For more detailed information regarding entrance requirements, undergraduate deficiencies, and degrees offer, please refer to our
Degrees Offered
The GPHS administers two separate UNR degrees (Hydrology and Hydrogeology) at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels. There is a single, required, foundation core that includes a one-semester credit hour seminar along with one course each in groundwater, hydrologic fluid dynamics, and environmental chemistry. Beyond this foundation core, each degree has separate and additional required coursework. Students are expected to work with their advisors and committee members to develop a Plan of Study that best matches their research efforts and interests.
A non-thesis M.S. option is available in both Hydrology and Hydrogeology and is an appropriate alternative for those students with significant experience in project management and report writing, while maintaining the high standards of a Master of Science Degree. The non-thesis option is generally considered a terminal degree and is not recommended for those students considering a future Doctoral degree. The Professional Paper (2 credits) should demonstrate the student's ability to integrate technical state-of-the-art knowledge into a document suitable for professional review and publication. Topics may be of an applied nature and must be approved by the student's Graduate Committee. A ready-to-submit manuscript must be approved by the major advisor prior to the final defense. Suitable outlets for publication include Professional Society Proceedings, Regional/National Symposia and Conferences, Applied Science and Resource Management Journals, and other Journals serving as a Forum for scientific discussion.
Entrance Requirements and Deficiencies
Students admitted to the Program should have a bachelor of sciences degree or equivalent in engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, natural resources or ecology. Prospective graduate students should have GRE scores exceeding 500 each in verbal and quantitative, undergraduate GPA’s above 3.0 and international students should have TOEFL scores exceeding 600.
In addition, the Program requires undergraduate prerequisites of 2 semesters each of calculus based physics (PHYS 180 and 181, or equivalent), chemistry (CHEM 201 and 202, or equivalent) and calculus (MATH 181 and 182, or equivalent), one semester of probability/statistics (STAT 352, or equivalent), and differential equations (MATH 285, or equivalent). The Program requires undergraduate prerequisites of 2 semesters each of physics. Although calculus-based physics (PHYS 180 and 181) is highly recommended, a non-calculus-based physics course, PHYS 151 and 152 or equivalent, will be allowed if approved by your advisor. Any deficiencies are to be made up during the first year of graduate study and students are encouraged to consult with their advisors and the GPHS office for guidance on the appropriate courses for fulfilling deficiencies.