Improve your proficiency in water science with a focused exploration of water conservation techniques and resource management strategies.
Credential Type
Graduate Certificate
Cost (2024)
$6,795 - $9,060
Delivery Format
Online
Program Length
9 - 12 Credit Hours
Enrollment
Fall or Spring
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's degree required
Benefit 1
Develop expertise in sustainable water management.
Benefit 2
Enhance career prospects in management of water quality, control, and treatment.
Benefit 3
Implement effective water conservation strategies.
Overview
This certificate is for environmental scientists, water resource managers, and conservation specialists.
It allows you to explore in-depth courses on water science and conservation, enhancing your expertise and practical skills in sustainable water management.
Skills You Will Learn
Upon completing this certificate, you will:
- Understand and apply principles of soil conservation as they relate to water management and land-use planning.
- Learn techniques for managing soil characteristics to control erosion and influence cropping intensity.
- Study components of the hydrologic cycle within a watershed context, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, and stream flow.
- Gain proficiency in measurement techniques, statistical analysis, and simulation modeling of hydrologic data.
- Examine water quality issues in streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, understanding human impacts and natural processes.
- Learn to integrate knowledge through case studies that detail water movement and management in specific watersheds.
- Develop the technical analysis skills necessary to establish policies for preserving or restoring water systems.
- Analyze the interaction of chemical and biological processes that affect water chemistry and aquatic life.
- Become skilled in using computer models for environmental inorganic chemistry and biogeochemistry, focusing on field studies and laboratory applications.
Build Skills that Matter
Gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in your field and create meaningful impact.
Course Details
The Water Science & Conservation Certificate consists of the following requirements:
- Complete NRES 474 Soil and Water Conservation (3 Hours)
- Complete two approved graduate-level courses
- Complete at least nine credit hours
- Take courses for academic credit and earn a "B" or better for all courses
Approved graduate-level courses that meet this requirement are:
- NRES 401 - Watershed Hydrology (3 Hours)
- NRES 403 - Watersheds and Water Quality (3 Hours)
- NRES 490 - Surface Water System Chemistry (4 Hours)
- CPSC 417 - Water and Agriculture in the 21st Century (3 Hours)
- Other courses as approved by the certificate advisor
For students wishing to complete both the soil and water certificates, NRES 474 will count for the specific required course for both certificates, but students will only earn the second certificate by completing a third course from the list of approved graduate-level courses.
How to Enroll
Applying for this Certificate
To apply for a graduate certificate program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College.
The following items are required for your application:
- Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.
- Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), academic background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Please limit your resume to two pages.
- English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you must upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.
Receiving your Certificate
For all students, after courses are completed, confirm your completion of the requirements.
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