Hydrology is about the active nature of water, the movement of precipitation.\n
Hydrologists study surface waters like rivers, lakes, and streams and examine how rainfall and snowfall cause erosion, generate caves, and permeate soil and rock to become groundwater or flow to oceans and seas.
\n
They work with other scientists, engineers, and public regulators to forecast and manage floods or droughts, reduce waste water, promote sustainable usage of water, evaluate the feasibility of projects like irrigation systems and hydroelectric plants, and protect water resources.
\n
Students of hydrology study these and other aspects of the field. They learn about water management methods, land use, environmental issues, and how to collect water data, interpret statistics, conduct computer modeling, and use geographic information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS).
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:11.548157-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:43.453183-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1057, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Hydrology \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nGraduates with a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Hydrology generally qualify for entry-level roles in the field. More senior positions require a master\u2019s. It is also important to note that few universities offer an undergraduate degree in hydrology. Schools that do not have a specific hydrology curriculum offer hydrology as a concentration in their geosciences or earth science program. \r\n\r\nHere are some examples of bachelor\u2019s level courses taken by aspiring hydrologists: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tCalculus Functions \r\n\u2022\tGeneral Chemistry \r\n\u2022\tBiology \r\n\u2022\tPhysics \r\n\u2022\tEcology \r\n\u2022\tMeteorology and Climate Change \r\n\u2022\tPhysical Geology \r\n\u2022\tSoil Science \r\n\u2022\tPrinciples of Hydrology \r\n\u2022\tFluid Mechanics \r\n\u2022\tStructural Geology \u2013 rock deformation \r\n\u2022\tOptics and Thermodynamics \u2013 relations between heat and other forms of energy \r\n\u2022\tHydrogeology \u2013 how water gets into the ground, how it flows, and how it interacts with surrounding soil and rock \r\n\u2022\tEngineering Probability and Statistics \r\n\u2022\tFundamentals of Atmospheric Sciences \r\n\u2022\tEnvironmental Systems Risk Assessment \r\n\u2022\tWater Quality Fundamentals \r\n\u2022\tStatistical Hydrology \r\n\u2022\tGroundwater Modeling \r\n\r\n**Master\u2019s Degree in Hydrology \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nMost individuals working directly in the hydrology field hold a master\u2019s degree. Hydrology master\u2019s programs typically offer specializations, such as: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tEarth Surface Processes \u2013 the study of the movement of water and pollutants into the ocean \r\n\u2022\tHydrobiology / Hydroecology \u2013 the study of the microbial, plant, and animal components of surface and subsurface waters \r\n\u2022\tHydrochemistry \u2013 the study of the interactions between water and the geological, chemical, and biological environment \r\n\u2022\tPhysical Hydrology \u2013 the study of ground and surface water kinetics and the transport of contaminants through these systems \r\n\u2022\tWater Policy and Management \u2013 the study of the management and allocation of water \r\n\r\nMaster\u2019s students conduct significant original research in preparation of submitting and defending their thesis on a topic of their choice. In addition to this independent research component, students are required to complete some core graduate-level courses, such as the ones listed below: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tAgriculture and Water \r\n\u2022\tContaminated Land and Groundwater \r\n\u2022\tDesign Project in Hydrology \r\n\u2022\tEnvironmental Fluid Mechanics \r\n\u2022\tEnvironmental Management in Developing Countries \r\n\u2022\tGroundwater Flow and Quality Modeling \r\n\u2022\tHydrogeology and Groundwater \r\n\u2022\tHydroinformatics \u2013 the area of research that combines simulation models with technologies to manage water problems \r\n\u2022\tHydrological Processes \r\n\u2022\tHydrometry \u2013 the monitoring of rainfall, groundwater, water quality, and surface water flow \r\n\u2022\tMathematical and Statistical Modelling in Hydrology \r\n\u2022\tRainfall-Runoff Modeling and Flood Hydrology \r\n\u2022\tUrban Hydrology and Urban Drainage \r\n\u2022\tWater Quality Engineering and Ecohydrology (the study of how physical and biological processes interact with water cycles) \r\n\u2022\tWater Resources Management \r\n\r\n**Doctoral Degree in Hydrology \u2013 Three to Five Year Duration** \r\nTo enter a hydrology doctoral program, students must have completed a master\u2019s degree in hydrology or a related field. In many cases, doctoral candidates are not required to complete specified core courses. \r\n\r\nInstead, their focus is on conducting water research that will be the basis of their doctoral dissertation. Holders of a Doctoral Degree in Hydrology commonly go on to careers as university professors and/or hydrology researchers.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Hydrology \u2013 Four Year Duration
\nGraduates with a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Hydrology generally qualify for entry-level roles in the field. More senior positions require a master\u2019s. It is also important to note that few universities offer an undergraduate degree in hydrology. Schools that do not have a specific hydrology curriculum offer hydrology as a concentration in their geosciences or earth science program.
