Hydrology Class

Hydrology (Minor)

Water — we often take it for granted. But in many parts of the U.S. and in numerous countries around the world, it is the most valuable natural resource.

Degrees & Offerings
  • Minor
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Lock Haven
  • Mansfield
Department
College
Program Contact
Associate Professor of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences
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In order to use this precious resource wisely, we need to understand where it is, how it moves, and how our actions affect water quantity and quality. Hydrology is the science that can answer these questions and is broadly grouped into three major areas.

Surface Water: Many municipalities rely upon surface water — streams, rivers, and reservoirs — for their potable (drinking) water. Surface water hydrology is the study of streams, rivers, and reservoirs and their interplay with the local weather, climate, and groundwater. There are many grassroots organizations interested in maintaining the health of their local watershed — the area that supplies these sources. Two of our faculty are members of local organizations, and one is the group president. At BU, you will get an abundance of hands-on experience studying our local streams, and if you wish, plenty of volunteer opportunities to help clean them up.

Groundwater: Groundwater hydrology is the study of water below our feet. In our region, wells that tap groundwater are a common feature of many homes and farms. They supply drinking water and water for irrigation if rain is scarce in the growing season. In many parts of the U.S., wells are a critical resource for cities and towns that rely on groundwater for their drinking water. At Bloomsburg, you will learn the theory of groundwater, but you will also get field experience with wells we have here on campus.

Water Chemistry: Natural water is never pure — it always has small amounts of dissolved material. These give water its local flavor, and affect how it reacts with piping, machinery, and the human body! At BU, you can learn how to sample and analyze water from local wells, streams, and reservoirs.

Courses and Curriculum

Students with a Hydrology Minor should 

  1. Demonstrate comprehension of basic principles in the primary areas of knowledge such as the identification and characterization of earth materials and the processes operating at or beneath the Earth's surface. 
  2. Use relevant tools and instruments in a lab and/or field setting to collect geological data both on the surface and in the subsurface. 
  3. Evaluate, analyze and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data for geological problem solving. 
  4. Communicate graphically, orally and in writing.
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Why Hydrology at CU?

Licensure and Certification

Hydrology has a professional certification and our minor is designed to help prepare you to sit for the Hydrology Fundamentals portion of the exam as a senior or new graduate. Even if you decide not to take the exam right away, the minor will help make you competitive when looking for your first job.

The Commonwealth Difference

84K
Median Pay
Average annual salary for hydrologists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Hydrologists Career

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