Master of Science in Hydrogeology

The program is designed to equip students with the tools needed for a successful career in hydrogeology, whether in the private sector, government, or academia. Graduate program is focused, offering only a masters degree and only in the field of hydrogeology. A core curriculum of allow graduates to claim the title hydrogeologist. The Department operates its own well field close to campus which serves as a focus of both teaching and research activities. They have a broad view of what hydrogeology means, particularly with respect to research. Students also have the opportunity to explore interests within almost any aspect of the hydrologic cycle through elective courses and thesis research. Students also offer exposure to other aspects of geology, geography, and hydrogeology through the department's weekly seminar. This network of professionals with ties to the program working in the Midwest and throughout the country also provides current students with access to job openings. Hydrogeologists are employed in the private sector, in government, and in academia. Outlined below are some of the career paths in each of these three sectors. Private Sector - Environmental consulting firms are the main employer within the private sector. Consultants are hired by other companies or government agencies to provide expertise in protecting soil and groundwater from contamination and in cleanup after it has become contaminated. Consultants often act as the liaison between a company and a regulatory agency, providing guidance to the company during the environmental regulatory process. Government - Hydrogeologist employed by government agencies from the local to federal levels. They tend to work in two areas; as regulators or as water resources managers. Academia - Hydrogeologists employed in academia are primarily involved in theoretical and applied research and in teaching. They are often at the leading edge of understanding of processes related to groundwater. In many cases, they may be working with the private sector or government agencies to solve groundwater problems. They frequently develop new techniques to study groundwater or apply established ones in a new way. As teachers, it is the academic's responsibility to ensure that future generations of hydrogeologists are up to date on theoretical concepts and tools in the study of groundwater.