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PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

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.
 
Prospective students are encouraged to browse faculty profiles, individually contact faculty and graduate students engaged in work that interests them, and browse this guide to the HSGG admissions process. Graduate Studies also provides guidelines for writing the application letters.

The application for the following academic year opens in October and can be found along with detailed instructions here.

The Early Application deadline (to be considered for internal fellowships) is January 5, 2025. Applicants are also asked to submit the Prerequisite Checklist at that time to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The general deadline for application is May 1, 2025.  GRE scores are not required for HSGG applications. HSGG instead engages in a holistic approach to review applicants based on the breadth of application materials provided.
 
It is recommended to begin the application process as early as possible (up to a full year before intended enrollment) to allow time for communicating with faculty. Early completion may provide a better chance of receiving an appointment as a research assistant or graduate teaching assistant.

UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants to the Hydrologic Sciences Graduate Group degree program must have a bachelor's degree comparable in both distribution of academic subject matter and scholarship achievement to a degree from the University of California with a minimum B average (3.0 GPA) in undergraduate coursework.
 
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of transcripts, a written statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation from professors, professional colleagues, employment supervisors, or others in a position to evaluate the applicant's work and potential in an area related to hydrologic sciences.

HSGG REQUIREMENTS

The HSGG Degree Requirements can be found here.

We offer three graduate programs: a Master's degree concluding with a thesis (MS Plan I), our professional Master's degree (MS Plan II, non-thesis option), which is particularly suitable for self-funded students and professionals, and our Ph.D. program. Within each degree program, students choose from one of five specializations (physical hydrology, earth surface processes, hydrochemistry, hydrobiology, water policy and management).
 
Each specialization has its own set of prerequisite courses and graduate coursework. In addition, for breadth, all students in the program are required to complete core courses in hydrology, hydrochemistry or hydrobiology, and in water policy prior to graduation. Students will have a course guidance committee to assist them in developing their program of study.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TOEFL scores must be reported electronically directly to the institution.
 
Institutional code: 4834
Department codes for Hydrologic Sciences: 0599 (GRE, not required by HSGG) and 75 (TOEFL)

Transcript Submission: UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended. You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application. For more details visit https://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/submit-transcripts.

All letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically by the referee, through the on-line application. The on-line application will automatically notify the referee and provide instructions on how to submit his/her letter.

For information on funding your graduate education at UC Davis, see the funding page and the diversity page.
Admission into our program is highly competitive. Our five specializations provide opportunities for applicants from a diverse and wide range of undergraduate degrees to enter the program.  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. 
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