\n
Here are some examples of bachelor\u2019s level courses taken by aspiring hydrologists:
\n
\u2022 Calculus Functions
\n\u2022 General Chemistry
\n\u2022 Biology
\n\u2022 Physics
\n\u2022 Ecology
\n\u2022 Meteorology and Climate Change
\n\u2022 Physical Geology
\n\u2022 Soil Science
\n\u2022 Principles of Hydrology
\n\u2022 Fluid Mechanics
\n\u2022 Structural Geology \u2013 rock deformation
\n\u2022 Optics and Thermodynamics \u2013 relations between heat and other forms of energy
\n\u2022 Hydrogeology \u2013 how water gets into the ground, how it flows, and how it interacts with surrounding soil and rock
\n\u2022 Engineering Probability and Statistics
\n\u2022 Fundamentals of Atmospheric Sciences
\n\u2022 Environmental Systems Risk Assessment
\n\u2022 Water Quality Fundamentals
\n\u2022 Statistical Hydrology
\n\u2022 Groundwater Modeling
\n
Master\u2019s Degree in Hydrology \u2013 Two Year Duration
\nMost individuals working directly in the hydrology field hold a master\u2019s degree. Hydrology master\u2019s programs typically offer specializations, such as:
\n
\u2022 Earth Surface Processes \u2013 the study of the movement of water and pollutants into the ocean
\n\u2022 Hydrobiology / Hydroecology \u2013 the study of the microbial, plant, and animal components of surface and subsurface waters
\n\u2022 Hydrochemistry \u2013 the study of the interactions between water and the geological, chemical, and biological environment
\n\u2022 Physical Hydrology \u2013 the study of ground and surface water kinetics and the transport of contaminants through these systems
\n\u2022 Water Policy and Management \u2013 the study of the management and allocation of water
\n
Master\u2019s students conduct significant original research in preparation of submitting and defending their thesis on a topic of their choice. In addition to this independent research component, students are required to complete some core graduate-level courses, such as the ones listed below:
\n
\u2022 Agriculture and Water
\n\u2022 Contaminated Land and Groundwater
\n\u2022 Design Project in Hydrology
\n\u2022 Environmental Fluid Mechanics
\n\u2022 Environmental Management in Developing Countries
\n\u2022 Groundwater Flow and Quality Modeling
\n\u2022 Hydrogeology and Groundwater
\n\u2022 Hydroinformatics \u2013 the area of research that combines simulation models with technologies to manage water problems
\n\u2022 Hydrological Processes
\n\u2022 Hydrometry \u2013 the monitoring of rainfall, groundwater, water quality, and surface water flow
\n\u2022 Mathematical and Statistical Modelling in Hydrology
\n\u2022 Rainfall-Runoff Modeling and Flood Hydrology
\n\u2022 Urban Hydrology and Urban Drainage
\n\u2022 Water Quality Engineering and Ecohydrology (the study of how physical and biological processes interact with water cycles)
\n\u2022 Water Resources Management
\n
Doctoral Degree in Hydrology \u2013 Three to Five Year Duration
\nTo enter a hydrology doctoral program, students must have completed a master\u2019s degree in hydrology or a related field. In many cases, doctoral candidates are not required to complete specified core courses.
\n
Instead, their focus is on conducting water research that will be the basis of their doctoral dissertation. Holders of a Doctoral Degree in Hydrology commonly go on to careers as university professors and/or hydrology researchers.
