River Studies & Leadership Certificate (RSLC)

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WWU partners with the River Management Society to offer the River Studies and Leadership Certificate (RSLC). The certificate program introduces students to the multidisciplinary nature of river-related professions through a unique combination of courses and professional experiences. RSLC undergraduate and graduate students complete coursework in science, policy, geographic information systems (GIS) and river safety; enlist in a river-based course or internship; and present research findings or a capstone project summary in person at an RMS event, such as the biennial River Management Symposium or through an article published in the quarterly RMS Journal. Students enrolled in the program have opportunities to participate in regional and national events, and receive news, resources, and jobs curated for current and aspiring river professionals.
To learn more, please visit any of the following sites:
RMS: https://www.river-management.org/river-studies-leadership
College of the Environment: https://cenv.wwu.edu/river-studies-leadership-certificate
WWU’s RSLC advisor: https://faculty.jmcl.wwu.edu/RSLC/rslc.home.htm
To enroll, please reach out to WWU’s RSLC faculty advisor: John McLaughlin, E-mail:

CENV RSLC home page: https://cenv.wwu.edu/river-studies-leadership-certificate

River Management Society (RMS) RSLC home page:
https://www.river-management.org/river-studies-leadership
* video
* map of RSLC schools
* video/slide show
* RSLCertificate Components

Register for the RSLCertificate (free):
RMS LMS https://rtc.talentlms.com/plus/external-catalog/courses/147

LMS Tutorials for RSLC students:
All tutorials
How to sign up for RSLCertificate
How to track your RSLC progress
Sending messages in the LMS


RMS home page: https://www.river-management.org/
* River Career webinars, fall 2025 -- free registration
* River Training Center | 2024 River Career webinar videos
* RMS Job Board

WWU Approved Courses (PDF)
(ESCI 309 not listed, but approved)

RSLC Requirements

(1) Core Courses (3 + river safety)
GIS, Science, Policy
River Safety -- ESCI 309 or ESCI Field Camp fulfills

(2) Emphasis Courses (2 from one area)
River Science
River Policy/Management
River Rec/Ed/Tourism

(3) Professional Experience
-- internship, guide job, course-related prof. experience, etc

(4) Oral/Written Presentation
-- Present at RMS Symposium
-- Presentation in WWU Scholars Week, RMS Symposium, or other prof. meeting
-- Article in RMS Journal or other prof. publication



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