Hydrology Saint Cloud State University

Overview

The Hydrology programme at Saint Cloud State University provides students with a deep understanding of the critical roles played by Earth's water systems. Through a blend of laboratory work and field research, students investigate how population growth and new technologies impact global water quality and environmental stability.

This degree focuses on the scientific study of aquifers, wells, and contaminants to prepare graduates for professional water management. Students learn to analyse floods, erosion, and the ways in which water shapes landscapes, ensuring they possess the technical skills required to address modern ecological challenges and human activities.

Why Hydrology at Saint Cloud State University?

Students benefit from an intimate learning environment with small class sizes, typically ranging from 10 to 20 individuals in major-specific courses. All classes are taught by expert faculty members holding doctorates in hydrology, geology, and engineering, ensuring high academic standards and mentorship throughout the duration of the study.

The institution provides access to advanced facilities, including the Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility (ISELF). Students gain hands-on experience using professional equipment such as wave tanks, stream tables, and meteorological field measurement stations, alongside industry-standard hydrologic computer-modelling software for data analysis.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the curriculum, with senior research projects offering opportunities to collaborate with government agencies and research institutions. The programme requirements are specifically designed to meet the conditions for hydrologist certification by the American Institute of Hydrologists and state employment standards.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 19912 per year
• National fee: USD 19912 per year
• Local fee: USD 9386 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Hydrology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Geology
• Atmospheric and Earth Sciences

Careers with Hydrology

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles within environmental science and water resource management. Many alumni pursue careers as groundwater or surface water hydrologists, focusing on the preservation and distribution of essential water supplies for various populations and industries.

The programme also opens pathways into specialised fields such as hydrometeorology and hydrogeology. Graduates may find employment as watershed management specialists, water resource experts, or environmental health technicians within state agencies, county departments, and private environmental consultancy firms.

The rigorous scientific training ensures that students are competitive candidates for roles as environmental scientists. By meeting professional certification standards, graduates are eligible for positions such as Hydrologist 1, contributing to vital research and policy implementation regarding the Earth's varied environments.