Master in Water Science
Because of the significant increase in knowledge regarding aquatic ecosystems dynamics, the formulation of management strategies, and the importance of this field of study to future management of our nation's surface water resources, the CRR has initiated the M.S. in Water Science degree program. Utilizing each of the three CRR components (CSL, HBS, and MARC) the M.S. in Water Science is organized as an interdisciplinary program which provides students with an approach to a master's level education in water science that presently does not exist in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The program is designed around teaching and research resources of the CRR and will utilize the region's extensive aquatic ecosystems.
The Center for Reservoir Research program in Water Science is an interdisciplinary master's program within the College of Science, Engineering and Technology designed to prepare students for careers or for further graduate studies in the broader aspects of water management and science. Each student's course of study will be designed to fit individual educational goals and may be concentrated in any aspect of water science. All students must complete a core curriculum, advanced courses in their areas of interest, and research thesis. During the first semester, students must work at either the Chemical Services Laboratory, the Mid-America Remote sensing Center, or the Hancock Biological Station.
Requirements for Unconditional Admission
Applicants must meet all Murray State University requirements as stated in the Murray State University Graduate Bulletin. A faculty member must agree to mentor the student. Additional requirements for unconditional admission are as follows: Baccalaureate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematics, Physics, or closely related field. At least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Composite GRE score of at least 1,000.
Course of Study
| Department | Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
| GSC | 665 | Physical/Chemical Limnology | 3 |
| BIO | 669 | Biological Limnology | 3 |
| BIO | 670 | Limnological Analysis Lab | 4 |
| BIO/GSC | 535 | Watershed Ecology | 3 |
| WSC | 690 | Seminar | 1 |
| WSC | 698-699 | Thesis | 6 |
| Graduate courses in related fields of which at least eight hours must be at the 600 level (as determined by the advisory committee) | 16 | ||
| Total Course Requirements | 36 | ||
Other Degree Requirements
Successful completion of courses in both statistics and introduction of computers or MAT 656, Applied Statistics. Written and oral comprehensive examination, as specified by the advisory committee in broad aspects of water science and area of concentration (usually taken in 3rd semester of residence). Defense of thesis.
M.S. in Geoscience | M.S. in Chemistry | M.S. in Biology | M.S. in Water Science | Ph.D. in Environmental Biology
 College of Science, Engineering, and Technology |
 Chemical Analysis Laboratory |
 Hancock Biological Station |
 Mid-America Remote Sensing Center |