Master of Environmental Management in Water Resources Management

Our two-year Master of Environmental Management degree, with its emphasis on natural and social sciences, trains students to understand the scientific basis of environmental problems, as well as the social, political, and economic factors that influence policy solutions. Duke allows you to design an individualized program that will prepare you for leadership in the corporate, nonprofit, government or academic sector – wherever you see yourself making a difference. Our MEM on campus program offers a flexible curriculum with opportunities to take classes across Duke and at other nearby universities. On-campus MEM students elect to participate in one of seven concentrations. Our renowned on-campus Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program teaches students how to analyze and manage natural environments for human benefit and ecosystem health. Students benefit from daily interaction with their peers and our distinguished faculty while completing their course requirements and pursuing a master’s project. The program lasts two years (four semesters). Water Resources Management (WRM) The WRM concentration focuses on the natural and social dimensions of water resources, including biophysical processes, policy constraints, business opportunities, and economic realities. It equips students to practice as analysts or consultants for employers engaged in managing and protecting water resources. The WRM program provides a core understanding of the natural science shaping the water cycle as well as the social contexts and processes that drive changes in water availability and use. WRM is one of seven available concentrations in the two-year residential Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program. OUR VISION Because water is local, every place has a unique set of water management challenges. Our foremost goal is to equip students with the fundamental concepts and analytical tools needed to approach any water problem. Students enjoy a small class size and a low student-faculty ratio as they build this core foundation and develop additional skills and topic-specific expertise relevant to their interests and career goals. THE CURRICULUM Our curriculum provides a strong basis in the physical, chemical and ecological sciences across systems including watersheds, groundwater, wetlands and coasts. In addition, students gain an understanding of the economic, legal and financial factors that drive real-world water management decisions and develop a robust skill set in key analytical techniques relevant to water resource management. To complement this core curriculum, you’ll work with your faculty advisor to choose coursework within an area of specialization aligned with your specific career aspirations.