Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQs for Prospective Graduate Students

Applying to HSGG

  • What makes HSGG different from a traditional graduate department?
  • HSGG is an interdisciplinary graduate group that brings together faculty from multiple departments and colleges across UC Davis. Students can tailor their graduate education around water-related research while working with experts in hydrology, engineering, geology, ecology, agriculture, chemistry, environmental science, policy, and related disciplines. Learn more about what makes HSGG unique here.
  • What degree options does HSGG offer?
  • HSGG offers M.S. Plan I (Research, Thesis), M.S. Plan II (Professional, Comprehensive Examination), and Ph.D. degrees. Each degree has different coursework, milestones, culminating requirements, and funding opportunities.
  • Do I need a degree in hydrology to apply?
  • No! Students enter HSGG from many academic backgrounds. Strong preparation in mathematics, science, and your intended research area, and having completed most to all of the HSGG Prerequisite Courses, is more important than holding a specific hydrology degree.
  • What undergraduate backgrounds are common?
  • Students commonly come from civil and environmental engineering, geology, environmental science, ecology, geography, soil science, chemistry, biology, atmospheric science, physics, mathematics, agricultural engineering, and related disciplines.
  • How do I choose between the M.S. and Ph.D.?
  • The best option depends on your career goals, research interests, and previous experience. The M.S. provides advanced training and research experience, while the Ph.D. prepares students for independent research careers and leadership roles.
  • Which faculty are currently recruiting students/have funding available for new students?
  • This changes often as faculty are awarded new grants and as students graduate, so unfortunately we do not keep a central list of which faculty are recruiting for new students. We do encourage students to research the faculty they would be interested in working with, and reaching out directly. Some faculty will post additional information on their faculty page.
  • Can I apply directly to the Ph.D. without a master's degree?
  • Yes. Qualified applicants may apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Prior research experience is strongly recommended.
  • How competitive is admission?
  • Admission is competitive and applications receive a holistic review considering academic preparation, research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and overall fit with HSGG.

Faculty & Research

  • Should I contact faculty before applying?
  • Yes. Applicants are encouraged to identify faculty whose research aligns with their interests. Contacting faculty early in the admissions process (e.g., August) is highly encouraged.
  • How do I identify faculty whose research aligns with my interests?
  • Browse faculty profiles, research areas, publications, and HSGG specializations to identify potential advisors whose work matches your interests.
  • Do I need a faculty advisor before applying?
  • No. Applicants do not need to secure an advisor before submitting an application, although identifying potential mentors is strongly encouraged. Please note that our faculty are very busy, get many inquiries, and may not be able to respond to all students.
  • Which faculty are currently accepting students?
  • This changes often as faculty are awarded new grants and as students graduate, so unfortunately we do not keep a central list of which faculty are recruiting for new students. We do encourage students to research the faculty they would be interested in working with, and reaching out directly. Some faculty will post additional information on their faculty page.
  • Can my major professor be from another department?
  • Yes. Because HSGG is an interdisciplinary graduate group, faculty from multiple UC Davis departments may serve as HSGG major professors if they are members of the graduate group
  • How do specializations relate to faculty research?
  • Each specialization reflects a broad research area. Faculty may contribute to one or more specializations depending on their expertise.
  • What careers do HSGG graduates pursue?

  • HSGG graduates pursue careers across the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. Alumni work as hydrologists, hydrogeologists, water resources engineers, environmental scientists, consultants, researchers, professors, water managers, and policy professionals.

    Recent and former graduates have worked with federal and state agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Water Resources, and California State Water Resources Control Board; water districts and utilities; environmental and water-resources consulting firms such as INTERA, Montgomery & Associates, Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., Larry Walker & Associates, HDR, West Yost, and WEST Consultants; and nonprofit and research organizations such as the Stockholm Environmental Institute and San Francisco Estuary Institute and Union of Concerned Scientists. HSGG alumni also hold faculty and research positions at universities in California, across the United States, and internationally.

Coursework & Degree Requirements

  • What prerequisite coursework is recommended?
  • Prerequisite preparation depends on your intended specialization and previous coursework. Review the prerequisite recommendations and consult the Graduate Coordinator if needed.
  • I submitted my application by 11:59 p.m. on the day of the deadline but the website is saying it is a day late. Will my application still be considered for the deadline?
  • Yes. The application system is based on East Coast time and therefore is three hours ahead. As long as you submit your application by 3:00am on the day after the specified deadline, your application will be considered on-time.
  • Can prerequisite courses be completed after admission?
  • In some cases, yes, with approval from your major professor and graduate advisor. However, it is encouraged that most, if not all, prerequisite courses be completed prior to beginning your first academic quarter.
  • What are the HSGG core courses?
  • All students complete HYD 201A, HYD 201B, and HYD 290, which provide a shared interdisciplinary foundation and foster cohort building, research design, and scientific communication.
  • How long does the program typically take?
  • Completion times vary by degree and research project. Typical timelines are available on the Degree Requirements and Degree Milestones pages.
  • Can I change specializations?
  • Students may be able to change specializations after consulting with their major professor and graduate advisor. Approval depends on academic progress and program requirements.
  • Where can I learn about degree milestones and committees?
  • See the Degree Milestones page for committee formation, candidacy, examinations, thesis/dissertation requirements, and graduation procedures.

