River Studies & Leadership Certificate
Purpose
Western is partnering with the River Management Society (RMS) to offer the River Studies and Leadership Certificate (RSLC), awarded upon completion of river-focused coursework and a river-related professional project. The RMS is a national organization whose mission is to support professionals who study, protect and manage North America's rivers.
To learn more about what river professionals do, please view this video from #TheRiverIsMyOffice
The River Studies and Leadership Certificate offers a foundation of knowledge, skills and experience in river-based science, policy, conservation, education, and recreation for undergraduate students who aspire to be river professionals.
As an RSLC student, you'll collaborate with your faculty advisory to design and complete a personalized academic program that provides a strong basis for addressing real world challenges facing our nation's rivers. RSLC requirements include core courses, an emphasis area, and hands-on river-related experience via an internship, professional employment or independent study.
Requirements
Note: Students responsible for completing required prerequisites
Core Courses
One approved course in each of the following: Geographic Information Systems, River Science, River Policy and River Safety Training.
Emphasis Area
Two approved courses in one of these areas:
- River Science
- River-based Policy and Management
- River-based Recreation, Education and Tourism
Professional Experience
Credit-earning internship, paid internship, paid professional experience, independent study or course-related professional experience equivalent to two (2) credit hours.
Oral/Written Presentation
Presentation of the student's work in oral or written formats. Approved presentation venues include a River Management Society (RMS) Symposium, another RMS-sponsored conference, WWU's Scholars Week, or other conferences approved by RMS and the RSLC advisor. Written work may include an article written for the RMS Journal, another professional publication, or other platforms approved by RMS and the RSLC advisor.
Benefits
RSLC students receive a free membership in RMS while they remain students. Free RMS membership extends for a year after graduation. RMS membership provides a subscription to the RMS Journal, access to RMS career and employment resources, access to the RMS Listserv, and access to national and regional chapter events such as workshops, river training, and chapter river trips. Students also have a number of exciting opportunities for professional networking and collaboration.
Sign up for the RMS learning management system to enroll and track progress
Supporting Materials
Sign up for the RMS learning management system to enroll and track progress
RMS Certificate Guiding Document
Professor John McLaughlin's RSLC page
Contact
John McLaughlin
Professor
Environmental Sciences Department
Western Washington University
Environmental Studies 434
John.McLaughlin@wwu.edu
360-650-7617