About the Course

Several states across the US engage citizens in volunteer water monitoring programs. Through these
programs, trained volunteers help collect data to monitor the condition of local streams and rivers. In
Montana, monitoring groups are a valuable asset as many communities rely on volunteer-collected water
quality data for many aspects of water management. During Fall semester 2026, MSU students will have the
opportunity to take a 3-credit undergraduate research course and partner with volunteer monitoring groups
to analyze their water quality data. This course will include content on water quality basics, data analysis,
and work with stream team program leaders to help address their questions using the data that stream
teams have collected

Structure

Students will receive 3-credits of 490R (ENSC or other) following the traditional letter grading system. These credits can count toward directed elective credit. This course will meet as a group 1 time per week throughout Fall semester 2026 (timing will be identified based on students' availability). Students will be required to complete readings, watch lecture videos, and complete homework before class and come prepared to discuss topics and progress. Students will partner with volunteer monitoring groups, analyze their data, and present findings to the group.

Objectives

  • Learn water quality fundamentals (physical, biological, and chemical aspects) of rivers and streams
  • Understand purpose and impact of volunteer water monitoring programs across Montana
  • Analyze stream team and publicly available water quality data using Microsoft Excel (and R software based on interest)
  • Interact with stream teams to assess water quality data as it relates to the groups’ monitoring goals and objectives

Requirements

  • Be a current MSU undergraduate student, with junior or higher status at the start of Fall semester 2026
  • Have taken at least three courses that focused on content you believe is relevant (i.e. water resources, geology, chemistry, quantitative methods courses)
  • Be curious about water quality and motivated to learn quantitative methods with real-world datasets 

How to Apply

Send an email to Dr. Adam Sigler and Emma Sweet (extensionwater@montana.edu) with the following:

  • A course transcript (unofficial is fine)
  • A cover letter outlining how you meet the required qualifications and why you are interested in this work
  • A sample of your writing
  • A resume if you have one 

We will review applications received by March 13th at 12pm but will continuing accepting applications through April 1st.

*NOTE: This course can only accommodate a small number of students. We recommend you register for a full load for the fall semester and have 1 class in mind to drop if accepted.

Previous Final Reports