University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
AC-4: Graduate Program

The PhD in Freshwater Sciences is a dissertation-based program that prepares students for a rewarding career in academia, research, or industry. With a strong emphasis on research, doctoral students concentrate on complex, interdisciplinary issues through a well defined focus of study. Course of Study Students must earn 54 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, of which 24 credits may be taken from formal coursework completed as part of a master’s degree. Students are required to take two integrative Seminar courses (FRSHWTR 901) and two Freshwater Sciences Practicum courses (FRSHWTR 512), as well as Quantitative Freshwater Analysis (FRSHWTR 504). In addition, students must complete at least 9 credits of dissertation research. Elective courses are selected in consultation with the student’s Ph.D. committee. A minimum of 27 credits must be earned in residence at UWM. Students may take up to a maximum of 9 credits of independent study counting toward the degree. Students must be proficient in at least three of the four areas of study: 1. freshwater systems, 2. human/ecosystem health, 3. freshwater technology, and 4. freshwater economics, policy and management. To meet this requirement, core courses are offered in each of these respective areas: FRSHWTR 502 Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics FRSHWTR 506 Environmental Health of Freshwater Ecosystems FRSHWTR 508 Freshwater Engineering FRSHWTR 510 Economics, Policy and Management of Water The student’s doctoral committee can recommend an exemption from taking the core course in any area that the student is deemed proficient. For more information on exemptions please contact the SFS graduate representative. Requests for exemption from Quantitative Freshwater Analysis-FRSHWTR 504 follow the same guidelines as the core course proficiency policy. A Program of Study, including coursework and proposed research, is planned by the student in consultation with the major professor, and must be approved by the Committee. A student must present an annual progress report and an updated plan of study to his or her Doctoral Advisory Committee. For students entering with advanced degrees, some of the coursework may already be completed. Requests for counting previously taken courses toward the degree requirements will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A minimal grade point average of 3.00 must be earned in coursework, not including research or seminars.

The Masters of Science in Freshwater Sciences & Technology program features two tracks: a thesis track, and a professional track. Thesis track students work closely with faculty and scientists to conduct original research, develop new technologies, inform water policy, and advance our understandings of complex freshwater systems and issues. Professional Track students expand upon a base of freshwater science knowledge, quantitative skills, and business expertise and apply them to non-profit, government and business careers in the water sector.

UWM launched the Master of Sustainable Peacebuilding (MSP) degree in Fall 2014. The MSP is a graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in sustainable peacebuilding. The MSP's focus is on both the developing world and developed countries such as the United States - with the goal of preparing students with essential skills that are geographically and contextually transferable. MSP students learn to think systemically, plan synergistically, and work collaboratively across disciplines. Throughout the two-year program, students take courses and skills workshops in complexity, human-environmental interactions, systems mapping and analysis, conflict management, research methods, assessment, adaptive management, and leadership. The program includes two summers of fieldwork, through which students interface directly with complex global problems.

The Department of Architecture provides a focused course of study in ecological and sustainable design. This concentration provides students with the tools to design buildings to be carbon neutral as well as resource-conserving and environmentally non-polluting. Students wishing to pursue this concentration must be enrolled in the Master of Architecture program and must complete a minimum of 21 credits from designated courses.