Overview
SUNY Oneonta's M.S. in Lake Management trains students to become effective water resource management professionals. Our innovative program blends scientific training in aquatic biology, limnology and quantitative skills with professional training in project design, management, and reporting in a real-life setting, working with lake stakeholders directly or with established lake management professionals.
Department
Program Type
Area of Study
Delivery Mode
Requirements
Select either the Thesis or the Professional Science Master’s track and see the list of required courses for your program of study.
Career Opportunities
Graduates have pursued careers as research or aquatic scientists, biologists, invasive species technicians and project managers.
Choose from Two Tracks
Choose from two M.S. tracks: the Thesis Option, or the Professional Science Master's (PSM). The thesis track is designed as a two-year, full-time residential program, with field work during the summer periods. The PSM track is a 1.5-year program with increased flexibility for low-residency options and requires employment during one semester. Part-time options are available for both tracks, and courses are shared.
Thesis Option
Prepare for doctoral studies and careers requiring a significant research background by developing and presenting a thesis on a lake in need of management. You’ll be eligible for a $10,000 stipend for each of the two years, funded by sponsoring lake associations and The Scriven Foundation. Degree recipients will have met the requirements to apply for Lake Management Trainee certification by the North American Lake Management Society.
Professional Science Master’s
The Professional Science Master’s (PSM) track is a career-focused program that is ideal for students interested in the most direct route to workforce eligibility. You’ll complete required coursework in your first year and then engage in a cooperative experience with an employer of your choice. This track helps students gain valuable practical lake management skills while also providing connections to businesses in the field.
Program Details
Cost and Aid
SUNY Oneonta delivers high-quality graduate programs at a competitive cost. View program costs and learn about financial aid, scholarships and teaching assistantship opportunities.
Facilities
You’ll have opportunities for hands-on study and research activities at SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station on the shores of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown. The research facility contains several multipurpose and analytical laboratories, two lakefront docks, boats, sampling equipment and access to a beautiful natural environment with more than 2,600 acres of woodlands, bogs, marshes and ponds.
How to Apply
- Submit your graduate application and the non-refundable fee.
- Submit an official transcript of an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a functionally related area. You must have achieved an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or better in your major.
- Submit three letters of recommendation. For Thesis Track Applicants: one letter must be from a member of the SUNY Oneonta biology faculty willing to serve as your thesis advisor. For help getting a SUNY Oneonta Advisor, contact: Travis.Moyer@oneonta.edu.
4+1 Program for SUNY Cobleskill Students
Qualified SUNY Cobleskill students can earn a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science while simultaneously taking classes during their senior year to complete the SUNY Oneonta master’s degree program in Lake Management. This accelerated, dual-degree opportunity will allow students to seamlessly move between both institutions and graduate with two degrees in five years, rather than six.
Meet the Program Coordinator – Dr. Dan Stitch
A fishery biologist by training, Dr. Dan Stitch, Associate Professor of Biology, leads the Lake Management curriculum for graduate students. With his hands-on approach and focus on limnology, lake management and lake monitoring - classes, research and experiential learning opportunities train students to pursue careers in water resource management.
About Our Faculty
Our staff of teacher scholars at the Cooperstown Biological Field Station are a close-knit group exploring the past, present and future of lakes. Our approach combines scientific training in aquatic biology, limnology and quantitative skills with professional training in project design, management, reporting in a real-life setting and working with lake stakeholders.
Contact Graduate Admissions
Admission and Application Specific Questions
Welcome Center
108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820
United States