Hydrology

  • Major
  • Minor

As a hydrology major at St. Cloud State University, you will study the critical roles of Earth's surface water and groundwater, and how they are tested daily, on a global basis, by population growth and ever-changing technologies. Through academically rigorous laboratory work, field work, and coursework in mathematics, physics, hydrology, and geology, you will learn about the impacts humans have on water and the Earth's varied environments.  Additionally, by studying aquifers and wells, contaminants, floods, and erosion, you will acquire the skills to prepare you to manage water uses, assess water quality, and investigate how water shapes landscapes and impacts human activities. 

University Catalog Program Requirements Department Department of Atmospheric and Hydrologic Sciences Scholarships Atmospheric and Hydrological Scholarships

Program Highlights

  • Small classes; 10-20 students in major courses.
  • Active HydroGeology Club works to build professional networks, arrange field trips and speakers, and plan social activities.
  • Senior research project provides opportunities for practical research experiences in collaboration with industry, government agencies, and other research institutions.
  • Internships through state and county agencies and private industry.
  • Classes taught by faculty with doctorates in hydrology, geology, and engineering.
  • Opportunity to apply learning through hands-on work with equipment including a wave tank, stream table, meteorological and hydrological field measurement stations and hydrologic computer-modeling software.
  • This program is also available as a minor to complement another major. 

Program Distinctions

  • Minnesota's only hydrology program.
  • Select laboratories and classes held in the Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility (ISELF)
  • Program requirements meet conditions for hydrologist certification by American Institute of Hydrologists and employment as Hydrologist 1 for the state of Minnesota. 

Student Organizations

Popular Careers

  • Groundwater/Surface Water Hydrologist
  • Hydrometeorologist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Watershed Management
  • Environmental Health Technician
  • Water Resource Specialist
  • Environmental Scientist

Related Programs

University Facts & Stats

  • 95% of graduates employed

  • 1 million hours of campus, community volunteer service

  • A 2021 Military Friendly® Top 10 School designation

  • 39 Education Abroad programs offered

  • 1,100+ international students

  • NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey teams

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