Department Overview

Water Resources Engineering Department was established on the 1st of November 2006.

The department awards B.Sc. in the field of dams and water resources engineering after four academic years.

The updated and new department name Water Resources Engineering Department studying plan consists of theoretical subjects as well as practical subjects by using scientific laboratories and computer applications.

After completion of the third year, the students take practical training in the field of water resources projects. The students at the fourth year carry out a project in the field of water resources engineering in partial fulfillment of their regular course-work. The Department accepts about 55 students per a year.

Head of department

Name: Abdulwahd Ali Kassem

Title: Head of Dams and Water Resources Engineering Department

Abdulwahd Ali Kassem received my BSc and MSc degree in Water Resources Engineering from Mosul University in 1997, 1999, respectively. Ph.D. in Engineering Hydrology from Salahaddin University-Erbil in 2020.

I am a lecturer in the Department of Water Resources Engineering-College of Engineering at Salahaddin University-Erbil since 2010.

Contact :

Email

[email protected]

Phone

07504150587

Mission

The department program combines hydraulics, fluid mechanics, hydrology, and water resources, with elements from environmental engineering, meteorology, remote sensing and systems analysis, and related disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, computer science engineering, and geology.

This includes: Vision

Water Resources Engineering program aspires to be a center of excellence in the field of Water Resources in Kurdistan and competitive in the world. The graduate program in Water Resources Engineering at Salahaddin University prepares students for careers in hydraulics, hydrology, and water resources, by providing a strong theoretical and applied foundation, and a broad-based academic background, necessary for positions in engineering design, research, and academia.

Learning Outcomes

The Water Resources Engineering program is designed to produce highly skilled and responsible engineers equipped to plan, design, manage, and rehabilitate water resources systems that support sustainable development. The program emphasizes practical application, technical proficiency, and the use of modern tools to meet the growing demands in water supply, hydraulic structures, irrigation systems, and hydropower development.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and core engineering principles relevant to water resources engineering.
  • Identify, plan, and perform pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for water-related projects, including water supply networks, irrigation systems, ponds, and dams.
  • Plan, design, and rehabilitate a wide range of water infrastructure, such as canals, pipelines, reservoirs, irrigation and drainage systems, and hydropower facilities.
  • Supervise and manage the construction, operation, and maintenance of water resource and hydraulic structures, ensuring functionality, safety, and environmental sustainability.
  • Design and implement efficient and sustainable systems for water supply, wastewater management, and stormwater control in both urban and rural settings.
  • Apply industry-standard software such as GIS, AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, and other modeling tools for hydraulic and hydrologic analysis and design.
  • Use remote sensing techniques and spatial data analysis for water resource planning, monitoring, and decision-making.
  • Identify and solve complex challenges related to water scarcity, pollution, flooding, drought, and environmental degradation using integrated engineering approaches.
  • Develop complete and professional technical reports, drawings, and contract documents for a variety of water-related engineering projects.
  • Collaborate across disciplines and uphold ethical standards in engineering practices to contribute to sustainable and equitable water resource management.

 

Partnership

Undergraduate Study

Undergraduate Program (B.Sc. in Water Resources Engineering)

The Water Resources Engineering Department at Salahaddin University is committed to developing skilled engineers and researchers capable of addressing local and global water challenges. The department offers academic programs at multiple levels to meet the needs of students and the water sector, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, a One-Year Postgraduate Diploma and a PhD program.

The Water Resources Engineering Program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to manage, develop, and protect water resources in a sustainable and innovative way. This program prepares graduates to address real-world challenges such as water scarcity, flooding, irrigation development, climate change impacts, and environmental conservation. The department program combines hydraulics, fluid mechanics, hydrology, and water resources, with elements from environmental engineering, meteorology, remote sensing and systems analysis, and related disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, computer science engineering, and geology.

Key Features:

  • Duration: 4 years (8 semesters) – Bologna system
  • Focus on practical training, labs, and field visits
  • Use of modern engineering software (Matlab, Slides, AutoCAD, ArcGIS)
  • Graduation project in the final year
  • Internship

Career Paths:
The graduate program in Water Resources Engineering at Salahaddin University prepares students for careers in hydraulics, hydrology, and water resources, by providing a strong theoretical and applied foundation, and a broad-based academic background, necessary for positions in engineering design, research, and academia.

Postgraduate Study

One-Year Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resources Engineering

This program is designed for engineers and professionals who wish to enhance their skills in a shorter time frame. It offers applied knowledge in key areas of water engineering and is ideal for those seeking career advancement or specialization.

Highlights:

  • Duration: 1 academic year (2 semesters)
  • Focused coursework with practical components
  • Suitable for working professionals or those transitioning into the water sector

 

Postgraduate Program (M.Sc. in Water Resources Engineering)

The Master’s program is designed for graduates who want to specialize in advanced areas of water resources planning, modeling, and management. It emphasizes research, critical thinking, and the use of innovative technologies in solving water-related problems.

Key Features:

  • Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
  • Includes coursework and a research-based thesis
  • Focus areas include integrated water resources management (IWRM), climate change, flood and drought analysis, and groundwater modeling
  • Access to research labs and partnerships with external institutions

Research Opportunities:
Postgraduate students are encouraged to participate in applied research, conferences, and collaborative projects with public and private sector institutions.

Career Paths:
Graduates are qualified for roles such as water policy analysts, researchers, senior engineers, project managers, or academic staff. They can also pursue PhD studies locally or abroad.

 

Admissions

Our Water Resources Engineering Department proudly supports a strong community of graduates who have gone on to successful careers in engineering, research, and water management.

Alumni Network

  • Graduates join an active network of professionals working in government agencies, NGOs, private companies, and academia locally and internationally.
  • The department regularly organizes alumni events, seminars, and workshops to connect past and current students.
  • Alumni often contribute as guest lecturers, mentors, or collaborators on research and projects.

 

Graduate Employability

Our graduates are highly sought after by employers due to their strong technical knowledge and practical skills.

Employment Opportunities for Graduates:

  • Water resources and irrigation engineering firms
  • Environmental consulting companies
  • Government water management and planning agencies
  • Research institutes and universities
  • International organizations working on water sustainability

Skills That Make Our Graduates Stand Out:

  • Expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and water infrastructure design
  • Proficiency in modern engineering software and GIS tools
  • Ability to conduct fieldwork, data analysis, and environmental assessments
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
  • Understanding of sustainable water resource management and climate challenges

Academic Advising

Internship Opportunities

Career Services

Career services in a Software Engineering Department are essential for bridging the gap between academic learning and professional employment. These services aim to prepare students for successful careers in tech and related industries.

The department offers many services for students over the academic year which includes the following:

  • Internship Program with Erbil-based tech companies.
  • Partnerships with ministries for e-government project internships.
  • Final-year project expos evaluated by industry experts such as in SEDAF.
  • Career group Listing for jobs, training, and scholarships.
  • Annual event: Software Engineering Career Day started from 2020
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