Geology - Hydrogeology and Water Chemistry Emphasis
Explore a unique program designed for students interested in hydrogeology, geochemistry, and environmental geology careers or graduate programs.
Dive Into Hyrdogeology
Curriculum throughout the comprehensive major will provide you with a solid foundation in areas like physical geology, environmental geology, and mineralogy and petrology, with a special emphasis on hydrogeology and water chemistry. Classes will explore topics like hydrogeologic field techniques, groundwater development and management, water law, conservation of surface and subsurface waters, problems associated with the development of water resources in Wisconsin and the U.S., and the application of chemistry to geologic problems.
This robust program currently meets the 1998 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources academic requirements for classification as a hydrogeologist.
Rooted in experiential learning, the geology department is committed to providing you with real-world experience before you graduate. A required three-week field course in West Texas and New Mexico will introduce you to geologic mapping techniques, including the construction of geologic maps and cross-sections in mildly deformed sedimentary and volcanic rocks. You'll also have countless opportunities to work alongside our talented professors, conducting experiments, and participating in geological field research.
Graduates of UWEC's hydrogeology and water chemistry emphasis program go on to pursue a variety of rewarding careers. From helping a city to develop a new water supply well to figuring out how to best clean up contaminated groundwater to assessing potential water quality impacts from a new mine, the paths this degree will take you are endless.
Program Details
The geology department at UW-Eau Claire, along with the Materials Science and Engineering Center, houses state-of-the-art analytical equipment that is rarely found at undergraduate institutions. With nearly 100 unique pieces of high-tech instrumentation, here, you can analyze your field samples right on campus. From analytical geochemistry equipment to mineralogy and petrology equipment to the latest software used in the field — we have it all.
Our geology students have unparalleled internship opportunities, largely due to the rare industry partnerships we have forged through the Responsible Mining Initiative (RMI) grant. These connections give our students a huge hiring advantage with several industry leaders in the region.
Student-faculty collaborative research is the hallmark of all geology programs at UW-Eau Claire. Faculty members will regularly encourage you to become involved in their latest research projects — or encourage you to start your own. Here, our professors are committed to the philosophy that learning science is best achieved by doing science. Past projects have brought students to places like southwestern Montana, Maine, Ontario, and the Swiss Alps.
First-year students interested in majoring in geology are able to apply for the Blugold Freshman Geology Scholarship. Two scholarships of $1,000 are awarded each year, thanks to UW-Eau Claire geology alumni who are interested in supporting the next generation of Blugold geologists.
Blugold Stories
The geology program here at UWEC is fantastic in many ways. The department is known for having one of the largest student-faculty research experiences at the university and for its ability to assist students in obtaining internships, often landing them full-time positions immediately after their undergrad.
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Where can the hydrogeology and water chemistry program lead me after graduation?
The geology - hydrogeology and water chemistry emphasis program was designed to fulfill requirements for admission to graduate programs in hydrogeology, geochemistry and environmental geology. Graduates are also equipped with the knowledge and skills to immediately enter the field as geologists and hydrogeologists/hydrologists.
Specialists in hydrogeology commonly work in environmental consulting firms, regulatory agencies such as the DNR and for private companies seeking to maintain compliance with environmental regulations. And these jobs are in demand. Hydrogeology studies are quickly becoming fundamental to environmental science, especially in a world becoming increasingly more focused on conservation and sustainability.
Recent Graduates
Field Geologist
Arcadis
Associate Technician
SEH Inc.
Geologist
Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment
Hydrogeologist
Tetra Tech
Geotechnical Engineer
Element Materials Technology
Geologist
Cedar Corp.
Throughout the hydrogeology and water chemistry program, you will study the occurrence, use and motion of surficial deposits and groundwater in an effort to protect precious water resources. Rigorous field-based programs blend traditional geological field skills with modern technology and computational science, giving you an inside look at what you can expect to do in the field — and what skills will be required of you.
Here are a few courses in Geology - Hydrogeology and Water Chemistry Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.
GEOL 308
Water Resources
Origin, nature, distribution, movement, exploitation, and conservation of surface and subsurface waters; problems associated with development of water resources in Wisconsin and the U.S.
GEOL 315
Hydrogeology I
The hydrologic cycle, runoff and streamflow, saturated groundwater flow, contaminant transport, geology of groundwater occurrence, aquifer characterization, groundwater flow to wells, hydrogeologic field techniques, groundwater flow and contaminant transport computer modeling, groundwater development and management.
GEOL 330
Structural Geology
The description and classification of geological structures and the theoretical and physical analysis of rock deformation. Field and laboratory techniques emphasize mapping and the tectonic analysis of geological structures.
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