Hydrology and Water Resources Science
Overview
Hydrology and water resources science programs teach people about the movement, distribution, and properties of water on the Earth and other planets.Hydrology and water resources science programs include topics such as:
- Geophysics
- Thermodynamics
- Chemical physics
- Geomorphology
- Global water balance
- Environmental science
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in hydrology and water resources science. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in hydrology and water resources science. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. Some schools offer interdisciplinary programs in hydrology. Interdisciplinary programs combine courses from several college departments. In hydrology it may be civil engineering and geology. A bachelor's degree prepares students for entry-level positions in government agencies, environmental consulting, or other applications.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in hydrology and water resources science. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Chemistry
- Environmental Engineering Technology
- Geological and Earth Sciences
- Geophysics and Seismology
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Natural Sciences
- Oceanography
- Physical Sciences, General
- Physics
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology
- Water Resources Engineering
- Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
- Marine Biologists
- Water Treatment Plant Operators
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- General Computer Applications
- Geology
- Physics
- Science Technology and Engineering
- Technical Writing
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor’s degree in geology, engineering, or a related science, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
- Statement of research interest and personal goals
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Differential Equations
- English Composition
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Law
- Environmental Measurements
- Field Methods
- Groundwater Hydrology
- Hydrologic Fluid Dynamics
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Physics
- Principles of Geology
- Scientific Computer Programming
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Soil Science
- Structural Geology
The list above is a set of "core" courses. Advanced courses that may be part of an undergraduate or graduate program may include the following:
- Aqueous Geochemistry
- Fluid Mechanics
- Hydrogeology and Contaminant Transport
- Hydrological Processes in Ecosystems
- Low Temperature Geochemistry
- Shallow Groundwater Management
- Simulation Models for Environmental Waste Management
- Systems Hydrology
Graduate Program Courses
Hydrology is an interdisciplinary program. Some schools put more emphasis on engineering, while others stress water resources. Graduate students usually focus on one area. Typical courses vary by specialty. A list of common graduate requirements is below:
- Required courses
- Field or lab work
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
The majority of careers in hydrology are with engineering and environmental consulting firms.
Some states require licensing or professional registration for hydrologists.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Civil Engineering--Water Resource Engineering Option
Spokane Area
Spokane Community College
- Water Resources Technology
- Water Resources Technology--Water Resources Technologies in Geographic Information Systems
West Side Area
Evergreen State College, The
- Hydrology