HEC-RAS: The Essential Modeler’s Guide

NEW COURSE! Learn to use this industry-standard software to model steady flow open channel waterways.

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Course Details

Course Name: HEC-RAS: The Essential Modeler’s Guide
Course Code: EW0405YA26

Date: July 9, 10, and 11, 2025
Format: Hybrid course combining online and classroom instruction

Day 1 & 2: July 9-10, 2025
Time: 8:30am-3:45pm EDT (Log-in time: 8:00 am)
Format: Live, instructor-led virtual classroom session delivered via zoom
Location: Online

Day 3: July 11, 2025
Time: 8:30 am-3:45 pm EDT
Format: Option to attend virtually for no additional cost or in-person* ($25 fee)
In-Person Location: Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health(IFNH) Room 101 at Rutgers Cook Campus, 61 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08907 (Directions & Map)

*Breakfast and lunch included in the in-person class on July 11

Registration Fee: $1,195 per person
Multi Person Discount Fee: $1,095 per person (save when you sign up with a colleague!)

Registration Closes: July 2, 2025

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Course Overview

In this course, you will learn how to use HEC-RAS through hands-on application of HEC-RAS to 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 and 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.

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.

Headshot of 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

“He teaches so well that it feels like you are learning from a good friend or your most trusted mentor. My engineering knowledge and that of most of my colleagues is better because of Joe Skupien.”

– Andrew R. Comi

“I learned that behind the scenes HEC-RAS is always aiming to balance two energy equations. I will always start from this perspective when using the program. Extremely helpful, the light has been turned on.”

– Khadija Abdur-Rahman

“Great energy, easily related complex concepts to simpler terms for easy understanding.”

– Past Participant

Continuing Education Credits

The most recent offering of HEC-RAS: The Essential Modeler’s Guide was approved for 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.

HEC-RAS: The Essential Modeler’s Guide is approved for 1.8 Rutgers CEUs, as well as the following credits from professional organizations.

State of New Jersey map iconNew Jersey

NJ Professional Engineers: 18 Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) Credits

NJ Wastewater Operators ONLY: 18 TCHs (Approval #01-122401-30)

State of New York map iconNew York

NY Professional Engineers: 16.5 PDHs (NOTE: This class may not be used to fulfill the land surveyors continuing education requirement in NYS.)

Course Requirements and Policies

electronic devices iconTechnology Requirements

This online course will be delivered via Canvas and Zoom. After you register, you will receive an email from “Rutgers University Canvas” prompting you to click a link to finish setting up your Canvas account. If you do not see this message in your inbox, please check your junk/spam folder.

Registrants will receive more information as we move closer to the course date, including Zoom links to join the live sessions. Please log into class 15-30 minutes before the start time for a brief overview of the online format. The course will start promptly at 6 pm EDT.

Equipment you will need to access this training:

  • Speakers and microphone are not necessary as a call-in option is available.
  • Laptop or desktop computers are required for this class.

email iconEmail Requirement

A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

camera iconPhoto ID Requirement

Each registrant will be asked provide a photo of him/herself holding their government-issued photo ID. This is required by credit boards so that you may receive credits for participating in this online course.

  • You will receive a reminder email prior to the start of the class with further instructions. Wait to receive these instructions before you attempt to upload your ID.
  • The photo must be clear enough that we can read your name and verify that the person pictured on the ID is in fact the person holding it.
  • After an OCPE staff member reviews the picture and verifies your identity, you will have access to participate in the course when it begins.

Icon of map marker over folded mapLocation Changes

Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $100 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Program 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.

Headshot of Rutgers Program Coordinator Suzanne Hills

Program Coordinator: Suzanne Hills
848-932-7234
suzanne.hills@rutgers.edu

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Administrative Assistant: Amy Smith
848-932-7764
amy.smith70@rutgers.edu

For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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