

Turn science into action with a freshwater sciences master’s degree specializing in water policy.

While earning your graduate degree, you will

• Learn from world-class faculty within a small-class environment.
• Build a multidisciplinary science foundation.
• Develop in-demand technical and professional skills.
• Gain research experience working with experts in water policy and economics.

Students in the MS thesis program must be accepted by a faculty member who will serve as the major professor and be primarily responsible for matriculation. 

The School of Freshwater Sciences admits new thesis students for fall and spring semesters.

• Fall applications are due January 15
• Spring applications are due October 1

Prerequisite Coursework

The following prerequisites are strongly recommended:  

• At least one semester of coursework in three of the following at the college level: chemistry, biological sciences, physics, calculus, microeconomics, statistics, political science or advanced algebra.  
• One additional semester of chemistry, biological sciences, physics, microeconomics, Geographic information systems, or statistics.  

Admission will be considered based upon the applicant’s academic and/or professional background, proposed course of study, and possible additional coursework once in the degree program, should important preparatory gaps be identified.  

You must meet Graduate School requirements in addition to the following to be considered for admission:

1. Bachelor’s degree
   A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, economics, geosciences, mathematics, physics, public policy, or other appropriate natural science, social science or engineering discipline.
2. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
3. Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s scholarship and/or research potential.  
4. GRE Scores – Strongly recommended
   Submission of scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination taken within the past five years are not required, but strongly recommended. Submit your scores to UWM (code 1473) and to the School of Freshwater Sciences (code 508).

The student must indicate in the Statement of Purpose (part of the formalized application process) the track to which they are applying and the intended focus of their MS studies. The statement must also indicate how their previous education has prepared them for graduate studies.

Minimum degree requirement is 31 graduate credits.

Freshwater sciences master’s thesis students are typically funded through faculty research projects. We strongly recommend you reach out to faculty members whose interests align with your own to discuss potential research and funding opportunities.

The School of Freshwater Sciences also offers competitive assistantships and scholarships. For more information about other financial aid options, please visit UWM Financial Aid.

Of the MS thesis graduates we have tracked (93% of them), 89% went into a water-related job and 11% enrolled in a PhD program.

Our thesis graduates are working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, The Nature Conservancy, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC), and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.