Because the field of water resources encompasses so many facets and disciplines, students working toward a master's degree often must choose a path or area of study on which to focus. Water resources may also be a focus of study in a larger master of engineering program. Some schools give students the opportunity to study water resources policy and management, science and engineering. Differences in these concentrations typically involve additional courses as well as internships or field studies.
Courses in master's degree programs for water resources engineering include engineering hydrology, storm water management, advanced hydraulics, hydrological modeling and groundwater hydrology and pollution. Students focusing on water resources science may take classes like socio-technological aspects of water resources, water governance and conflict management, while students concentrating on water resources policy and management may take courses like methods of data analysis, environmental sampling, watershed processes, and public land and water law.
Colleges and universities often require graduate students in water resources to complete internships, research and fieldwork. Some schools base course requirements on guidelines provided by the American Institute of Hydrology. The University of New Mexico's water resources program, which offers tracks in hydroscience and policy and management, requires students to obtain three semester credits by serving as an intern for a public or private organization not affiliated with the school. Student advisers or department heads typically approve internship proposals and opportunities.
Those looking for master's degree programs should take into consideration the accreditation of a college or university. Unaccredited programs may not be able to provide the quality of education one would need to join the field. An example of an accreditation organization for water resources is the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying, which accredits Oregon State University's water resources engineering program. Other schools, like the University of New Mexico, govern their graduate programs through a program committee made up of professionals and professors with doctorates in the field.