Learn how to use science to address complex environmental challenges at the nation’s only School of Freshwater Sciences. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, our school offers a unique opportunity to study freshwater ecosystems, climate change, and weather patterns while applying science to shape policy and drive real-world solutions.

Freshwater and marine systems are deeply interconnected, making freshwater sciences an essential foundation for those interested in marine science or oceanography. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater feed the oceans, influencing coastal pollution, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem health. Climate change affects both freshwater and marine environments, emphasizing the need to study water systems from their sources to their broader environmental impacts to fully understand global water dynamics. A degree in freshwater sciences offers hands-on experience in water quality analysis, ecosystem monitoring, and policy development, equipping students with skills for careers in research, conservation, government, non-government agencies, consulting, and industry.

The School of Freshwater Sciences offers bachelor’s, master’s, accelerated master’s, and doctoral degrees in a range of interdisciplinary areas, preparing the next generation of scientists with the knowledge and skills to tackle environmental issues.

Areas of study include:

  • Water Policy and Economics
  • Water Ecosystems and Human Health
  • Great Lakes Research and Management
  • Water, Weather, and Climate

Undergraduate students build a strong foundation through coursework and hands-on experiences, while graduate students gain access to extensive research or internship opportunities with faculty mentorship. Students work in state-of-the-art labs, a genomics center, and research vessels, developing expertise in the latest scientific techniques.

Programs

Atmospheric Sciences Courses

Freshwater Sciences Courses

NameRankDegreeSchoolGraduate FacultyEmeritus Faculty
Carmen Aguilar Senior Scientist PhD University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee No No
Harvey Bootsma Associate Dean, Professor PhD University of Manitoba Yes No
Tracy Boyer Professor PhD University of Minnesota Yes No
Arthur Brooks Professor PhD Johns Hopkins University No Yes
Michael Carvan Shaw Professor PhD Texas A&M University Yes No
Russell Cuhel Senior Scientist PhD Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution No No
Dong-Fang Deng Professor PhD University of California-Davis Yes No
George Duffy Teaching Assistant Professor PhD Vanderbilt University No No
Brandon Gerig Assistant Professor PhD University of Notre Dame Yes No
Tim Grundl Professor PhD Colorado School of Mines No Yes
Laodong Guo Professor PhD Texas A&M University Yes No
John Janssen Professor PhD Michigan State University No Yes
Jonathan Kahl Professor PhD University of Michigan No Yes
Jerry Kaster Associate Professor PhD University of Colorado No Yes
Rebecca Klaper Dean, Professor PhD University of Georgia Yes No
J. Val Klump Professor PhD University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill No Yes
Sergey Kravtsov Professor PhD Florida State University Yes No
James Lubner Professor PhD University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee No Yes
Sandra McLellan Distinguished Professor, Lynde B. Uihlein Professor in Ecosystem Health PhD University of Cincinnati Medical Center Yes No
Ryan Newton Associate Professor PhD University of Wisconsin-Madison Yes No
Benjamin Peterson Assistant Professor PhD University of Wisconsin-Madison Yes No
James Price Assistant Professor PhD The University of New Mexico Yes No
Paul Roebber Distinguished Professor PhD McGill University No Yes
Melissa Scanlan Director or the Center for Water Policy, Professor, Lynde B. Uihlein Endowed Chair JD University of California, Berkeley Yes No
Xinyi Shen Assistant Professor PhD Institute of Remote Sensing and GIS, Peking University Yes No
James Waples Associate Professor PhD University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Yes No