The goals of the program are to provide fundamental and advanced training to students in the critical fields of surface and subsurface hydrology. Over 70 faculty at the University, DRI, and agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and the Agricultural Research Service conduct research in areas such as contaminant transport (surface and subsurface), watershed hydrology, ecohydrology, aqueous geochemistry, global climate change, groundwater hydraulics, vadose zone hydrology, surface water hydrology and water resources engineering. Thus, students have a tremendous range of options to study. Our size fosters a personal atmosphere in which there is a close relationship between faculty and students. The Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences supports a vibrant student chapter of the Nevada Water Resources Association (NWRA) as well as an active international water organization for students (SAIWI).
Specific areas of emphasis in Hydrogeology include groundwater contaminant transport, geochemical evolution of ground waters, nutrient transport processes, vadose zone hydrology, ground water resource evaluation and ground water modeling.
The program's objectives 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. The MS graduates in hydrogeology are fully qualified to conduct hydrogeologic research, hydrologic planning, and serve in the regulatory environment of both public and private sector employers. Learning outcomes associated with these objectives include: students demonstrate a basic level of competency in the general field of hydrogeology,
students are able to explain ideas and results through written, numerical, graphical, spoken, and computer-based forms of communication,
students are able to complete research in their field of study in the hydrogeologic sciences, and
students demonstrate appropriate quantitative skills for hydrogeology, including appropriate statistical or numerical modeling techniques.
