Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Careers

Since 1965, when it was created, the Water Resources Management Program has prepared more than 500 graduates for professional work in water resources planning and management. Many WRM graduates are employed in the public sector with federal agencies, state resource and water agencies, urban and regional planning departments, counties, cities, universities, interstate water authorities, international agencies, and foreign governments.

Other WRM graduates are employed in the private sector, primarily with government clients at the local, regional and state levels, and a small number of WRM graduates have gone on to careers in law. In addition, a small percentage of WRM graduates have pursued careers with nonprofit organizations. Although WRM is a professional master’s program, some graduates have gone on to complete doctorates in other programs and now hold faculty positions.

Positions Held by Our Graduates

34.8%
Government

29.9%
Private

5.2%
Faculty

4.9%
Faculty

4.7%
Nonprofit or NGO

2%
Continuing education

18.5%
Other

Types of Positions

The tables below show a sampling of the types of positions that WRM graduates have held. The information includes entry- through senior-level positions. The complete alumni directory is available in the Nelson Institute Academic Programs Office.

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Explore the Water Resources Management Program

General Graduate Program Information