BachelorRecommended

Bachelor of Freshwater Science and Sustainability

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, United States
English
On campus
Bachelor

About the program

Prepares students to understand freshwater ecosystems and address freshwater sustainability challenges.

Program highlights

Internship available: yes
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (Up to 12 months (Optional Practical Training per education level) plus 24-month STEM OPT extension for degrees on the STEM Designated Degree Program List with an E-Verify employer and Form I-983 (up to 36 months total for STEM)): yes
PR pathway friendly: no

Career outcomes

Aquatic biologist
Conservation scientist
Freshwater quality analyst
Watershed manager
Sustainability coordinator
Environmental manager
Corporate social responsibility coordinator
Environmental consultant

Curriculum

72 to 74 credit hours of required coursework. An interdisciplinary core covers freshwater biology
Chemistry
Hydrology and limnology plus sustainability studies
With electives for career goals
Some courses are hybrid or online with fieldwork. Internships and faculty-mentored research are encouraged.

Entry requirements

Academic

Official secondary and any post-secondary transcripts or mark sheets with grading scale
Diplomas or exam results
Passport page and English translation if needed
No minimum GPA published (holistic review)
100 USD application fee. Credential evaluation reports accepted.

Accepted academic background

Official secondary and any post-secondary transcripts/mark sheets with grading scale (unofficial accepted for decision, Official by end of first semester), Diplomas/exam results, Passport page, English translation if needed, 100 USD application fee. Credential evaluation reports accepted.

Language tests

TOEFL iBT 71
IELTS 6.0
PTE Academic 48
Duolingo 100

Documents you’ll need

Academic transcripts and academic records
Official English translations if applicable
Evidence of English proficiency or approved exemption
Passport identification page

How to apply

Check entry requirements and deadlines: Fall June 1
Spring September 1
Summer One February 1. Apply online as an international applicant and pay the 100 USD application fee. Upload secondary and any college transcripts with grading scale
diploma or exam results
passport page and English proof (TOEFL iBT 71
IELTS 6.0
Duolingo 100). Receive the admission decision; official transcripts are due by the end of the first semester. Show proof of funds for the I-20 and apply for the F-1 student visa.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$22,590 - $26,370 USD
Application fee	$100 USD
Deposit	_

Program details

Campus	Kalamazoo (main campus)
Faculty or school	School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability
Department	_
Teaching language	English
Credit value	_
Study pace	_
Post-study stay	Up to 12 months (Optional Practical Training per education level) plus 24-month STEM OPT extension for degrees on the STEM Designated Degree Program List with an E-Verify employer and Form I-983 (up to 36 months total for STEM)
Scholarship note	Global Education Merit Scholarship of up to 10000 USD per academic year may be available to eligible international degree-seeking students with GPA at least 3.0 on F-1 or J-1 status. No separate scholarship application is required; funding and conditions apply.

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
May 2027
Apply by
1 Feb 2027
79 days left
Program starts
August 2027
Apply by
1 Jun 2027
199 days left
Program starts
January 2028
Apply by
1 Sept 2027
291 days left

Frequently asked questions

The next deadline is 1 Feb 2027. Apply early, because some programs close when places fill up.