Hydrologic Sciences, M.S.

I. Contact Information

Laurel Saito, Associate Professor/Director
Office: (775)784-1921
hydro@unr.edu

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science
Department website: http://www.hydro.unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

The Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences (GPHS) offers Masters degrees in Hydrology and Hydrogeology. The program provides training to scientists and engineers in the broad areas of ground water, watershed sciences, water quality and water treatment, environmental restoration and water resource evaluation. The degrees are structured to provide a foundation in water resources with an emphasis in a student’s chosen area. Several areas of emphasis are available, including ground water modeling, subsurface contaminant transport, surface water hydraulics and geomorphology, ecohydrology, and surface water quality management. Students may also define their own areas of emphasis by developing a curriculum from a breadth of graduate courses offered across the campus. The Program is strongly interdisciplinary, with faculty support and participation from the College of Science, the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, the College of Engineering, the Desert Research Institute, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. The curriculum and course offerings represent a blend of engineering and science based materials. Students pursuing a Master of Science degree may choose a thesis option (Plan A) or non-thesis option (Plan B) and should consult with their advisors and the Program Director for guidance on the best choice for their individual needs. Research and teaching assistantships, as well as several fellowships, are routinely made available to students accepted into the program.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

GPHS Program objectives are to enable students to complete their programs of study and thesis research in a timely manner and to prepare students for productive careers in water-related fields. GPHS Masters degree graduates in Hydrology and Hydrogeology are fully qualified to conduct hydrologic research, hydrologic planning and serve in the regulatory environment of both public and private sector employers. Learning outcomes associated with these objectives include:

1. students demonstrate a basic level of competency in the general field of hydrology;
2. students are able to explain ideas and results through written, numerical, graphical, spoken, and computer-based forms of communication;
3. students are able to complete research in their field of study; and
4. students demonstrate appropriate quantitative skills for hydrology.

IV. Admission Requirements

Students entering the program should have a Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, natural resources, ecology, or a related field. Contact the Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences at hydro@unr.edu. Prospective graduate students should have verbal and quantitative GRE scores exceeding 153 each and an undergraduate GPA above 3.0. International students should have TOEFL scores exceeding 600. In addition, the Program prerequisites include 2 semesters each of physics and chemistry as well as mathematics through differential equations and probability/statistics.  Any deficiencies are to be made up during the first year of graduate studies and students are encouraged to consult with their advisors and the Program Director for guidance on the appropriate courses for fulfilling deficiencies.
Application deadlines and additional information can be found at the Hydrologic Sciences web site (www.hydro.unr.edu) and students are encouraged to contact the Program Director for more information on the availability of teaching and research assistantships.

V. Program Requirements

Candidates for both the M.S. degrees in Hydrology and Hydrogeology must satisfy all general requirements of the Graduate School. Students can pursue a Master of Science degree either with Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis option).  Because of the diverse skills needed by hydrologists, additional credits beyond the University minimums are required. 

• The Masters of Science Plan A degree in Hydrology requires a minimum of 31 credits beyond the Bachelors degree, of which at least 18 credits (including up to 6 credits of thesis) must be at the 700-level. 
• The Master of Science Plan A degree in Hydrogeology requires a minimum of 30 credits beyond the Bachelors degree, of which at least 18 credits (including up to 6 credits of thesis) must be at the 700-level. Students must sign up for thesis credits in the department of their advisor.
• For the non-thesis option (Plan B), a minimum of 32 credits is required for Hydrology, and a minimum of 31 credits is required for Hydrogeology, with at least 15 credits at the 700-level (including 2 credits of Professional Paper). 

Students should consult with their advisor and the GPHS Director for guidance on choice of plan options.  In general, the Plan B option should be considered as a terminal degree.  For more information on credit requirements, students should consult the UNR General Catalog.

VI. Total Units

The Masters of Science Plan A degree in Hydrology requires a minimum of 31 credits beyond the Bachelors degree.

The Master of  Science Plan A degree in Hydrogeology requires a minimum of 30 credits beyond the Bachelors degree.

The Master of Science Plan B degree in Hydrology requires a minimum of 32 credits beyond the Bachelors degree.

The Master of Science Plan B in Hydrogeology degree requires a minimum of 31 credits beyond the Bachelors degree.

VII. Undergraduate Prerequisites

The Program requires undergraduate prerequisites of 2 semesters each of calculus-based physics (PHYS 180  and PHYS 181 , or equivalent), chemistry (CHEM 201  and CHEM 202 , or equivalent) and calculus (MATH 181  and MATH 182 , or equivalent), one semester of probability/statistics (STAT 352 , or equivalent), and differential equations (MATH 285  , or equivalent). Although calculus-based physics (PHYS 180 and 181) is highly recommended, a non-calculus-based physics course, PHYS 151  and PHYS 152  or equivalent, will be allowed if approved by the student’s advisor. Calculus III (MATH 283 ) is not a formal requirement, but is highly recommended. Any deficiencies are to be made up during the first year of graduate study, and students are encouraged to consult with their advisors and the GPHS Director for guidance on the appropriate courses for fulfilling deficiencies. Students must provide evidence that the deficiencies were met if the courses are not taken at UNR.