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.


Quick facts
  • 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 $760.80 per 3 credit unit class $3,195.36 per 3 credit unit class
Student fees $1,089 per year $1,089 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 (2023-2024 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

Students hanging out in the Bowl in front of the Peter MacKinnon Building

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

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2024
Dec 1, 2023
Documents due: Dec 15, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
Documents due: Oct 1, 2023
Spring
May 2024
Apr 1, 2024
Documents due: May 1, 2024
Feb 1, 2024
Documents due: Mar 1, 2024
Summer
July 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Mar 1, 2024
Documents due: Apr 1, 2024
Fall
September 2024
Aug 15, 2024
Documents due: Aug 15, 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Winter
January 2025
Dec 1, 2024
Documents due: Dec 15, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Documents due: Oct 1, 2024

Ready to apply?

If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.

To apply to this program as a new student, please apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science and after you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

If you are interested in more information about this certificate, please contact student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca