PSU has a range of expertise in managing watersheds, lakes and reservoirs for ecological and water resources. PSU also has the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs that was established by the Oregon State legislature to address lake management and invasive species issues. Many of our faculty are active in the North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS) and the local chapters of the Oregon Lakes Association Washington State Lake Protection Association.  

This is a rigorous certificate that will require eight 400-level courses. The courses are split between aquatic ecology, watershed processes, management, and policy areas. Although the certificate could be earned by any student, they will have to have had many pre-requisites (or equivalent preparation) in ESM or Geography. Students who complete the certificate will be prepared to take active roles in and contribute to management of lakes and reservoirs. In addition, this certificate is designed to provide the academic background required by the NALMS Professional Lake Manager certification program. 

Certificate Requirements

The certificate requires 33 to 34 credits total and 22 of these credits must be in ESM. The student must complete courses in each of of the following five areas.

Aquatic Ecology (10 credits)

Required:

Choose one from the following:

Watershed Science (8 credits)

Required:

Choose one from the following:

Business and Management (8 credits)

Choose one from the following:

Policy, Legal and Government Aspects (7-8 credits)

Required:

Choose one from the following:

Students must take required courses for a differentiated grade and earn a C-or better for it to count toward the certificate.

Total credit hours to receive certificate: 33-34

More Resources

Lake and Reservoir Management Certificate Info Sheet

Course Planning Guide

For more information, please contact Dr. Yangdong Pan.