Best institutions to study Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management
A program that prepares individuals to apply the principles of marine/aquatic biology, oceanography, natural resource economics, and natural resources management to the development, conservation, and management of freshwater and saltwater environments.
32 U.S. institutions graduated 293 Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 03.0205, a specialization of Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy (CIP 03.02), and leads most directly to the Conservation Scientists occupation (BLS SOC 19-1031).
About Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply the principles of marine/aquatic biology, oceanography, natural resource economics, and natural resources management to the development, conservation, and management of freshwater and saltwater environments. Includes instruction in subjects such as wetlands, riverine, lacustrine, coastal, and oceanic water resources; water conservation and use; flood control; pollution control; water supply logistics; wastewater management; aquatic and marine ecology; aquatic and marine life conservation; and the economic and recreational uses of water resources.
See also: 26.1304 - Aquatic Biology/Limnology., 40.0605 - Hydrology and Water Resources Science., 14.0805 - Water Resources Engineering.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management program, part of the Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy field, prepares students to address critical issues related to freshwater and saltwater environments. This program is ideal for individuals passionate about conservation and the sustainable management of water resources.
Learn more about Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management →
Students in this program gain essential skills in marine/aquatic biology, oceanography, and natural resource economics. Coursework covers topics such as water conservation, pollution control, and aquatic ecology, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to manage and protect vital water resources.
Credentials awarded
What Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree144 graduates / yr · 17 institutions49%
- Bachelor's degree54 graduates / yr · 9 institutions18%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate27 graduates / yr · 5 institutions9.2%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year21 graduates / yr · 5 institutions7.2%
- Associate's degree21 graduates / yr · 3 institutions7.2%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years15 graduates / yr · 1 institution5.1%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship7 graduates / yr · 3 institutions2.4%
- Award of less than 12 weeks4 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.4%
Graduates over time
Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 202 |
| 2013 | 254 |
| 2014 | 280 |
| 2015 | 258 |
| 2016 | 308 |
| 2017 | 317 |
| 2018 | 332 |
| 2019 | 374 |
| 2020 | 318 |
| 2021 | 267 |
| 2022 | 334 |
| 2023 | 363 |
| 2024 | 354 |
| 2025 | 293 |
Top 32 institutions for Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 49 | 84% | $26,589 | — |
| 2 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicPost-degree cert.Master'sBachelor's | 23 | 67% | — | — |
| 3 | Everglades University Boca Raton, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 21 | 61% | $29,513 | $41,859 |
| 4 | Oregon State University Corvallis, ORPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 18 | 70% | — | $39,422 |
| 5 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NYPublicMaster's | 15 | 76% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 15 | 49% | — | — |
| 7 | University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 51% | — | $40,553 |
| 8 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 14 | 84% | — | $30,362 |
| 9 | Green River College Auburn, WAPublicAssociate's | 14 | 39% | — | — |
| 10 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 12 | 90% | — | — |
| 11 | Spokane Community College Spokane, WAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 33% | — | — |
| 12 | University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NCPublicMaster's | 9 | 71% | — | — |
| 13 | East Central University Ada, OKPublicMaster's | 8 | 34% | — | — |
| 14 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicMaster's | 8 | 90% | — | — |
| 15 | Texas State University San Marcos, TXPublicBachelor's | 6 | 55% | — | — |
| 16 | University of South Alabama Mobile, ALPublicMaster's | 5 | 53% | — | — |
| 17 | Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 64% | $33,585 | — |
| 18 | Florida Gateway College Lake City, FLPublicBachelor's | 5 | 54% | — | — |
| 19 | Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science Paul Smiths, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 5 | 51% | $22,773 | $41,863 |
| 20 | SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NYPublicMaster's | 5 | 69% | — | — |
| 21 | East Carolina University Greenville, NCPublicDoctoral | 5 | 63% | — | — |
| 22 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MIPublicMaster's | 4 | 67% | — | — |
| 23 | Polytech Adult Education Woodside, DEPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 4 | 70% | — | — |
| 24 | University of the District of Columbia Washington, DCPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 3 | 33% | — | — |
| 25 | Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FLPublicBachelor's | 3 | 57% | — | $30,818 |
| 26 | Hawaii Pacific University Honolulu, HIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 35% | $30,299 | — |
| 27 | Nunez Community College Chalmette, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 27% | — | — |
