Sustainable Water Minor (SWIM)

The Water Center, in partnership with the School of Global Environmental Sustainability, is proud to offer the Sustainable Water Interdisciplinary Minor (SWIM). The SWIM offers all undergraduate students an opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge of the many dimensions of water management. By taking advantage of the outstanding water expertise available at CSU, students can prepare themselves for water-related careers or graduate school.

Students will complete 21 credits* in core and elective courses that are particularly relevant to today’s water manager. Completion of the program is certified on the student’s academic record.

Core Courses

AREC/ECON 240: Issues in Environmental Economics (3 credits)
AREC 342: Water Law, Policy, and Institutions (3 credits)
GR/WR 304: Sustainable Watersheds (3 credits)

Foundations of Water

A minimum of 6 credits in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Ecology, Geology, and Physics courses

Context of Water 

A minimum of 6 credits in Social, Economic, Ecological, Biological, and Physical Sciences courses

 

* A minimum of 12 upper-division (300-400 level) courses are required to complete the SWIM

More Information 

Click here to download the checksheet and complete course list.

For questions and to enroll, contact Julie Kallenberger at julie.kallenberger@colostate.edu

Procedures Required to Receive Transcript Designation

  • Discuss your plans with your academic advisor. Be sure you understand which courses you are required to take and how these courses will affect your schedule of classes for your major(s).
  • Schedule a meeting with the SWIM Advisor to review your Degree Audit Report (DAR) and complete the ennoblement form.
  • During each semester’s preregistration advising session, you and your advisor should review your progress toward completion of the SWIM.
  • In the semester prior to which you will graduate, you should alert the SWIM Advisor of your intention to graduate. The Advisor will certify that you have completed the courses required for the SWIM and approve your DAR.

“Natural Resource Economics was my favorite course because not many people think of the implications of ecosystem services as a part of our economy.”

~ Ry Weber, Spring 2017 graduate in Watershed Science

“Having a specialization in water will help prepare me for the work I plan to do.”

~ Christina Neel, Spring 2016 graduate in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability

“The SWIM helped me by showing employers that I want to work for a cause I care about.”

~ Marcus Lively, Spring 2015 graduate in Natural Resource Management & Environmental and Natural Resource Economics