Program Requirements
The Master of Science in Hydrogeology is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on groundwater geology and subsurface remediation and draws on the expertise of faculty in the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences. The curriculum is structured to impart a strong background in field experimentation complemented by laboratory studies and computer modeling.
Candidates for the Master of Science degree in Hydrogeology should have a baccalaureate degree in the geosciences; however, students having strong undergraduate backgrounds in other fields of science or related engineering disciplines may be admitted but will be required to correct deficiencies in their geological education during the first year. Specifically, GEOL 1010/1030, 2050, 3020, and 3130 (or an equivalent) are required. Students entering this program should also have a strong mathematics background; normally, two semesters of calculus are required and a third semester is recommended.
The degree requires 24 hours of coursework and six hours of thesis research. Candidates must write a thesis based on original research and defend it in an oral examination. Students may pursue a variety of research projects in hydrogeology and related areas such as environmental geochemistry, geophysics, sedimentology/stratigraphy and multiphase flow modeling. A non-thesis option is available for students who meet requirements specified in the department handbook and who are approved by department faculty; it requires 30 hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination.
All candidates must take at least six core courses from a department-approved list, including a modeling course (GEOL 8080 is recommended), a field course (GEOL 8750 is recommended) and a minimum of three other 8000-level geology courses.
