Liz Throckmorton
Course Administrator, Institute of Water Research
Liz Throckmorton is the Research Administrator at the Institute of Water Research and serves as the administrative point of contact for course registration and general inquiries.
Program Overview
Watershed management requires an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. Law, policy, community planning and development, stakeholder involvement and resource economics contribute as much to solutions as engineering, biology, hydrology and chemistry. To meet this challenge the Michigan Water Environment Association and the Institute of Water Research (IWR) at Michigan State University have teamed up and developed an interdisciplinary educational program that offers professionals and advanced students with responsibilities or interests in watershed management a unique opportunity to acquire certification online. Those that will find these courses beneficial include Consultants; Policy Makers; Civil and Environmental Engineers; Instructors and Researchers at Universities; Landscape Engineers and Architects; Public Works Personnel; Regulatory Staff; Scientists; and Advanced Degree Students.
Program Outcomes
Benefits from taking this online course include having a better understanding of the interdisciplinary approach to watershed management. Participants and students completing all seven modules will be awarded a certificate in watershed management from the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA). They will also receive a complimentary one-year MWEA Membership. The MWEA represents more than 2,000 water quality professionals statewide who are dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources. The MWEA brings together a diverse group of individuals whose careers involve the water environment and who have similar objectives from a variety of backgrounds. MWEA provides a forum for all water environment topics.
Career Outlook
Those taking the set of courses will be well informed on watershed management and have a better understanding of the complexity and multi-disciplinary nature of the subject. They will have earned a certificate in Watershed Management from a well-established environmental organization and will be better positioned to compete for positions that take a watershed management approach to solving real-world problems.
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings
Graduates of Watershed Management can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Watershed Management Students
| Target Occupation | National Median Salary (USD) |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $70,595 |
| Conservation Scientists | $67,667 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $60,731 |
| Project Management Specialists | $98,571 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $157,747 |
| Environmental Engineers | $100,090 |
| Civil Engineers | $95,888 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $165,360 |
Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2025 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
Tuition & Fees
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Flat Fees |
| $100 per course | $100 per course | $30 initial one-time fee |
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.