OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Do the natural processes involving water and its contribution to natural and human systems interest you? Does the decreasing availability of clean water supplies concern you? Would you like to contribute your expertise to programs or policies that aim to preserve local or regional water quality, or to prevent or mitigate ground water contamination? Are you interested in the sustainable management of land and water resources? Do you wish to study the interactions among land, land uses, and water? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then a major in Watershed Science may be right for you.
In Colorado, and many other locations around the world, the management and allocation of fresh water resources rank among the most important political and development issues. All civilizations throughout history, including our own, have always been vitally dependent upon the availability of uncontaminated water. Watershed science is the interdisciplinary study of the natural processes that affect water resources on a watershed scale. The program requires a solid grounding in the physical and natural sciences in preparation for the upper division courses in topics such as land use, water quality, hydrology, snow hydrology, and watershed analysis.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Strong interest in hydrologic processes
* Aptitude for natural sciences
* Interest in the physical and biological sciences
* Desire to understand water management principles
* Strong analytical ability
* Organizational and decision making skills
* Prefers hands on work
* Enjoys working outdoors-in the field
* Well organized and able to pay attention to detail
* Adaptable to changing conditions and environments
* Able to work in a team or independently
* Able to write and speak accurately and clearly
* Physical stamina
* Interest in data analysis
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Completion of the undergraduate degree qualifies students for a wide variety of careers in hydrology, watershed and water resources management. Employment opportunities include consulting firms; governmental bodies at the local, regional, and national levels; international development and resource management agencies; environmental organizations; and private industry. Participation in internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance your practical training and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Career occupations include but are not limited to:
* Watershed scientist
* Hydrologist
* Environmental consultant
* Water quality analyst
* Watershed manager
* Watershed analyst
* Land use specialist
* Water conservation specialist
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Watershed Club
* American Water Resources Association
* Society of American Foresters
* Society for Range Management
* American Fisheries Society
* Geology Club
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MORE INFORMATION
Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship
131 Forestry Building
1472 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523 -1472
(970-491-6911
http://welcome.warnercnr.colostate.edu/frws-home/index.php
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.stuser.colostate.edu/
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Dive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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