ID
Geology students working on a capstone project outdoors

Geology - Hydrogeology and Water Chemistry Emphasis

Explore a unique program designed for students interested in hydrogeology, geochemistry, and environmental geology careers or graduate programs.

Available as
Major
Description

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. 

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on
Hallmarks
geology student testing water in campus creek
State-of-the-Art Instrumentation and Facilities

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.

 2022Maddie Palubicki poster for water chem research
Access to Internships

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.

2023_geology_internships
Field Research Opportunities

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.

Myers/Willis Geology Field Camp scholarship winners and donor
Geology Scholarship Opportunities

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.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

100% Employed or Continuing Education
Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.
3500 ft2 of Greenhouse Space
UWEC features an abundance of greenhouse space — right on campus — for you to explore.
6 Majors, 2 Minors, 3 Certificates
Find a program that matches your career goals and prepares you for a job you'll love.
Surrounded By Nature
Our campus is surrounded by Putnam Park, a peaceful 230-acre natural area right out your back door.
Explore A New Campus
Participate in the National Student Exchange Program and choose from 180 schools, including universities in Canada, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Outcomes Image
geology intern standing by a helicopter in Alaska
What can I do

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.

Courses information
SampleCourses

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.

Get More Info

Get More Info

Sign up to receive additional information about our campus.

Loading...
What's Next

What's Next?

student walking with athletics flag at a track meet
Request More Information
Learn more about UW-Eau Claire. Connect with admissions and get additional information about our programs and Blugold life sent to you.
Wide angle drone view of all campus and neighborhood
Schedule a Visit
See the most beautiful campus in Wisconsin for yourself. Get a campus tour, learn about our programs, and meet the friendly people of UWEC.
Blu the mascot high-fives a member of Blugold Marching Band
Start Your Application
Learn the steps to apply and check out admission requirements.