Overview

The Freshwater Sciences programme at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee provides students with a unique opportunity to address complex environmental challenges within the nation’s only dedicated school for this discipline. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the curriculum integrates rigorous scientific study with practical applications to influence global water policy and ecosystem health.

Why Freshwater Sciences at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee?

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers an unparalleled learning environment at the Great Lakes Research Facility. Students benefit from being part of the only School of Freshwater Sciences in the United States, gaining access to a specialized fleet and world-class research centres. The institution maintains strong connections with a network of water leaders across government, industry, and non-profit sectors, ensuring the curriculum remains aligned with global workforce needs. Its location provides a natural laboratory for studying the interconnectedness of freshwater and marine systems, climate change, and invasive species.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27090 per year
National fee: USD 27090 per year
Local fee: USD 13659 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The programme offers two distinct pathways: a professional track focused on applied skills and a thesis track focused on original research. Modules and core areas of study may include:

Freshwater Ecosystems
Water Quality Monitoring
Fish Health and Management
Ecosystem Analysis
Environmental Health
Water Policy
Water Economics
Aquatic Science

Professional track students must complete a 480-hour internship with a water-related organisation to gain practical field experience. Thesis track students conduct original research under faculty guidance, culminating in a formal defense and a document suitable for peer-reviewed publication.

Careers with Freshwater Sciences

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. The programme equips students for professional paths in environmental consulting, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations. Potential career areas include:

Water Quality Analysis
Environmental Management
Policy Consulting
Conservation Science
Aquatic Research
Public Health
Industrial Water Technology

The School of Freshwater Sciences provides dedicated career advising and leverages its extensive industry partnerships to help students transition into leadership roles within the water sector.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics

Quantitative Freshwater Analysis

Field Experimentation and Analysis in Freshwater Sciences

Analytical Techniques in Freshwater Sciences

Professional Development for Water Leaders

Science Communication

Sensing Networks

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-25 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Aquatic Science (Thesis)

Fall: January 31

Spring: October 1

Water Policy (Thesis)

Fall: January 31

Spring: October 1

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Milwaukee, United States

Disciplines

Hydrology & Water Management View 90 other Masters in Hydrology & Water Management in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A minimum GPA of 3.0.

Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s scholarship and/or research potential.

Submission of a Reason Statement. Statements are used to determine the appropriateness of your educational and professional goals and serves as an example of your ability to express yourself in writing.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27090 USD / year

≈ 27090 USD / year
Out-of-State

27090 USD / year

≈ 27090 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13659 USD / year

≈ 13659 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Reciprocity: $21,606

Midwest Residents: $18,279

Living costs

Milwaukee

United States

1066 - 1767 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Freshwater Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Milwaukee

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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