Our academic program focuses on quantitative studies of water in the environment including its role in geologic and biogeochemical processes.
The PhD Degree is for PhD students formally accepted in the Hydrologic Sciences PhD Degree Program while the Graduate Certificate is for PhD or Masters students obtaining their degrees from a participating department. For example, to be well-prepared for their future careers, students may choose to obtain a Ph.D. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering or in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a Graduate Certificate in Hydrologic Sciences. Prerequisites and course requirements are identical.
The Graduate Certificate offers a coherent curriculum in Hydrologic Sciences that can complement and supplement a student's regular degree program. The Graduate Certificate allows students to obtain recognition for their accomplishments in hydrologic sciences and demonstrates the quantitative multi-disciplinary education desired by many prospective employers. After admission into the Hydrologic Sciences Program, one of the co-Directors and the student's advisor will approve a student's planned curriculum as meeting the requirements for the certificate. After completion of the approved curriculum, the student will request a Graduate Certificate and one of the co-directors will generate a letter to the appropriate department head and Dean. The certificate will be awarded only upon completion of a graduate degree.
All students entering the program are expected to have advanced-level knowledge of mathematics, i.e. calculus through linear algebra and differential equations, and general knowledge of physics, including fluid dynamics. APPM 2360 taken either for a grade or pass/fail at CU Boulder satisfies this math prerequisite.
In addition, students interested in the physical aspects of hydrologic sciences are expected to have advanced-level knowledge of physics (mechanics and thermodynamics), and some background in Earth science and general chemistry.
In addition, students interested in the chemical aspects of hydrologic sciences are expected to have advanced-level knowledge of chemistry (organic and physical chemistry), and some background in Earth science.
In addition, students interested in the biological or ecological aspects of hydrologic sciences are expected to have an advanced-level knowledge of ecology, and some background in Earth science and general chemistry.
Students may also have to satisfy specific undergraduate prerequisites of the home department.
