Sustainable Water
Interdisciplinary Minor
Gain deeper knowledge about the many dimensions of water. Prepare for a career in water or continue on with graduate studies in water-related areas.
Learn water sustainability
Water supply, water quality, and ecological water relationships continue to be increasingly important as population growth continues and water use multiplies. A career in water requires deep knowledge of these complexities.
The Colorado Water Center, in partnership with the School of Global Environmental Sustainability, (SOGES) proudly offers the Sustainable Water Interdisciplinary Minor (SWIM).
CSU’s SWIM offers students, regardless of their major, an opportunity to learn more about the many dimensions of water. By taking advantage of CSU’s outstanding water expertise, students can prepare themselves for the future in which water plays a critical role.
This sustainability minor is interdisciplinary. Students take courses from different colleges to gain a deep understanding of complex water issues. Generally, courses can count for both major requirements and minor requirements, reducing the number of courses specifically required to complete the minor.
Course requirements
Students complete 21 credits* in core and elective courses that are relevant to today’s water professional. Completion of the program is certified on the student’s academic record.
* A minimum of 12 upper-division (300-400 level) courses are required to complete the SWIM.
Core Courses
- GES 120: Water Sustainability in the Western U.S. (3 credits)
- AREC/ECON 240: Issues in Environmental Economics (3 credits)
- AREC 342: Water Law, Policy, and Institutions (3 credits)
Foundations of Water
A minimum of 3 credits in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Ecology, Geology, and Physics courses
Context of Water
A minimum of 9 credits in Social, Economic, Ecological, Biological, and Physical Sciences courses
Schedule an appointment
Speak to an advisor at SOGES about the opportunity to minor in SWIM.