About
The Certificate in Water Science provides students with theoretical and practical training in hydrologic science. Emphasis is placed on a quantitative understanding and analysis of the hydrologic cycle, including the presence and movement of water in and between the primary storage pools: atmospheric moisture, surface runoff, soil moisture, groundwater, and surface storage in ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans.
- Full or part-time program
- You cannot enter this program directly from high school
What you will learn
Water is the elixir of life. We all depend on water everyday and in many different ways. This certificate reveals to students how we obtain, use, and in many cases abuse water on Earth. To be able to understand water as a resource, we need to understand where it is found, how it moves, and ultimately how fragile our water supplies are. Whether it is knowing how clouds form and deliver rainfall to the surface or knowing how groundwater supplies may be contaminated by surface pollution, humans need to understand and appreciate the wide variety of components of the hydrologic cycle to understand how we can preserve this life-giving resource.
The certificate provides students with an advanced knowledge of hydrologic processes as well as field instrumentation, data collection, and analysis for hydrologic study.
GEOG 225: Hydrology of Canada
An in-depth introduction to the fundamental components of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, soil water, streamflow and evapotranspiration.
GEOG 390: Methods in Hydrometeorology
A project-based field methods course that provides students with hands-on experience with the tools that hydrologists use.
GEOG 427: Advanced Hydrology
Explore advanced analyses and problem solving in hydrology using theories, models and instrumentation.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Unique facilities
The University of Saskatchewan is the top-rated university in Canada in the subject of water resources. Hydrology courses are taught by leading hydrologists who incorporate their own research topics into their teaching. Experiential learning experiences involve developing and using data collection instruments and deploying them in a real-world setting to observe and record the environment. Students are encouraged to join the Environmental Studies Student Association and engage in a wide variety of events focused on Earth's natural and human environments.
Careers
You will gain expertise and acquire an additional credential in Water Science, which will be advantageous for those seeking careers as a:
- Hydrologist / hydrogeologist
- Government scientist
- Private environmental consultant
- Municipal water manager
- Hydro-electric power manager
- Water management planner
- Agricultural manager / farmer
- Civil/environmental engineer
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $792 per 3 credit unit class | $3,834 per 3 credit unit class |
| Student fees | $1,121 per year | $1,121 per year |
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 per class (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. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
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 for this program.
Program options
The Certificate in Water Science is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate concurrently with a degree.
If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor about enrolling in this program.
To apply to this program as a new student, create an admissions account and apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science. 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.) After you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.
If you are interested in more information about this certificate, please contact student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca