Fresno State is introducing a groundbreaking new minor, in collaboration with the California Water Institute, focusing on multiple facets of the water industry for students to add to their educational plan.
“It requires students to take classes in several different departments, and even different colleges at the university. As such, this is a fairly novel minor, for we have almost nothing else at Fresno State that requires students to take courses from several different colleges, at least other than the GE curriculum,” said Dr. Thomas Holyoke, a political science professor at Fresno State. “We want students to understand water from the agricultural point of view, but also from the environmental point of view, and to know how it impacts people and society all through our Valley, through California and throughout the American West.”
This new water minor is designed for students who want to learn more about water systems in California, as well as those interested in water-related careers after graduation. The minor is open to all disciplines at Fresno State and allows students of any study background to learn more about the water management challenges that impact a reliable water supply.
“We want students to get out into the community and intern for farming operations, for environmental groups, for engineering firms and for political organizations and politicians,” Holyoke said. “That way our students will get into positions where they can make a real difference on water policy and water use.”
Students taking these classes will learn a variety of topics, such as the crucial importance of water to everyday life, why the existing water resource system has created conflict and the problems and benefits of new public policies intended to expand access to water.
“Working with water issues, we have seen the value of staff that understands different sides to water interests,” said Laura Ramos, interim director of the California Water Institute’s Research and Education Division. “This minor will provide a graduate with the background needed to be able to understand and work with all water interest needs.”
Not only that, but students will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of professional job opportunities available in the water industry.
“[Students] conducting research studies, mentored by faculty, are also important, for these students will go on to work in the private sector or for the government on water,” Holyoke said. “Perhaps some will even get Ph.Ds. in water and become professors to teach the next generation.”
(Story by Ashley Cortez, student assistant)
