River Studies and Leadership Certificate

Turn Your Passions into a Career

The University of Maine at Farmington’s River Studies & Leadership Certificate program helps you turn your passion for rivers and the outdoors into the knowledge, skills, and leadership experience to make a real impact.

The River Studies and Leadership Certificate (RSLC) at the University of Maine at Farmington is an interdisciplinary credential that prepares students for leadership and careers in river-related fields. Through coursework in GIS, river science, policy, and safety, students gain a strong foundation in the ecological and human dimensions of river systems. The certificate complements majors such as outdoor recreation, environmental sciences, environmental education, and policy and planning, while remaining open to students from any discipline.

The RSLC also emphasizes applied learning and professional development. Students complete hands-on experience through internships or fieldwork and share their work through a presentation or publication. As part of a nationwide network of river professionals and partner institutions, UMF students build valuable connections while developing the skills needed to contribute to river stewardship and management.

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University of Maine at Farmington and the RSLC Network

“The University of Maine at Farmington is a valued member of the RSLC network, sharing a commitment to preparing students for leadership and stewardship in river-related fields,” says Risa Shimoda, RMS Executive Director. “Through the RSLC, students explore diverse career pathways, connect with professionals across the field, and gain hands-on experience. This broad foundation supports their ability to navigate complex river management challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities and ecosystems.”

River Management Society
“I’m excited to see the RSLC certificate offered in the Northeast through the partnership between UMF and RMS. Our region’s rich river ecosystems make this certificate a strong fit for students in outdoor recreation, ecology and environmental sciences, environmental education, and policy and planning. At the same time, it offers value to anyone—current students or returning learners—who would benefit from connecting with a nationwide network of river professionals and career support.”
Rachel Hovel
Associate Professor and RSLC Advisor at UMF.

Integrated River Systems Learning

Students enrolled in the RSLC program study river systems in ways that integrate the life and earth sciences, policy and conservation, socio-cultural and economic factors, as well as education and recreation. They complete at least one geospatial information systems (GIS) course and a river safety requirement. Students are encouraged to attend RMS’ online and in-person events and will share their own project with a national community of river professionals.

Course Requirements

The River Studies and Leadership Certificate is an interdisciplinary program integrating river science, geographic information systems (GIS), policy, safety, and applied field experience. Students complete a set of core courses, specialize in one emphasis area, and apply their learning through professional experience and public scholarship.

Core Courses (4 courses)

Students complete one approved course in each of the following areas:

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

  • River Science

  • River Policy

  • River Safety

Emphasis Courses (2 courses)

Students select one emphasis area and complete at least two approved courses within it:

  • River Science

  • River-based Policy and Management

  • River-based Recreation, Education, and Tourism

Professional Experience

Students complete a minimum of 90 hours (or 2 credit-hours) of applied professional experience through an internship, paid position, independent study, or course-related project. Relevant prior professional or internship experience may be considered with approval.

Presentation or Writing Requirement

Students share their work through either:

  • A presentation at an RMS-sponsored symposium, trip, or conference, or

  • An article submitted to the RMS Journal in consultation with an RSLC advisor.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will have a working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems with potential application to river systems.
  • Students will have a working knowledge of the basic physical and biological environment and processes of river systems.
  • Students will have a working knowledge of river safety and rescue, and basic river navigation and travel, including river-based Leave No Trace.
  • Students will choose an emphasis within river studies and take courses that support that specialization.
  • Students will acquire hands-on experience with river-related project(s) via an internship, professional employment or independent study.

For More Information

Rachel A. Hovel, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
University of Maine Farmington

rachel.hovel@maine.edu