Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems

Students of Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems study the relationships among physical, chemical, and biological components of the earth's ecosystems. Specific areas of interest may include hydrology, geomorphology, biogeochemistry, water quality, conservation, and restoration and management of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems is the study of water-related physical processes, including climate, surface and ground water, river formation, soil sciences, and water chemistry.

The discipline focuses on protecting aquatic systems, includes courses in stream restoration, water pollution, climate change, aquatic habitat, and managing uplands. This program is for students who are interested in using science, engineering, computer, and math applications to solve real-world problems; enjoy working outside, especially near or on streams, lakes, and reservoirs; and are interested in protecting and restoring lakes and rivers.

Graduates of this program may go on to work as scientists and managers for natural resource agencies, professionals with consulting and nonprofit environmental firms, or university teachers and researchers. Specific job titles may be Restoration Ecologist, Freshwater Ecologist/Limnologist, Natural Resource Manager, Watershed Manager, Wetland Biologist/Manager, Park Ranger, Aquatic Biologist Technician, Aquatic Resource Specialist/Technician, Hydrologist/Hydrology Technician, Environmental Health Specialist/Technician, Water Quality Specialist/Technician, Wastewater Manager, Science Educator, Science Communicator, Science Policymaker, Geographer, Research Scientist, Conservation Officer/Game Warden, or GIS Technician/Geospatial Analyst.