Online Master
of Environmental
Science in Hydrology
& Water Security
Assess the impact of access
to quality water on business and society.
21+ Months
11 Courses
30 Hours
$985/CH
The online Master of Environmental Science in Hydrology and Water Security is a 30-credit-hour program created through an innovative partnership between the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science in the Gallogly College of Engineering, the School of Meteorology, and the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability. This unique, interdisciplinary program offers a core curriculum and three concentrations – Water Management, Water Quality, and Water Quantity.
Admissions Deadline
Rolling admissions (applications due 14 days before the intended start date).
Program Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Academic Term
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Faculty Expertise
Faculty are comprised of experts spanning two colleges and three departments. Students engage in a multidisciplinary hydrologic experience that provides a unique perspective for industry professionals that cannot be found in other graduate programs.
Strong Career Growth
Water is globally recognized as one of the most valued natural resources, so employers seek professionals with the knowledge and expertise to lead innovations in emerging water-based industries.
Flexible Format
Learn in a flexible online program designed for working professionals. You’ll engage in online discussions with professors and fellow students while gaining skills necessary for modern business environments.
OU Online graduates find employment within six months after graduation*
OU Online graduates report earning an annual salary of $75,000 or more*
OU Online students say the skills they gained in their program made them more competitive in their career field*
*Source: OU Online Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023
Pursue your
Hydrology and
Water Security
Master's degree
The online Master of Environmental Science in Hydrology and Water Security is a 30-credit-hour program designed to be completed in 21 months while working full time. Develop the skills you need to excel in one of three emerging water-based concentrations, each with individual requirements.
Core Courses
- Fundamentals of Project Management
- Hydrometeorology
- Fundamentals of GIS
- Water Security
- Water Law
- Hydroclimatology
Water Management Concentration
The Water Management Concentration offers a partial degree for those working with water across multiple industries and includes courses related to water’s impact on business and society.
Water Management Concentration Courses:
- Fundamental Hydrology
- Water Economics
- Water Reuse
- Social Science Aspects of Hazards
Concentration Prerequisites:
- B.S. or B.A. degree relevant to hydrology
- Coursework (C or higher) in the following areas:
- College Algebra
- Biological or Physical Science course
Water Quality Concentration
The Water Quality Concentration offers a quantitative degree in the fate and transport of water quality constituents as they move through the hydrologic cycle for those working in environmental quality, waste load allocation, water reuse, and geo-environmental/health impacts.
Water Quality Concentration Courses:
- Hydrology
- Hazardous and Solid Waste Management
- Health Impact and Water Reuse
- Water Quality Modeling
Concentration Prerequisites:
- B.S. in a STEM major
- Coursework (C or higher) in the following areas:
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Chemistry I
- Chemistry II
- Physics (calculus-based)
- Biological or Physical Science course
Water Quantity Concentration
The Water Quantity specialization offers additional technical background interested in predicting water availability and movement at various scales.
Water Quantity Track Courses:
- Hydrology
- Water Resources Management
- Groundwater and Seepage
- Quantitative Hydrometeorology
Track Prerequisites:
- B.S. in a STEM major
- Coursework (C or higher) in the following areas:
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Chemistry
- Physics (calculus-based)
- Biological or Physical Science course
Getting Started Today
Admission to the online Master of Environmental Science in Hydrology and Water Security is selective. Those interested in the program should have a competitive undergraduate GPA and a robust Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score. However, GRE waivers may be available for those with advanced work in the United States.
Additional admissions factors may include the following: work or service experience, demonstrated leadership potential, exceptional talents or skills, trends or improvement in academic performance, and undergraduate school performance.
To apply, students must:
- Complete the online application at https://gograd.ou.edu/apply/
- Submit a current resume
- Provide official college transcripts from all institutions
- