Master of Science – HydrogeologyThis interdisciplinary program provides students an opportunity to investigate a wide range of problems based in hydrogeology. The curriculum is structured to give students a strong background that integrates field methods with quantitative analyses. Students pursue a variety of research projects in hydrogeology and related areas, such as environmental geochemistry, groundwater contaminant flow and transport modeling, geophysics, tectonics, hydromechanics, hydrostratigraphy, geostatistics, and environmental remediation. Students completing the MS Hydrogeology receive both a practical skillset and fundamental knowledge base that make them highly competitive for careers in industry and government while also preparing them as outstanding candidates for continuing studies in a PhD program.
Students are required to complete 24 hours of coursework and 6 hours of research credit. Of these course credits, one must be a modeling course (GEOL 8080 recommended), a field course (GEOL 8750 recommended), and a minimum of three other 8000-level geology courses.
Candidates must write a thesis based on original research and defend it in an oral examination. In special cases, a non-thesis option is available for students on leave from the industry; it requires 30 hours of coursework and a comprehensive written examination.
Candidates should have a baccalaureate degree in geosciences; however, students having strong undergraduate backgrounds in other fields of science or related engineering disciplines may be admitted but will be required to correct deficiencies in their geological education during their first year. Specifically, GEOL 1010/1030, 2060, 3020; and 3140, 3160, and 4130 (or equivalents) are required. Students entering the program should also have a strong mathematics background; normally two semesters of calculus are required and a third semester is recommended.
For admission to the M.S. program, an applicant should have a grade point ratio/average (GPR/GPA) of at least 3.0 out of 4.0. Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for students who were accepted into the program recently are shown in the table below.
|
Accepted Applicants for the MS HYDR Program (n = 49; accepted applicants w/o GRE scores = 6) |
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|
Percentile |
2017 - 2021 |
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|
25th |
V = 149.5 |
Q = 150 |
A = 3 |
|
50th |
V = 153 |
Q = 154 |
A = 4 |
|
75th |
V = 154 |
Q = 157 |
A = 4 |
Our Hydrogeology Field Camp is offered each summer in May-June. Visit the Hydrogeology Field Camp website for more information.
For information on applying to the Graduate School, contact the Clemson Graduate School.
For specific information related to the Hydrogeology Graduate Degree, please contact:
Barbara Smith
barbar2@clemson.edu
Or, come visit the Rich Labs and say Hello! to Barbara
