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Dive Into Freshwater Sciences
Freshwater scientists study and manage freshwater ecosystems like rivers, lakes and streams. They also use science to address problems like invasive species and climate change.
At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, you’ll learn on the shores of Lake Michigan with hands-on training to prepare you for well-paid careers with environmental organizations, government agencies, water tech companies and more.
Whether you’re pursuing your bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, you’ll find a path here to reach your professional goals. Ready to get your feet wet?
Freshwater science offers so much. There’s people who enjoy fish, people who enjoy water quality and some people who like to tackle pollution. And freshwater also has a water policy area, so we learn about economic policies, too.
Build a Career as a Water Scientist
Wondering what you can do with your degree in freshwater sciences? Water is one of the global economy’s fastest-growing sectors, making our graduates in high demand.
You’ll find freshwater sciences alumni at leading institutions, including:
- Milwaukee Water Works
- U.S. Geological Survey
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Urban Ecology Center
- Wisconsin DNR
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
What Sets UWM’s Freshwater Sciences Programs Apart?
A Committed Community
Our faculty, staff and students are passionate about protecting our waters and the environment through scientific research and practical policy.
Hands-On Learning
Gain real-world experience through internships at organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Engineers Without Borders.
Learn on the Great Lakes
Our doors open right on Lake Michigan: That means you’ll be able to explore a variety of water systems, including the Great Lakes and three urban rivers.
Cutting-Edge Tools
You’ll have access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment, a genomics center and a year-round research vessel — and develop skills in the latest scientific techniques.
Discover Our Freshwater Sciences Programs
Are you passionate about marine biology, water science or the environment? Then our Bachelor of Science in Freshwater Sciences might be for you. You’ll join a community of students and faculty mentors using science to solve global freshwater challenges like pollution and sustainable fishing.
Program highlights include:
- The flexibility to choose between two tracks: Aquatic Science or Water Policy.
- Small class sizes taught by leading freshwater experts.
- Opportunities through the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, a partnership that connects you with internships, research projects and fieldwork across the state.
If you’re interested in marine science, ecosystem health or oceanography, our master’s degree in freshwater sciences can empower you to make a difference. Our program offers hands-on experience in water quality, ecosystem monitoring, policy development and more.
At UWM, you’ll gain the skills you need to advance research, shape policy and fuel real-world solutions: More than 90% of freshwater master’s graduates land well-paying jobs right out of school or go on to PhD programs.
Program highlights include:
- Customizable degrees with professional and thesis track options that emphasize either hands-on training and career development or research and policy.
- Personalized career advising and strong connections to water experts across science, government, nonprofits and industry.
This fast-track program combines undergraduate and graduate degrees in freshwater sciences. You’ll save on tuition, launch your career sooner and earn more right out of college.
Program highlights include:
- 3.5 years of undergraduate studies and 1.5 years of graduate studies.
- Customizable paths focused on aquatic science and/or water policy.
Do you like digging into complex scientific problems to discover solutions? Are you committed to protecting and preserving one of our most vital natural resources? Then dive into our freshwater sciences PhD.
Our PhD in freshwater sciences will prepare you for a rewarding career in academia, research or industry: 100% of our PhD program graduates have gone into a water-related job after graduation.
Program highlights include:
- Explore natural and human-created freshwater systems and gain invaluable lab experience.
- Do research with some of the world’s leading scientists in aquaculture, pollution, genomics, ecosystem health and more.
Make Waves in Your World
UW-Milwaukee students come from all walks of life. What unites them is a willingness to ask big questions and a determination to find the answers. Many work side-by-side with expert faculty on research tackling the world’s toughest challenges. Others collaborate on art that helps us better understand ourselves or partner with community organizations on projects that improve lives.
Here, we turn ideas into ripples of change that create waves of positive impact. Join the next wave.
Explore New Depths
Scholarships available! Learn more about how UWM can bring you closer to your academic, professional and personal goals.