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:11.549272-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:43.454229-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1057, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Hydrology", "summary_markdown": "**[Civil Engineering](/degrees/civil-engineering-degree/)** \r\nThis degree field is focused on the processes of design and planning of civil infrastructure like roads, tunnels, bridges, dams, railroads, and airports. In their work, civil engineers are concerned with such things as how much weight a structure can support and the environmental issues presented by construction. The emphasis of civil engineering degree programs is math, statistics, engineering systems and mechanics, building codes, and statistical analysis. \r\n\r\n**[Environmental Engineering](/degrees/environmental-engineering-degree/)** \r\nThis branch of engineering is concerned with finding solutions to environmental problems. Degree programs in the field prepare students to work as environmental engineers, who develop plans to prevent and control air and water pollution, improve recycling and waste disposal, and advance public health. \r\n\r\n**[Geography](/degrees/geography-degree/)** \r\nStudents of geography study the earth\u2019s surface; its climate, soil, and water; and the relationship between people and the land. Some typical courses in a geography program are cartography, climatology, geology, political geography, statistics, and spatial analysis. \r\n\r\n**[Geology](/degrees/geology-degree/)** \r\nGeology, also known as geoscience and Earth science, is the study of the Earth. Students of the discipline learn about the processes that act upon the Earth, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; the materials of which the Earth is made, such as water, oil, metals, and rocks; and the history, evolution, and past climates of the Earth. \r\n\r\n**[Landscape Architecture](/degrees/landscape-architecture-degree/)** \r\nLandscape architecture students learn how to apply both the creative and technical skills of architecture to plan outdoor spaces and landscapes, such as parks, gardens, playgrounds, residential areas, and college campuses. The curriculum includes computer-aided design (CAD) and courses specific to landscape architecture, such as horticulture, hydrology, geology, environmental design, and landscape design. \r\n\r\n**[Meteorology](/degrees/meteorology-degree/)** \r\nMeteorology degree programs teach students how to predict weather conditions. The typical curriculum examines atmospheric movement, climate trends, and ozone levels. With an understanding of these concepts, students learn about various meteorological phenomena. They learn how to use statistical analysis to forecast weather events from sun, clouds, and rain to heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, tropical storms, tornados, and hurricanes. \r\n\r\n**[Natural Resource Conservation](/degrees/natural-resource-conservation-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in natural resource conservation teach students how to protect natural areas like forests, parks, and rangelands. Classes typically cover plant and animal identification and natural resource policy and administration. \r\n\r\n**[Soil Science](/degrees/soil-science-degree/)** \r\nSoil science degree programs are focused on the formation, ecology, and classification of soil. Students take courses in seed science, fertilizers, geology, weed science, and genetics. \r\n\r\n**[Surveying Engineering](/degrees/surveying-engineering-degree/)** \r\nStudents of surveying engineering learn how to use geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and various technologies to measure and map land surfaces and their features.\r\n\r\n**[Urban Planning](/degrees/urban-planning-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in urban planning teach the processes involved in designing communities, towns, and cities. Students learn how to make decisions about the need for and placement of infrastructure like roads, highways, tunnels, bridges, airports, railroads, dams, utilities, parks, and other urban projects. Coursework includes environmental planning, which considers environmental, social, political, and economic factors.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Civil Engineering
\nThis degree field is focused on the processes of design and planning of civil infrastructure like roads, tunnels, bridges, dams, railroads, and airports. In their work, civil engineers are concerned with such things as how much weight a structure can support and the environmental issues presented by construction. The emphasis of civil engineering degree programs is math, statistics, engineering systems and mechanics, building codes, and statistical analysis.
\n
Environmental Engineering
\nThis branch of engineering is concerned with finding solutions to environmental problems. Degree programs in the field prepare students to work as environmental engineers, who develop plans to prevent and control air and water pollution, improve recycling and waste disposal, and advance public health.
\n
Geography
\nStudents of geography study the earth\u2019s surface; its climate, soil, and water; and the relationship between people and the land. Some typical courses in a geography program are cartography, climatology, geology, political geography, statistics, and spatial analysis.
\n
Geology
\nGeology, also known as geoscience and Earth science, is the study of the Earth. Students of the discipline learn about the processes that act upon the Earth, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; the materials of which the Earth is made, such as water, oil, metals, and rocks; and the history, evolution, and past climates of the Earth.
\n
Landscape Architecture
\nLandscape architecture students learn how to apply both the creative and technical skills of architecture to plan outdoor spaces and landscapes, such as parks, gardens, playgrounds, residential areas, and college campuses. The curriculum includes computer-aided design (CAD) and courses specific to landscape architecture, such as horticulture, hydrology, geology, environmental design, and landscape design.
\n
Meteorology
\nMeteorology degree programs teach students how to predict weather conditions. The typical curriculum examines atmospheric movement, climate trends, and ozone levels. With an understanding of these concepts, students learn about various meteorological phenomena. They learn how to use statistical analysis to forecast weather events from sun, clouds, and rain to heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, tropical storms, tornados, and hurricanes.
