Main Content
Gain a working knowledge and understanding of this industry-standard software for hydraulic studies of riverine systems and its applications to real-world projects.
Course Status Notice – Not Scheduled
The next offering of this course is tentatively planned for February 2027. Please join our email list to be notified when the next offering is scheduled!
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Course Details
Course Name: HEC-RAS: The Essential Modeler’s Guide
Course Code: EW0405WA27
Date of Most Recent Offering: November 9, 11, and 13, 2026 (Canceled)
Course Overview
In this course, you will learn how to use HEC-RAS—the USACE‘s simulation software for the hydraulics of water flow in rivers and other open channels—through hands-on application of HEC-RAS to solve real-world problems. This course will benefit engineers, landscape architects, and environmental professionals interested in hydraulic studies of riverine systems.
This three-day course offers an overview of HEC-RAS and the various elements that go into building a hydraulic model as well as an overview of the HEC-RAS user interface. It will also cover use of GIS data in RAS Mapper and when to apply one-dimensional or two-dimensional modeling. You will get first-hand experience using the software in class and come away with a working knowledge and understanding of the program and its applications to real-world projects.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this HEC-RAS: The Essential Modeler’s Guide course, attendees will:
- Understand the basics of building a hydraulic model using HEC-RAS
- Improve your proficiency in flood analysis
- Evaluate and use different HEC-RAS program options
- Learn about the different methods to model bridges and culverts
- Learn about the different methods to model in-line and lateral structures including dams and levees
- Use GIS data to enhance the modeling experience within RAS Mapper
- Learn the difference between subcritical, supercritical, and mixed flow regimes and when to apply steady flow versus unsteady flow
- Understand the differences between 1D and 2D models and when its appropriate to use them
Who Should Attend?
This class is designed for engineers, landscape architects and environmental professionals interested in hydraulic studies of riverine systems.
Meet Your Instructor
Mary Paist-Goldman P.E.
Ms. Paist-Goldman has more than 25 years of experience in water resource engineering with a particular focus in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. She is the principal and owner of Rippled Waters Engineering, LLC based in New Jersey. Her firm specializes in water resources consulting services for a variety of projects. Prior to starting Rippled Waters in 2018, she served for many years as Principal Engineer and Director of Engineering Services at a NJ based natural resources firm.
Mary is an experienced modeler and has worked extensively on design and analysis using a variety of hydrologic and hydraulic programs including HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, HydroCAD and XP-SWMM. Applications for her hydraulic modeling expertise include wetland restoration and mitigation; stream restoration; bridge repair and replacement; and dam repair, replacement and removal. Specifically related to riverine systems, Ms. Paist-Goldman has extensive expertise with stream restoration, dam removal, wetland creation and restoration, natural channel design and streambed and bank stabilization. She has taught dozens of courses for continuing education in HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, green infrastructure, stream restoration, regulatory compliance, and dam removal. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Student Reviews
“HEC-RAS class was great and I learned quite a bit. It is a great course to get a more in-depth feel for HEC-RAS, given that I was self taught with the software. It helped me calibrate myself to where my blind spots were. Platform seemed flawless and had no issues connecting or being able to participate.”
– Jeremy Paris, Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District
Senior Conservation Technician“The class overall was fantastic and I am so glad I was able to attend. I have already implemented things that I learned into negotiations with consultants on some current HEC-RAS models they are working on for us. Mary didn’t hesitate on a single question, she was so helpful and interactive. Thank you!”
– Katie Lafler, Ontario County, NY
Junior Engineer“This was a great course! The instruction and resources provided during this class will surely be valuable to my professional career.”
– Laura Strang, Kleinfelder
Project ProfessionalContinuing Education Credits
The most recent offering of HEC-RAS: The Essential Modeler’s Guide was approved for 1.8 Rutgers CEUs (18 contact hours) and the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.
New Jersey
NJ Professional Engineers: 18 Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) Credits
NJ Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators: 18 TCHs
New York
NY Professional Engineers: 16.5 PDHs (NOTE: This class may not be used to fulfill the land surveyors continuing education requirement in NYS.)
Technology Requirements
Email Requirement
Photo ID Requirement
Cancellations and SubstitutionsProgram Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about the HEC-RAS: The Essential Modeler’s Guide please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Senior Program Coordinator: Suzanne Hills
848-932-7234
suzanne.hills@rutgers.edu
Administrative Assistant: Samantha Thompson
848-932-7764
samantha.thompson9@rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
