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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Description from UNL Admissions

Water Science


Water ScienceIntroduction

Increasing worldwide demands on water resources throughout the globe has resulted in a corresponding increase in demand for professionals who can help sustain high quality supplies of water and resolve conflicts among users. Potential careers are related to domestic and industrial consumption, agricultural production and maintenance of natural environments.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s water science major includes instruction in water science, natural resources, biological and physical sciences and mathematics and statistics, as well as in the humanities, social sciences and communications. The program trains students in specializations in water policy, water quality, aquatic biology, watershed management, groundwater hydrology, surface hydrology and hydrologic science. The major allows for water study from a variety of perspectives with guidance from faculty in the departments of Agricultural Economics, Agronomy and Horticulture, Biological Systems Engineering, Geosciences and the School of Natural Resources.

Many graduates pursue a master’s degree. Other graduates work in environmental education, environmental regulation, inventories of the status of natural resources and research in water supply and quality. Water science students also have many opportunities to work in student organizations related to their major and for internships during the school year and summers.

Information Sheets

The Water Science major provides 6 career-related options. Each option allows students to take in-depth courses in an area of their interest. Prepare for a career in the field of your choice:

Sample Classes

Meet Our Students
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Meet our students!

Follow this link to see stories from current and former UNL students. Notice the diverse interests and career goals of the students! Can you imagine having experiences like theirs? Contact an advisor (see below) for more information about this major.

Careers

  • Federal, state and local agricultural, environmental and natural resource agencies
  • Environmental and engineering consulting firms
  • Water and environmentally related businesses
  • Water supply agencies and systems
  • Environmental-advocacy and -education nongovernmental organizations (nonprofits)
  • Public and private development organizations at all levels, including international
  • Municipalities and planning offices

Advising Faculty