\n
Natural Resource Conservation
\nDegree programs in natural resource conservation teach students how to protect natural areas like forests, parks, and rangelands. Classes typically cover plant and animal identification and natural resource policy and administration.
\n
Soil Science
\nSoil science degree programs are focused on the formation, ecology, and classification of soil. Students take courses in seed science, fertilizers, geology, weed science, and genetics.
\n
Surveying Engineering
\nStudents of surveying engineering learn how to use geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and various technologies to measure and map land surfaces and their features.
\n
Urban Planning
\nDegree programs in urban planning teach the processes involved in designing communities, towns, and cities. Students learn how to make decisions about the need for and placement of infrastructure like roads, highways, tunnels, bridges, airports, railroads, dams, utilities, parks, and other urban projects. Coursework includes environmental planning, which considers environmental, social, political, and economic factors.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:11.550372-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:43.455605-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1057, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "The study of hydrology develops diverse skills and insights that can be applied in other fields as well: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tAbility to work both independently and as part of a team \r\n\u2022\tAdvanced math and science skills \r\n\u2022\tObservation, critical thinking, and problem-solving \r\n\u2022\tField skills / comfortable working outdoors \r\n\u2022\tGIS (geographic information systems) and GPS (global positioning system) software \r\n\u2022\tGlobal perspective \r\n\u2022\tIT skills / computer modeling \r\n\u2022\tPhysical stamina \r\n\u2022\tPresenting information both orally and in written form \r\n\u2022\tProject Management \r\n\u2022\tResearch, data collection, analysis, and record keeping \r\n\u2022\tUnderstanding of maps and graphs \r\n\u2022\tUsing statistical applications", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
The study of hydrology develops diverse skills and insights that can be applied in other fields as well:
\n
\u2022 Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
\n\u2022 Advanced math and science skills
\n\u2022 Observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving
\n\u2022 Field skills / comfortable working outdoors
\n\u2022 GIS (geographic information systems) and GPS (global positioning system) software
\n\u2022 Global perspective
\n\u2022 IT skills / computer modeling
\n\u2022 Physical stamina
\n\u2022 Presenting information both orally and in written form
\n\u2022 Project Management
\n\u2022 Research, data collection, analysis, and record keeping
\n\u2022 Understanding of maps and graphs
\n\u2022 Using statistical applications
", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:11.551470-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:43.457099-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1057, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Hydrology Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Here is a snapshot of the employment sectors that typically hire hydrologists: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tFederal Government \u2013 almost 30% of U.S. based hydrologists work for the Geological Survey and the Defense Department \r\n\u2022\tState government departments and conservation agencies \r\n\u2022\tArchitectural firms \r\n\u2022\tEngineering consulting firms \r\n\u2022\tEnvironmental consulting firms \r\n\u2022\tNon-profits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) \r\n\u2022\tResearch institutes \r\n\u2022\tScientific and technical consulting firms \r\n\u2022\tUniversities \r\n\u2022\tWater and utility companies \r\n\r\nThe work of hydrologists in each of these sectors may include: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tCollecting and processing surface and ground water samples \r\n\u2022\tRecording and interpreting data \r\n\u2022\tConducting research \r\n\u2022\tWriting reports \r\n\u2022\tDesigning and conducting experiments \r\n\u2022\tCreating and using computer models \r\n\u2022\tSetting up meteorological hydrological monitoring equipment", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Here is a snapshot of the employment sectors that typically hire hydrologists:
\n
\u2022 Federal Government \u2013 almost 30% of U.S. based hydrologists work for the Geological Survey and the Defense Department
\n\u2022 State government departments and conservation agencies
\n\u2022 Architectural firms
\n\u2022 Engineering consulting firms
\n\u2022 Environmental consulting firms
\n\u2022 Non-profits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
\n\u2022 Research institutes
\n\u2022 Scientific and technical consulting firms
\n\u2022 Universities
\n\u2022 Water and utility companies
\n
The work of hydrologists in each of these sectors may include:
\n
\u2022 Collecting and processing surface and ground water samples
\n\u2022 Recording and interpreting data
\n\u2022 Conducting research
\n\u2022 Writing reports
\n\u2022 Designing and conducting experiments
\n\u2022 Creating and using computer models
\n\u2022 Setting up meteorological hydrological monitoring equipment
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:11.552548-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:43.458232-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
