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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.
Upon completion of this course, you will gain a basic understanding of:
- Colorado’s role as a headwaters state
- 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 ground water 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 information
Water Law runs November 1 – December 1, 2023. Students must register by November 6.
The four-week course is entirely online and self-paced. You can complete the class anytime within the four weeks the course is available.
Water Law runs March 1 – April 1, 2024. Students must register by March 5.
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 $425, 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 the board of three water-related Colorado entities: The Center of Colorado Water Conservancy District, the Headwaters of the South Platte Water Enterprise, and the Coalition of the Upper South Platte. 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.
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.