Bachelor's in Water Resources Management
Safeguard Our Water, Sustain Our Future
Our Bachelor's of Science in Water Resources Management prepares graduates to lead in the critical field of sustainable water systems, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. Students become experts in managing and protecting water supplies amid growing demand, changing climates, and competing interests.
At a Glance
Degree Total Units: 120
Lower Division Units: 60
Upper Division Units: 60
Capstone or Written Exam in Water Resources Management required for Graduation
Why Our Program?
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A highly relevant and timely degree — as water scarcity, flood risk, and climate uncertainty grow, trained professionals are in high demand.
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Affordable public option — a clear, cost-effective pathway to a four-year degree.
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Designed for flexibility — this program uses a cohort model for working professionals, with short-term eight-week courses offered online to accommodate a variety of scheduling needs.
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Emphasis on real-world readiness — includes internships, capstone projects, and fieldwork to connect classroom knowledge with practice.
Want to learn more?
Subscribe to our interest list to receive updates on admissions, program launch dates, tuition details, and upcoming information sessions.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Admission to San Bernardino Valley College does not automatically guarantee admission into the Water Resources Management Bachelor of Science degree program. Students must apply and be formally admitted by the college before enrolling in upper-division (300–400 level) courses.
✔ Major Preparation
Complete at least 18 semester units in:
- Water and Wastewater Technology and/or
- Environmental Technologies
All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
✔ General Education
- Complete at least 60 lower division semester units
- Meet the General Education requirements listed in the college catalog
All course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Already earned a bachelor’s degree? You’ve automatically met the general education requirement!
If more students apply than we can accommodate, we use a multi-criteria review process that may consider:
- GPA in relevant coursework
- Completion of prerequisites
- Degrees, certificates, or industry credentials
- Related work or volunteer experience
- Military training or credit for prior learning
🔹 New Student (Fresh from High School or No Associate Degree Yet)?
→ Apply to SBVC
→ Enroll in the Water Technology A.S. Degree program
→ Complete required major courses and general education
→ Apply to the Bachelor of Science program before beginning upper-division coursework
🔹 Already Have a Bachelor’s Degree OR an A.S./A.A. in a Related Field?
→ Review the eligibility requirements
→ Confirm you meet major preparation and general education requirements
→ Submit the Bachelor of Science program application
→ Once admitted, begin upper-division coursework
Not Sure Which Path Applies to You?
Contact the department for additional information.
Curriculum Highlights
- Advanced Writing and Critical Thinking in the Industry Disciplines
- GIS and Data Analysis in Water Resources Management
- Applied Statistical Research and Analysis
- California Water History
- Introduction to Water Resources Management
- Applied and Professional Ethics in the Water Sector
- Technology and Public Administration
- Water Law
- Managing Public Organizations in the Water Sector
- Water Resources Management and the Public Policy Process
- Human Resources Administration in the Water Sector
- Water Resources Budgeting and Financial Management
- Research Methods in Water Resources Management
- Internship in Water Resources Management
Elective Courses:
- Strategic Planning in the Water Sector
- Water Resources Economics
- Tribal Water Rights
- International Environmental Policy
- Water Sector Leadership and Diversity
- Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations
Culminating Experience Requirement:
- Applied Research (Capstone) Project in Water Resources Management or
- Comprehensive Written Exam in Water Resources Management
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Engage proactively with stakeholders and community decision makers to promote the utility provider as valued, competent, and trustworthy environmental stewards and the water infrastructure as community assets.
- Produce technical documents that respond to the needs of multiple audiences, including international/global audiences of water resources.
- Employ project management processes and analytical tools to achieve a sustainable outcome to regulatory compliance and environmental problems.
- Develop the skills of utilizing information technologies capabilities in water resources management to track performance, identify variability, and manage performance more effectively and precisely.
- Apply key terminology, facts, concepts, principles, historical perspectives and theories to effectively “supply water” and “manage wastewater” infrastructure functions.
- Gain comprehensive knowledge of integrated water resources management with specific emphasis on best practices leading to water sustainability and financial viability.
- Acquire skills to address contemporary issues related to water resources management and understand their societal, economic, and environmental impacts.
- Analyze social justice in the workplace and determine one’s own self-concept based on the dimensions of diversity equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
- Articulate the core concepts of sustainable management of water resources from local to state to national and global viewpoints.
Ready to make a difference in the future of water?
Applications are now open! Apply by June 1st.
