MSc in Hydrology (Non-Thesis Option) in Tucson United States | University of Arizona

The department provides a Master of Science (M.S. Thesis option) program specializing in hydrology. Faculty expertise spans hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, hydrometeorology, hydroclimatology, environmental hydrology, groundwater hydrology, surface-water hydrology, vadose zone hydrology, mathematical and statistical hydrology methods (including stochastic and numerical modeling), water resources systems, and water policy.
These programs cater to students interested in the physical, chemical, and biological dimensions of the hydrologic cycle, along with water resources systems, environmental studies, or water policy and related social sciences. While students can specialize in specific areas, they should develop foundational knowledge across all hydrology and water resources disciplines. Each research-based M.S. program is tailored to align with the student's academic interests and career goals. Additional details about faculty research specialties are available on the department's Research Focus Areas webpage.
Applicants for the M.S. Thesis option aren't required to hold an undergraduate degree in hydrology and water resources, though prior study in this or related fields is advantageous. The curriculum accommodates students who have completed basic undergraduate coursework in mathematics and science.
The Non-Thesis Option typically takes 1.5 to 2 years for well-prepared students to complete (including coursework and final report). Candidates must submit a 1-unit Master's Report, which can be either a professional work-related document or a graduate-level paper approved by the faculty advisor and Director of Graduate Studies-Hydrology. Previously completed works cannot fulfill this requirement. Alternatively, presenting a poster at the department's annual El Día del Agua y la Atmósfera research symposium satisfies this obligation. This Non-Thesis Option, being non-research-focused, is particularly suitable for working professionals seeking applied hydrology and water resources training.