What is one of the most important environmental concerns facing our country and the world? If your answer included issues of water quality and availability, then you are correct. Problems relating to water pollution--agricultural runoff, acid mine drainage, industrial discharges, floods and water shortages, stream restoration, and inadequate sewage treatment--are becoming increasingly important and making headlines.
Are you concerned about these issues? Do you want to make a difference in how they are resolved? Are you seeking a career with a strong outdoor component? If so, then our new program in Watershed Management (BS Geography with an emphasis in Watershed Management) may be just what you are looking for. And remember, as government agencies and private organizations address these issues, one of the things they will need is properly trained employees.
Students practicing stream discharge measurement techniques.
Image from USGS
More Information
Our program in Watershed Management is designed to prepare you for entry-level positions or for graduate school. It is interesting, interdisciplinary and challenging. You will take courses in biology, chemistry, geology, geography and regional planning, as well as the core classes in watershed management (such as, watershed restoration, wetlands, watershed ethics and law, and watershed management policy). In addition, we highly recommend that you complete an internship with a government agency or private organization.
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USGS 7.5 minute map
Mansfield University is an especially appropriate location for this program. Why? All of the following are located within our county: diverse water chemistry; acid mine drainage impacted streams and demonstration projects to reduce their effect; varied land uses, bedrock and geologic structure; multiple flood control/water management projects; boundary between glaciated and non-glaciated landscapes; Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and local watershed groups are all active nearby; part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, a focus of much research and remedial work; and, nutrient loading of some streams from intense agriculture. In short, our county is an ideal outdoor laboratory for the study of watershed management and the faculty in our department will introduce you to it.
Dr. Jennifer Demchak, the lead instructor in the program, is a specialist in watershed management and has extensive on-the-ground experience. She has owned and operated a successful consulting business which covers all aspects of watershed management ranging from conducting assessments and writing restoration and protection plans to the design and installation of acid mine drainage treatment systems. For further information contact her at jdemchak@mansfield.edu
Watershed Management
Graduates
A webpage dedicated to the men and women who have graduated from the Department. Take a look at some of the interesting jobs they have! Click here.
Student Field Photos
Students practice with current meters that they will use to estimate the discharge of the Tioga River. More photos.
Department Party Pictures
Check out pictures from some of our recent department gatherings! Photos of our resident musicians, t-shirt recipients and more!
Geography Club
The Geography Club is a great place to meet great people. Recent activities include trips for skiing, white water rafting, bike riding, hiking and more. Membership is available to all students. View pictures from past excursions at the Geography Club webpage.
Geology Club
Geology Club sponsors mineral collecting trips, visits to science museums, trips to science teacher's conventions and more. All students are welcome! Visit the Geology Club page to see photos of a previous trip.
