Freshwater Sciences, BS

Freshwater scientists focus on the scientifically sound management of natural and constructed water systems, ensuring equitable and productive use while sustaining biodiversity and freshwater availability. By combining expertise in water resources, social systems, and technology, they develop solutions to the challenges facing freshwater ecosystems through conservation practices and sustainable management strategies.

Freshwater and marine systems are deeply interconnected, making freshwater sciences an essential foundation for those interested in marine science or oceanography. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater feed the oceans, influencing coastal pollution, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem health. Climate change affects both freshwater and marine environments, highlighting the need to study water systems from their sources to their broader environmental impacts in order to fully understand global water dynamics.

At the nation’s only School of Freshwater Sciences, students gain a comprehensive education in freshwater ecosystems, human and environmental health, aquatic research, and climate science, while learning to apply science to shape policy and drive real-world solutions. Understanding the interconnections within water systems—from rivers and lakes to groundwater—is crucial for managing both freshwater resources and their broader environmental impacts.

Students choose from two specialized tracks:

Aquatic Science Track

This track focuses on the science behind aquatic systems, exploring the biology, chemistry, and physics that shape freshwater environments. Students have the chance to take courses in fish health and management, aquatic ecology, limnology, hydrology, and water quality monitoring, all while learning about the health of ecosystems, biodiversity, and how humans impact freshwater systems. 

Water Policy Track

This track explores water management through economics, law, and policy. Students learn how water resources are managed, study environmental law, and understand the role of public policy and sustainability in protecting water. Courses cover topics such as environmental issues, analysis, and the economics of water use, equipping students with the skills to influence the future of water policy.

Degrees in Freshwater Sciences also open doors to professional roles in business, government, non-profit organizations, and graduate studies in freshwater, marine, and environmental sciences. Hands-on experiences in research labs, state-of-the-art facilities, and internships prepare students to tackle real-world water issues, from water quality analysis and ecosystem monitoring to policy development and resource management.

Requirements

Preparatory Coursework

Based on individual placement results, some students may be required to complete preparatory coursework before enrolling in the courses listed here. This may include English language or composition preparation, developmental math, introductory chemistry, and/or student support courses for students participating in the First Year Bridge program. 

General Education Requirements (GER)

UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s or associate degree. They include at minimum 30 credits (10 courses) in six categories that are designed to assure basic student competencies and provide a broad body of knowledge as a context for specialization.

Some degree requirements may fulfill GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.   

School of Freshwater Sciences Requirements

Aquatic Science Track Requirements

Electives

With the help of their academic advisor, students will select electives to complete the 120 total credits required for the degree. Electives are tailored to each student’s interests and career goals. Students may choose a related area of specialization outside of the Freshwater Sciences by completing any minor or interdisciplinary certificate offered by UWM, typically comprised of 18-22 credits. In some cases, students may choose to study two related areas, or they may complement a certificate, microcredential, or minor with other courses of interest. Core courses cannot be double counted as elective courses.

Water Policy Track Requirements

Electives

With the help of their academic advisor, students will select electives to complete the 120 total credits required for the degree. Electives are tailored to each student’s interests and career goals. Students may choose a related area of specialization outside of the Freshwater Sciences by completing any minor or interdisciplinary certificate offered by UWM, typically comprised of 18-22 credits. In some cases, students may choose to study two related areas, or they may complement a certificate, microcredential, or minor with other courses of interest. Core courses cannot be double counted as elective courses.

Aquatic Science Example Pathway

Water Policy Example Pathway

Freshwater Sciences BS Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Freshwater Sciences BS program will be able to: 

• Describe the intricacies of aquatic life and ecological interactions within the physical environment. 
• Examine and analyze the interconnectedness of biological, ecological, physical, climate, and economic systems related to water. 
• Analyze the hydrologic cycle, including atmospheric, surface, and groundwater dynamics, and address water quality concerns. 
• Examine chemical and biogeochemical interactions within global earth systems and water management. 
• Engage in multidisciplinary data collection, analysis, and communication, utilizing various methodologies including geographic systems, modeling, sampling, and genomics. 

Accelerated Program Option

This program is offered as part of an accelerated graduate program. For more information, see Accelerated Graduate Degrees.

This fast-track program enables high-achieving students to begin their mater's degree in their senior year of the freshwater sciences program. Up to 21 credits can be applied toward both a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree. The five-year program consists of 3.5 years in undergraduate status and 1.5 years in graduate status.

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School prior to completing their bachelor's degree, students must meet the minimum criteria for admission established by a Freshwater Sciences, MS: Aquatic Science (Professional) or Freshwater Sciences, MS: Water Policy (Professional) program, and the Graduate School. Students must also be in progress to complete 105 bachelor's credits prior to their first term as a graduate student. 

Once admitted to the accelerated graduate program, you must meet the academic standards of the Graduate School.

How It Works

1. Meet with your undergraduate academic advisor during your 5th semester to determine your eligibility for the program.
2. Meet with the graduate program manager to discuss the accelerated graduate program and the application process by the end of your 5th semester.
3. Apply to the graduate program between the end of your 5th semester and the start of your 6th semester. This application process will include a one-to-two page personal statement and letters of recommendation from faculty who can speak to your critical thinking and writing skills, and your ability to manage an increased workload. Students must also be in progress to complete 105 bachelor's credits prior to their first term as a graduate student. 
4. If your program of study is approved, work with your undergraduate advisor to register for two graduate-level courses (6 credits) in your 7th semester. Note: to earn credit for these courses, you must receive a grade of "B" or better.
5. You will be a graduate student and pay graduate school tuition your 8th semester.

School of Freshwater Sciences Dean's Honor List

GPA of 3.500 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.

Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction

Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).

Final Honors

Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.