Funding

  • What funding opportunities are available?
  • Students may receive support through Graduate Student Researcher appointments, Teaching Assistantships, departmental and campus fellowships, external fellowships, and faculty research grants. See the Salary and Funding page to learn more.
  • Are M.S. students funded?
  • M.S. Plan I (Research, Thesis) students are typically partially or fully funded. M.S. Plan II (Professional, Comprehensive Exam) are typically self-funded. Funding opportunities vary by advisor, department, and available resources.
    All accepted M.S. I (Research, Thesis) students automatically receive two quarters of HSGG funding and support.
  • How are Ph.D. students funded?
  • Many Ph.D. students receive support through research grants, teaching assistantships, fellowships, or a combination of these funding sources.
    All accepted PhD. students automatically receive two quarters of HSGG funding and support.
  • What fellowships should I apply for?
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply for UC Davis fellowships and external fellowships such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program and other opportunities for which they are eligible.
  • Can international students receive funding?
  • Yes. International students may be eligible for many graduate appointments and fellowships, subject to university policies and funding source requirements.

Application Process

  • When are applications due?
  • Please refer to the Admissions page for current deadlines and priority consideration dates.
  • What is the average GPA of admitted CEE students?
  • The average undergraduate GPA of admitted CEE students vary each year, and is generally around a 3.5. The GPA is one of many factors considered in the holistic application review.
  • How are applications evaluated?
  • Applications receive a holistic review considering academic preparation, research experience, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and research fit.
  • Are GRE scores required?
  • No. Please verify current admissions requirements on the HSGG Admissions page.
  • What GPA is required?
  • Applicants must satisfy the minimum GPA requirements established by UC Davis Graduate Studies. Competitive applicants often exceed the minimum requirements.
  • What English language requirements apply?
  • International applicants should review UC Davis Graduate Studies for current TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted English proficiency requirements.
  • How many recommendation letters are required?
  • Three letters of recommendation are required and must be submitted electronically through the UC Davis application system.
  • What should I include in my Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement?
  • Please see the Office of Graduate Studies website for detailed descriptions of these two essays.
  • Can I defer admission?
  • Requests to defer admission are considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Graduate Coordinator for current policies.
  • When are admissions decisions made?
  • Please see the UCD Admissions Process page for more details on the admissions timeline.

International Applicants

  • English proficiency
  • Applicants whose primary language is not English should review current UC Davis Graduate Studies English proficiency requirements.
  • I attended an English speaking institution -- do I need to submit English Language Examination scores?
  • If you received a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited school in which the only language of instruction was English, then you do not need to submit a TOEFL score. Please see the Graduate Studies website for more information.
  • Transcripts
  • Official transcript requirements are outlined by UC Davis Graduate Studies. Unofficial transcripts are typically used during application review.
  • Visa resources
  • After admission, international students receive guidance from Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) regarding visa documentation and arrival.
  • Teaching Assistant language requirements
  • Students interested in Teaching Assistant appointments must satisfy any applicable UC Davis English language requirements for instructional duties.

After Admission

  • What happens after I'm admitted?
  • New students will receive information about accepting admission, registering for classes, orientation, and next steps before the start of the quarter.
  • How do I register?
  • Students register through Schedule Builder after meeting with their major professor or graduate advisor to develop an initial course plan.
  • How do I choose courses?
  • Course selection is based on degree requirements, specialization requirements, and research interests in consultation with your advisor.
  • What is the Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST)?

  • There is a supplemental tuition for non-residents. Current tuition rates for graduate students can be found here, and estimated cost of living in addition to tuition is listed here. (See the rows “Tuition and Fees” and “Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST).” Please note that when you are hired as a TA or reader, the majority of in-state tuition and fees are covered as part of the appointment. When you are hired as a GSR, both the in-state tuition and fees and NRST are covered as part of the appointment (called fee remission).

    Graduate students who are US citizens or permanent residents must establish CA Residency during the first year. Details about establishing residency can be found here.

  • Where should I live?
  • Many students live in Davis, while others choose nearby communities such as Woodland, Dixon, Sacramento, or West Sacramento. Housing resources are available through UC Davis. New students are also encouraged to reach out to current graduate students.
  • When should I arrive on campus?
  • Students should plan to arrive before HSGG orientation and the start of classes to complete onboarding, meet with advisors, and become familiar with campus.