Degree Options
We welcome your interest in pursuing graduate studies with our graduate group. The internationally-recognized graduate program in Hydrologic Sciences at the University of California at Davis is committed to educating the next diverse and socially responsible generation of water resource professionals.
Hydrologic Sciences offers two degree programs:
- Master of Science Degree (Plan I and Plan II)
- Doctorate of Philosophy Degree
Students in HSGG focus on one or more of five areas of research specialization:
- Physical Hydrology
- Earth Surface Processes
- Hydrochemistry
- Hydrobiology
- Water Policy and Management
Required Prerequisite Courses (Based on Selected Specialization)
- All Admitted Students (All Specializations)
- Calculus (MAT 21A, B, C)
Probability/statistics (STA 13, ECI 114, HYD 142, or PLS 120)
Computer programming language or equivalent demonstrated programming proficiency (ECS 10, ENG 6)
Introductory undergraduate physical geology, including laboratory (GEL 50 and GEL 50L)
Introductory undergraduate hydrology (HYD 141 or ECI 142) - Physical Hydrology
- "One course in linear algebra,
(MAT 22A)"
"One course in differential equations,
(MAT 22B)"
"One year of general physics,
(PHY 9A, B, C)"
"Two courses in general chemistry
(CHE 2A, B)"
"One course in undergraduate fluid mechanics
(ENG 103)" - Water Policy and Management
- "One course in microeconomics,
(ECN 1A, ECN100, or ARE100A)"
"One course in public policy analysis,
(ESP 160, ESP 162, HYD 150, POL 108, or POL 109)" - Hydrochemistry
- "One year of general biology,
(BIS 2A,B, C, or equivalent)"
" One year of general chemistry,
(CHE 2A, B, C, or equivalent)"
"One course in aqueous chemistry
(CHE 100, GEL 132, HYD134, or equivalent)" - Hydrobiology
- "One year of general biology,
(BIS 2A,B, C)"
"One year of general chemistry,
(CHE 2A, B, C)"
"One course in introductory ecology,
(ESP 100 or EVE 101)" - Earth Surface Processes
- "One course in linear algebra,
(MAT 22A)"
"One course in differential equations,
(MAT 22B)"
"One year of general physics,
(PHY 9A, B, C)"
"Two courses in general chemistry
(CHE 2A, B)"
"One course in undergraduate fluid mechanics
(ENG 103)"
Prospective students should have a strong undergraduate background in the sciences or engineering. Students admitted to the program who are lacking some of the required preparatory coursework can rectify a limited number of deficiencies during the first year of study, but must have completed most prior to beginning graduate school.
MS/PhD Admissions Requirements
Applicants for admission to the Hydrologic Sciences Graduate Group (HSGG) must meet the University of California minimum GPA requirement for admission (3.0 Undergraduate Cumulative GPA). Other requirements for admission include:
- A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution;
- HSGG prerequisite spreadsheet for your selected specialization, emailed to the HSGG Program Coordination, Shila Ruiz ([email protected]);
- Three letters of recommendation;
- Official Transcripts with translation, if needed;
- TOEFL or IELTS: English proficiency examination for international applicants who have not studied at an institution where the language of instruction was in English. International applicants must meet minimum score requirement in the Graduate Studies Policy on the Implementation of Admission Requirements and Exceptions.
- The GRE is NOT required or accepted as part of our admissions
The priority deadline, fellowship deadline, general deadline, and space available deadline are all posted online, and updated each year on our page here. Applicants are encouraged to aim for the priority deadline. Admissions decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.