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About Water Law
This course surveys the early water use and development, water rights, management of water, and interstate and federal laws and agreements. This online certificate course integrates federal water law and specific regulations, like those in Colorado, governing water management, distribution, and use across different sectors.
What is water law?
Water law refers to national-level regulations and state-specific laws like those in Colorado, addressing water management rights, quality, conflict resolution, hydrology, and federal water/wastewater management.
Upon completion of this course, you will gain a basic understanding of:
- Colorado’s role as a headwaters state and influences on federal law and water management
- How population, climate, geology, and hydrology impact the supply of water resources in Colorado
- Early water use and development in Colorado and how the prior appropriation doctrine (Colorado Doctrine) differs from riparian doctrine
- Water terminology and concepts, such as diversion, beneficial use, rule of scarcity, surface and groundwater classifications, are more.
- Colorado water law and policy about history, concepts, and application
- How water is used in Colorado and the fundamentals of providing water to different users
- Interstate compacts and transbasin diversions
Course overview from Dr. Elizabeth McVicker
Course information
Water Law runs March 3 – April 3, 2025. Students must register by March 10.
The four-week course is entirely online and self-paced. You can complete the class anytime within the four weeks the course is available.
The tuition for this course is $475, with a $35 transaction fee. No textbooks are required.
You will receive a certification of completion after you successfully complete all three Water Studies courses.
You may also request to receive a digital badge for each class that will be embedded with the competencies learned. This badge can be added to your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or even share it with your current or future employer.
Instructor, Dr. Elizabeth R. McVicker
Elizabeth’s expertise in water law has her in great demand to serve on two water district boards, Center of Colorado Water Conservancy District and Headwater Authority of the South Platte, and on the Board of Coalitions and Collaboratives, an organization that advances healthy and resilient communities through collaborative conservation and restoration. She serves as a guest speaker, panelist, and media expert for water-related events, and was instrumental in developing the One World One Water Center and the Water Studies Curriculum.
Elizabeth is a high-energy professor and brings enthusiasm and knowledge to her classes. She has a JD from the University of Denver, and a Ph.D. in Spanish Language and Literature from New York University. She teaches business ethics and sustainability courses for MSU Denver.
Her experience as a business owner and attorney allows her to bring a great deal of knowledge to the classroom. She is a recipient of the College of Business, Dean’s Overall Faculty Excellence Award.
Water Law Job Outlook & Career Opportunities
What career opportunities are available with a background in Water Law?
Students who complete this online, self-paced certification course in water law can pursue careers spanning various roles and responsibilities, such as:
Water Management/ Resources Attorney: Specializing in water rights, environmental regulations, and resource management.
US Water Law/Policy Advisor: Be part of the development and implementation of water policies for government agencies or NGOs.
Environmental Consultant: Advising on compliance with water-related regulations and sustainable practices.
Water Conservation Specialists: Promote Colorado/U.S. water conservation programs for businesses and communities.
Researchers: Conducting research and teaching on water law and policy issues.
The demand for professionals with expertise in water laws in Colorado and beyond is growing due to:
Water Scarcity: An increased need for experts in water rights, development, management, and distribution in Colorado and beyond.
Environmental Regulation: Ongoing development of policies and regulations.
Water Infrastructure Development: Legal expertise needed for water infrastructure projects.
Climate Change: Challenges related to water availability and quality.
Wastewater Treatment: Managing and regulating the treatment and reuse of wastewater.
Completing the online Water Law course as part of MSU Denver’s Professional Water Studies Online Certificate program equips you with the skills for these career paths, including water management and the implementation of water laws in Colorado and other states.
Complete the full certificate with these other courses:
Colorado Water and the American West
Colorado Water & the American WestU.S. Water Concerns
U.S. Water ConcernsOne World One Water Center
The One World One Water Center (OWOW) is a collaboration between Metropolitan State University of Denver and Denver Botanic Gardens. The OWOW Center strives to prepare an educated, empowered, solution-oriented Colorado citizenry to protect and preserve our precious water resources.