Hydrogeology

The Master of Science in Hydrogeology program is designed to equip students with the tools needed for a successful career in hydrogeology, whether in the private sector, government, or academia. Our graduate program is focused, offering only a master's degree and only in the field of hydrogeology. We offer a core curriculum of required courses that allow our graduates to claim the title of hydrogeologist.

We have a broad view of what hydrogeology means, particularly with respect to research. Students have the opportunity to explore interests within almost any aspect of the hydrologic cycle. Recent research projects include surface water-groundwater interaction, nutrient cycling, impacts of humans and global change in hydrologic and water resource systems, flow in karst systems, and sediment transport.

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

• have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
• present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts can be emailed from the university to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, 201 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

A student applying to the Master of Science in Hydrogeology program must:

• have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of your undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master's program
• submit official GRE Scores (use institutional code 1319)
• upload a statement of academic and professional goals. Your one- to two-page statement of academic and professional goals should identify the general area of research in which you are interested and the faculty member(s) with whom you are interested in working with for research (i.e., major professor). In addition, describe your plans after completing graduate school.
• submit names and email addresses of three references for letters of recommendation within the online application

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Graduate Assistantship Information

The department strives to provide financial assistance to all graduate students admitted to the program. During the school year, this support is usually either through teaching or research assistantships. During the summer, support can be through a research assistantship or an internship.

Graduate assistants receive:

• monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
• a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
• a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

A graduate assistantship usually involves teaching two or three laboratory sections of Principles of Geology, a general education introductory geology course. Other forms of graduate assistantships may also be available. Assistantships that focus on research are subject to funding supplied by an external grant source and are arranged through individual faculty members.

Cost & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from continuous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.

Graduate Coordinator