University of Colorado Boulder's Water Engineering & Management (WEM) program is one of four Professional Master's Programs in CU Boulder's Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, designed for professionals looking to enhance their skill sets.
Tailored for working professionals seeking a Master of Science degree, the WEM program offers distance learners the chance to earn the same graduate degree as those attending in-person classes on the Boulder campus.
“For every graduate student in Boulder there are many more young professionals who want a master’s degree,” said Richard D. Kuchenrither who leads the WEM PMP. “But they love their jobs and could have mortgages and families. It's impractical for them to quit their jobs and relocate to Boulder for an MS degree.”
WEM lectures are primarily delivered by senior water professionals from across the country, bringing extensive practical experience to the classes. This approach allows students to expand their professional network to include CEOs and general managers from major utilities nationwide.
“Young professionals have the unique opportunity to learn from these seasoned experts, which isn't typically available to them at the start of their careers,” Kuchenrither said.
Q & A with Richard D. Kuchenrither
What motivates professionals with established careers to pursue an MS degree through the Water Engineering & Management Professional Master's Program?
A Professional Master's Program degree offers professionals new opportunities for career advancement and equips them with a broader skill set, enabling them to handle more responsibilities in the water profession. This often leads to substantial increases in responsibilities and salary. Additionally, working professionals frequently benefit from financial support from their employers, with many companies covering a large portion of their employees’ master's degree expenses.
How many classes do students typically take?
For those working full time, it’s common to take one to two courses per semester. Live courses are offered once a week for three hours via Zoom and are recorded for later viewing, providing flexibility for students who may have missed a session. Professionals employed by utilities can often incorporate their projects as three-hour courses, integrating their work into the program.
How long does it typically take to complete the program?
Program completion ranges from three to five years, depending on the number of courses working students choose to take. Students who are not concurrently employed typically complete the program in about 1.5 years.
What percentage of students are remote/in-person?
Students are roughly split between distance learners and those attending classes on the Boulder campus. Among on-campus students, approximately 70 percent are employed full time.
What if my goals change midway through the degree?
Students have the flexibility to transfer between the PMP and the traditional research MS degree, ensuring that their academic path aligns with their evolving goals and preferences.
If I missed the deadline (typically in early Dec.) for the WEM PMP for next fall, are there other options?
The graduate certificate in Water Engineering and Management (WE&M) typically has rolling admissions. You can consider enrolling in this distance course and later apply those credits towards an MS degree.