Geology/Water Resources, M.S.

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The purpose of this program is to formalize and broaden strong department offerings at the master of science level in ground water geology, natural waters geochemistry, mathematical hydrology, and fluvial geomorphology.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the department admission requirements, the undergraduate degree program earned by the incoming candidate must meet the minimum undergraduate requirements for the UW geology curriculum in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. The transcript should also demonstrate a strong background in physical geology.

Plan A Thesis Requirement

Only students with a Plan A thesis option are eligible. Students must follow the same program requirements as stated under Geology and Geophysics department section. The student’s graduate committee will include at least one member of the Water Resources Curriculum Committee.

Interdisciplinary Component

9 hours (see Water Resources degree requirements)

Coursework and Thesis

Each student must complete a minimum of 26 hours of graduate level coursework and a Plan A thesis. In addition, the following specific core courses are required for the master of science in geology/water resources and geophysics/water resources degrees.

GEOL 5444 - Geohydrology Credits: 3
GEOL 5777 - Geochemistry of Natural Waters Credits: 3

One of the Following:

GEOL 4830 - Introduction Quantitative Methods in Geology Credits: 3
OR
GEOL 5050 - Introduction to Isotope Geology Credits: 3
OR
GEOL 4880 - Earth Surface Processes Credits: 3

Technical/Water Quality Course

GEOL 5444 - Geohydrology Credits: 3 can be used to satisfy the 3 hour technical course requirement
OR
GEOL 5777 - Geochemistry of Natural Waters Credits: 3 can be used to satisfy the 3 hour water quality course requirement.