| 28 | Stockton University Galloway, NJPublicMaster's | 2 | 69% | — | — |
| 29 | Cape Cod Community College West Barnstable, MAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 22% | — | — |
| 30 | Skagit Valley College Mount Vernon, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 36% | — | — |
| 31 | University of Wisconsin - Parkside Kenosha, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 40% | — | — |
| 32 | California State University - Monterey Bay Seaside, CAPublicMaster's | 1 | 59% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy field (CIP 03.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 19 states
Where Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management graduates come from. Each state links to all Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 5 | 83 | University of Miami49 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 4 | 39 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee15 / yr |
| Washington | 3 | 27 | Green River College14 / yr |
| New York | 3 | 25 | Stony Brook University15 / yr |
| Colorado | 1 | 23 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins23 / yr |
| Texas | 2 | 20 | Texas A&M University - College Station14 / yr |
| Oregon | 1 | 18 | Oregon State University18 / yr |
| North Carolina | 2 | 14 | University of North Carolina Wilmington9 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 12 | University of Georgia12 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 1 | 8 | East Central University8 / yr |
| Alabama | 1 | 5 | University of South Alabama5 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 4 | Grand Valley State University4 / yr |
| Delaware | 1 | 4 | Polytech Adult Education4 / yr |
| District of Columbia | 1 | 3 | University of the District of Columbia3 / yr |
| Hawaii | 1 | 2 | Hawaii Pacific University2 / yr |
| Louisiana | 1 | 2 | Nunez Community College2 / yr |
| New Jersey | 1 | 2 | Stockton University2 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 1 | Cape Cod Community College1 / yr |
| California | 1 | 1 | California State University - Monterey Bay1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1031, Conservation Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Conservation Scientists or Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of about 3.4% and an estimated 2,500 annual openings. The median wage for these roles is approximately $67,950, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 03.0205
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservation Scientistsprimary SOC 19-1031 | $73,010 | +3.4% About as fast as average | ~2,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1043 | $101,420 | +4.0% About as fast as average | ~100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
- Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
- Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
Tools and technology used
Other Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy (CIP 03.02).
- Environmental/CIP 03.0201
Natural Resources Management and Policy 1,612 graduates / yr72 institutions - Environmental/CIP 03.0204
Natural Resource Economics 323 graduates / yr19 institutions - Environmental/CIP 03.0299
Natural Resources Management and Policy 315 graduates / yr21 institutions - Environmental/CIP 03.0208
Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services 222 graduates / yr21 institutions - Environmental/CIP 03.0207
Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism 189 graduates / yr15 institutions - Energy and Environmental PolicyCIP 03.020982 graduates / yr11 institutions
- Land Use Planning and Management/CIP 03.0206
Development 81 graduates / yr14 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Bioenergy03.0210
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs →
Common questions
What degrees are offered in this program?+
Degrees include Bachelor's and Master's degrees, as well as postbaccalaureate certificates.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active learning.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 2,500 annual openings.
What types of courses will I take?+
Courses will cover topics like water conservation, pollution control, and aquatic ecology.
What is the CIP code for Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management?+
Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management is CIP 03.0205 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy (CIP 03.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply the principles of marine/aquatic biology, oceanography, natural resource economics, and natural resources management to the development, conservation, and management of freshwater and saltwater environments. Includes instruction in subjects such as wetlands, riverine, lacustrine, coastal, and oceanic water resources; water conservation and use; flood control; pollution control; water supply logistics; wastewater management; aquatic and marine ecology; aquatic and marine life conservation; and the economic and recreational uses of water resources.
How many institutions offer Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management programs?+
32 U.S. institutions reported Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 19 states, awarding 293 credentials in the year. That is 9.4% of all Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates.
How much do Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Conservation Scientists occupation, which Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management most directly leads to, pays a median of $73,010 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy field report median earnings of $40,553 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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