Now is a critical juncture for water and water-related issues in California and perhaps never before has it been so imperative to have trained professionals educated in water science, policy and management.
The College of Science and Mathematics and the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) at California State University, Fresno, are joining together to explore the feasibility of a Professional Master’s Degree in Water Resource Management.
“As we have been working in the water and irrigation arenas we have been asked by many companies, organizations and agencies about higher-education program availability for water and irrigation professionals,” said David Zoldoske, CIT Director. “We have found that many times, people working in these professions have come to the industry from various backgrounds and are looking for avenues to develop their knowledge and expertise.”
“We are excited to work together with CIT to combine their relationship with water-related businesses and professionals and the college’s water resource curriculum to create a professional-level program that will benefit the region and state,” said Fraka Harmsen, associate dean in the College of Science and Mathematics. “We are creating a program that will combine advanced training in geographical information systems (GIS), with science, and business based applications to regional water resource management yet making it flexible enough for busy professionals to participate in.”
A survey to help fine-tune the specifics of the degree program will be sent to irrigation and water-related companies, along with local, state and federal agencies, as well as other natural resource organizations.
Anyone interested in participating in the survey can take part by visiting www.californiawater.org.