Overview

The Hydrology programme at the University of California, Davis provides a rigorous scientific foundation for students interested in managing the world's most vital natural resource. This degree focuses on the study of water in all its forms, including groundwater, river basins, glaciers, and atmospheric water vapor. Students learn to measure and analyse how physical, chemical, and biological processes affect water systems on Earth.

Why Hydrology at the University of California, Davis?

The University of California, Davis offers a unique environment where undergraduates work directly with expert faculty through dedicated research projects and laboratory sessions. The curriculum is designed to address critical sustainability concerns, preparing students to solve complex problems related to water scarcity and contamination. Students also benefit from global learning opportunities, including study abroad programmes that expand their perspective on international water management.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 53472 per year
National fee: USD 53472 per year
Local fee: USD 14202 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum begins with foundational studies in natural sciences and engineering before moving into specialised areas of concentration. Modules may include:

Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Engineering
Surface Hydrology
Hydrogeology
Remote Sensing
Water Management
Water Quality
Water Contamination and Restoration

Careers with Hydrology

Graduates from the University of California, Davis are well-prepared for technical and policy-driven roles within the environmental sector. Many alumni secure positions with prestigious organisations such as the United States Geological Survey, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Common career paths include:

Hydrologist
Environmental Scientist
Hydrogeologist
Wastewater Treatment Planner
Water Policy Analyst
Water Quality Specialist
Water Resources Engineer
Limnologist
Environmental Consultant

The programme also serves as a strong foundation for advanced graduate study in fields such as water resource management, conservation sciences, and environmental engineering.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Water Law

Resource
Environment Policy Analysis

Environmental Law

Water Policy & Politics

Water Science & Management

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Davis, United States

Disciplines

Hydrology & Water Management View 68 other Bachelors in Hydrology & Water Management in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Students who are not residents of California must earn a GPA of 3.40 or higher.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To be competitive for freshman admission to UC Davis, prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements. Our campus then reviews and assesses all applications as part of our UC Davis freshman application review process.

Freshman 1applicants are required to take the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay no later than December 31 of the year they apply.

International students must meet the same admission requirements and will be included in the same selection process as students from the United States.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

53472 USD / year

≈ 53472 USD / year
Out-of-State

53472 USD / year

≈ 53472 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14202 USD / year

≈ 14202 USD / year

Living costs

Davis

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Hydrology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Davis

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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