University of California Davis

Overview

Hydrologic Sciences at the University of California, Davis offers a comprehensive graduate program dedicated to exploring the dynamics of water within the environment. This field encompasses various aspects, including groundwater and vadose-zone processes, river systems, water quality, and the impacts of climate change. Students will develop robust quantitative and process-oriented skills through a combination of fieldwork, laboratory analysis, modeling, and geospatial tools.

• Degree level: Master’s (Graduate Group)
• University: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
• Focus areas: Groundwater hydrology, water resources management, hydrogeology/hydrogeochemistry, river and watershed processes, climate and environmental change, modeling, GIS, and geostatistics
• Learning approach: Process-based hydrologic science, quantitative analysis, and the increasing use of environmental informatics
• Delivery format: On-campus
• Language of instruction: English
• Credits / duration: Varies by student plan and research requirements
• Application: Submit applications through the UC Davis graduate application portal, including required documents in PDF format
• Start dates: Typically in the fall

What you'll study

Students will engage in typical coursework themes that encompass core hydrologic science, quantitative methodologies, and applied water systems. Research-related requirements are integrated into the Graduate Group’s advising and degree planning process.

• Core hydrology and groundwater: Groundwater Hydrology and related hydrologic process courses
• Water systems and management: Water Resources Management
• Quantitative and spatial methods: Geostatistics and GIS-focused coursework
• Applied hydrologic science: Applications of Hydrologic Science

Research and degree planning

• Students collaborate with faculty to craft a personalized study plan that reflects their interests, such as groundwater, surface water, water quality, restoration, or climate impacts.
• A thesis or equivalent culminating experience may be required based on the student’s degree track.
• Electives can be chosen from related topics, including hydrogeochemistry, vadose-zone processes, river restoration, environmental informatics, and engineering/ecology-linked subjects.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification that aligns with UC standards regarding academic subject distribution and achievement.
• GPA: A competitive undergraduate GPA is expected, with specific thresholds varying based on applicant profiles and program evaluations.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Hydrologic Sciences program are equipped to pursue diverse career opportunities in various sectors, including environmental consulting, government agencies, research institutions, and non-profit organizations. Their expertise in water management, environmental analysis, and hydrologic science positions them to address critical water-related challenges and contribute to sustainable practices globally.