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Water Resources Science & Technology (WATER) Program
Among these treasures of our land is water - fast becoming our most valuable, most prized, most critical resource. A blessing where properly used - but it can bring devastation and ruin when left uncontrolled."
—Dwight D. Eisenhower
In response to the high demand of workforce in the water industry and the rapid economic and population growth in Texas, a degree-conferring program in Water Resources Science and Technology was approved in 2015 by the Texas A&M University System. The WATR specifically addresses the need to develop workforce-ready, college-level graduates who are trained and certified/licensed to enter basic water industry positions. The Program aims to become a major contributor to the continuing development of the blue economy in the state of Texas, and as a leading program in the cross-cutting characteristics (technology, management, and policy) of the water industry.
The degrees we offer include a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, and a Master of Science program. You can click into the pages to find more information about the program details.
Missions
The WATR Program at A&M-SA is designed with a vision to help our students with gaining a holistic understanding of our water resource system, and to acquire the necessary skills to be successful in their future water-related careers:
- To provide foundational and specialty courses that ensure students’ competence at their prospective jobs.
- To instill the concept of a water-centered nexus that expands students’ vision imperative for career advancement.
- To expose students to a hands-on learning environment (lab work & internships) that help prepare students with skill sets needed for the water industry.
- To improve our students’ ability to process and analyze information through problem-based learning.
Careers in Water Resources
Water science is at the center of the job market demand in Texas. Possible career paths include:
- Water supply utilities
- Water/wastewater treatment plants
- Regulatory agencies
- Groundwater Conservation Districts
- Watershed/River Basin Authorities
- Environmental engineering consultant/specialist/technician
- Water operations in public and private entities
Internship and Scholarship
The Water Resources Science and Technology (WATR) program has launched a scholarship program offering up to 8 scholarships ($1,000 each) in 2019-2020 for full-time students majoring in WATR. The scholarship application opens on September 15, through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aids or the department page. To be eligible to apply, students must have and maintain a 2.75+ cumulative institutional GPA. Those who have demonstrated both academic success and financial need will be given priority. All questions shall be directed to Prof. Walter Den (wden@tamusa.edu), STEM Building 349D.
Click here to download Scholarship PDF
The Richard A. Herbert Memorial Scholarships
In 1980, AWRA established the Endowment-Memorial Fund to be used for the enhancement of education in water resources. The fund has since been renamed the Richard A. Herbert Memorial Educational Fund to honor Richard A. Herbert -- a champion for water resources education -- who passed away in 1994. In order to carry out his vision, AWRA is proud to announce the availability of scholarships derived from the proceeds of this fund.
Internship
For students seeking internship opportunities, we highly recommend that you meet with your Career Advisor at Mays Center of Experiential Learning and Community Engagement, as the advisor can guide you through the strategies that work best for you on an individual basis. Please also see the Handshake Student Guide for additional resources.
You can use this guide (Water Program - Search Strategy) to identify your internship search strategy. As you find opportunities, there are two ways you could be eligible for pay if the internship is unpaid: the Internship Grant Guide and Career READY (Federal Work-Study program). Please contact the Mays Center directly for that information.
Students majoring in Water Resources Science and Technology are eligible to apply for this federally-sponsored STEM Scholarship (S-STEM): Cultivating Water Leadership in S-STEM. If selected, the program will award $7,091 per year. Scholarship students are obligated to participate in faculty-mentored undergraduate research relevant to water resources. The scholarship is renewable, pending the recommendation of the faculty mentors. This is a great opportunity to be financially awarded and gain valuable undergraduate research experience that will shape your career path! Click Here to see more information.
Nine Reasons to Study at WATR
Why consider a career in the water and wastewater industry?
- The job market is driven by two of the most vital federal laws protecting public health: The Safe Drinking Water Act (1974) and the Clean Water Act (1972)...
- According to the United States Government Accountability Office, the workforce replacement rate in both the water and wastewater industries exceeds 30% over the next ten years...
- On top of the existing jobs in the water industry, a potential 45% increase in workforce recruitment is forecasted in response to new regulations, infrastructural growth, security challenges, and consumer demand...
Why do you need a baccalaureate degree?
- Prepare to use and develop new technologies associated with water treatment, supply, management, and emergency response...
- Pursue career advancement from daily operation to project management, and high-level organizational supervisory and managerial positions...
Why A&M-SA’s WATR program?
- Competency. The water industry is a highly interdisciplinary domain. A professional water operator or engineer needs a competent technical capacity to meet the demand of stakeholders for services, as well as the social, economic, and political realities of the community served. Why would you settle for yesterday’s curricula when you are facing tomorrow’s challenge?
- Innovations. The program is responsive to the needs of the water industry whose workers are adaptive to regulatory changes and rapid incorporation of new technologies into facility operation and renovation.
- Accessibility. The program is accessible to industry training programs, and provide ample mentorship and internship opportunities.
- Global vision, local action! Southcentral Texas is experiencing unprecedented growth in population and economy. The water industry expects to continuously expand its job market to fill the needs of regional water security.
Faculty
Walter Den, Ph.D.
Professor and Program Coordinator
Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California
Course(s):
WATR 3317 Water Resource Sustainable Use and Conservation Practices
WATR 4310 Desalination and Emerging Technologies
Dr. Walter Den Email
Faculty Profile Page
(210) 784-2815
SciTech 349-D
Pride T. Abongwa, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Geology, Oklahoma State University
Course(s):
WATR 3331 Hydrology
WATR 4330 Water Management and Field Investigations
Dr. Pride Abongwa Email
Faculty Profile Page
(210) 784-2819
SciTech 311-F
Sandhya “Sandy” Poleneni, Ph.D.
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia
Course(s):
WATR 1301 Introduction to Water Treatment
WATR 3320 Pollutants Environmental System
Dr. Sandy Polenieni's Email
Faculty Profile Page
Gabriella Sosa, Ph.D.
Honorary Research Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University
Course(s):
WATR 3312 Water Laws, Rules, and Policy
WATR 4340 Environmental Impact Assessment for Water Resources
Dr. Gabriela Sosa's Email
Faculty Profile Page
Madjid Delkash, Ph.D.
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware
Course(s):
WATR 1302 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment
WATR 4315 Advanced Wastewater Recycling System
Dr. Madjid Delkash Email
Faculty Profile Page
Tonya Ramey, Ph.D.
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Freshwater Ecology, University of British Columbia
Course(s):
WATR 3325 Aquatic System Science
Dr. Tonya Ramey's Email
Faculty Profile Page
