About
Hydrology studies physical and social science perspectives focused on investigating issues related to water security.
- Four year degree
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will learn the effects of human activities upon near-surface environments including how we obtain and maintain our water resources, the movement and fate of toxic substances in the environment and how waste treatment and disposal affect natural, urbanized and agricultural ecosystems. You will learn how to use and interpret the results of technologies involved with geomatics (remotely-sensed images, Geographic Information Systems, cartography) and the principles of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
A first-year schedule sample
This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| CHEM 112a | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials |
| GEOL 121a | Earth Processes |
| MATH 110b | Calculus I |
| PHYS 115a | Physics and the Universe |
| HIST 155c | History Matters Science and Environment |
Winter Term |
|
| CHEM 115a | General Chemistry II Chemical Processes |
| GEOG 120a | Introduction to Global Environmental Systems |
| MATH 116b | Calculus II |
| PHYS 117 or PHYS 125a | Physics for the Life Sciences or Physics and Technology |
| INDG 107d | Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies |
a Required course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
d One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
GEOG 225 Hydrology of Canada
The geographic distribution of hydrologic processes in Canada is examined. The types of processes and their rates of operation are related to regional physical environments.
GEOG 235 Earth Processes and Natural Hazards: A Canadian Perspective
This interdisciplinary course explores the earth and atmospheric processes that are responsible for landform development and natural hazards, the regions in Canada most susceptible to natural disasters, and current developments in hazard forecasting and monitoring techniques. Students will explore through case studies the impacts of natural disasters on Canadian landscapes and people. Lastly, the course explores ways to lessen the impacts of natural disasters through risk perception, assessment, and preparedness, and mitigation strategies.
GEOG 290 Field Methods and Laboratory Analysis
An introduction to the principles and practice of navigation, topographic surveying, image analysis, and the sampling and analysis of sediments, water, and plant communities relevant to environmental science. There will be costs related to the field and laboratory exercises in addition to tuition fees for this course.
GEOG 323 Remote Sensing
Advanced lectures, seminars and laboratories for those specializing in resource and environmental studies. It includes inductive and deductive evaluation of air photo patterns and the interpretation of multi-spectral imagery and remote sensing imagery.
GEOG 328 Groundwater Hydrology
Groundwater is the largest source of readily accessible freshwater. This course provides a rigorous understanding of subsurface hydrological processes and covers fundamentals of subsurface flow and transport, emphasizing the role of groundwater and soil water in the hydrological cycle, and groundwater-surface water interactions.
Hands-on experience
You will gain practical experience in the laboratory analysis of pollutants in soil and water samples as well as participate in a number of field trips that provides practical experience in the sampling of soil and water in Saskatchewan landscapes.
Small class sizes
Small class sizes maximizes interaction between you and your professors and allows you to become easily acquainted with others who share common interests.
Opportunities
As a graduate of this program you will meet the requirements for professional registration as an environmental geoscientist-in-training in the Province of Saskatchewan (APEGS).
Careers
Graduates of this program are eligible to register as Professional Geoscientists-in-Training with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS). You can seek employment with a variety of private and public sector employers including environmental consulting firms, watershed authorities, the mining industry (e.g., oil and gas, sand and gravel, stone aggregate), municipal utilities focused on water quantity and quality, and natural resource management organizations (e.g., Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment).
Some career opportunities include:
- Ecologist
- Environmental protection officer
- Environmental quality specialist
- GIS technician
- Hazardous waste specialist
- Hydrologist
- Water resource specialist
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,919 | $38,328 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,540 | $40,949 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
These Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Hydrology degrees are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science:
- Bachelor of Science Four-year
- Bachelor of Science Honours
- Co-operative Education Option
- This five-year option allows students who meet the requirements to participate in up to 5, four-month paid work terms.
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year or honours degree or would like to pursue the Co-operative Education Option.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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