College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Water Science and Management (M.S.)
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Water Science and Management (M.S.)
Tackle Tomorrow’s Water Challenges — Master of Science in Water Science and Management
At New Mexico State University, the Master of Science in Water Science and Management (M.S.) offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary pathway to tackle today’s most urgent water resource issues. Designed for professionals and scholars alike, the program provides clients five specialized concentrations — ranging from agricultural water resources to water economics, quality, and informatics — so you can tailor your focus to real-world challenges. You’ll gain advanced training in water policy, watershed methods, statistical hydrology, and spatial modeling, equipping you to influence water systems at local, national, and global scales.
Admission Deadlines
February 15 (fall admission) and September 1 (spring admission)
- Total credits: 32
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Earning the M.S. in Water Science and Management sets you up for impactful roles where science, policy, and management intersect. Graduates go on to become hydrologists or water-resources scientists in government agencies and consulting firms, watershed and ecosystem managers overseeing critical conservation efforts, analysts shaping water-economics and urban-planning decisions, and data specialists leveraging informatics for smarter water-systems design. Whether working in state water boards, international development, agriculture, or environmental technology, your expert training positions you to lead the next generation of water solutions.
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Science in Water Science Management? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.S. in Water Science and Management at NMSU?
At NMSU, the Master of Science in Water Science and Management empowers you to solve real-world water challenges through hands-on research and interdisciplinary collaboration. From sustainable agriculture and watershed protection to data-driven water policy, you’ll gain the skills to make a meaningful impact on communities and ecosystems worldwide. This program gives you the tools to address urgent water issues — like drought resilience, conservation, and aquifer protection — while preparing for leadership roles in research, government, and environmental management.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
This degree is designed primarily for students who wish to complement their primary discipline by obtaining scientific, technical, and managerial expertise in water. The Master’s degree can be earned with 26 credits of formal course work, plus 6 additional thesis research credits. The degree also has five available concentrations.
Take classes like:
- AEEC 575 – Advanced Water Resource Management
- RGSC 518 – Watershed Methods and Management
- A ST 505 – Statistical Inference I
- WSAM 605 - Arid Land Water Resources
- C E 582 - Statistical Hydrology
- WSAM 610 - Water and Sustainable Economic Development
Agricultural Water Resources relates to the major use of ground and surface water in providing safe and secure food systems while ensuring ecosystem services. This field of study includes water allocation, water conservation, and water management issues facing urban water supply and irrigated agriculture. The Master’s degree can be earned with 26 credits of formal course work, plus six additional thesis research credits.
Take classes like:
- WSAM 605 - Arid Land Water Resources
- RGSC 518 - Watershed Methods and Management
- C E 582 - Statistical Hydrology
- AEEC 5350 - Economics of Water Resource Management and Policy
Watershed, Riparian, and Aquatic Systems includes the processes of organizing and guiding land and other resources used in a river basin to provide desired goods and services without adversely affecting soil and water resources. Watershed, riparian, and aquatic system management involves an array of nonstructural (vegetation management) practices, as well as an array of structural (engineering) activities, when conditions warrant. The Master’s degree can be earned with 26 credits of formal course work, plus six additional thesis research credits.
Take classes like:
- RGSC 518 - Watershed Methods and Management
- GEOG 585 - Spatial Analysis and Modeling
- WSAM 605 - Arid Land Water Resources
- AEEC 5350 - Economics of Water Resource Management and Policy
Water Quality and Treatment includes processes used to make water acceptable for desired end-uses. These can include use as drinking water, industrial processes, agricultural uses, and environmental management. The goal of water treatment processes is to remove existing contaminants in the water or reduce the concentration of such contaminants so the water becomes fit for its desired end-use. The Master’s degree can be earned with 26 credits of formal course work, plus six additional thesis research credits.
Take classes like:
- SOIL 456 - Irrigation and Drainage
- WSAM 610 - Water and Sustainable Economic Development
- GEOG 585 - Spatial Analysis and ModelingWSAM 605 - Arid Land Water Resources
- AEEC 5350 - Economics of Water Resource Management and Policy
Water Economics and Policy examines the demand for water by all its competing uses, including irrigated agriculture, energy, urban supply, and environmental restoration and management. Policies are examined for their influence on water supplies, water demands, and economic values of water reallocations among agricultural, environmental, energy, and urban users. It examines the role of water markets, water user decisions, institutional adjustments, and water-related policies with respect to resource costs, water quality, profitability, and environmental effects. The Master’s degree can be earned with 26 credits of formal course work, plus six additional thesis research credits.
Take classes like:
- SOIL 456 - Irrigation and Drainage
- SOIL 456 - Irrigation and Drainage GEOG 585 - Spatial Analysis and Modeling
- ECON 457 - Mathematical Economics
- AEEC 5350 - Economics of Water Resource Management and Policy
Water Informatics is an interdisciplinary science primarily concerned with the collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval and especially the dissemination of water information, including both human and machine readable documents. Examples of human readable documents include maps, field data sheets, operational schedules, and long term asset management plans with narrative text. Machine readable documents include files for geographic information systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), relational database management systems, and emerging applications. The Master’s degree can be earned with 26 credits of formal course work, plus six additional thesis research credits.
Take classes like:
- RGSC 518 - Watershed Methods and Management
- WSAM 610 - Water and Sustainable Economic Development
- GEOG 585 - Spatial Analysis and Modeling
- AEEC 5350 - Economics of Water Resource Management and Policy
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.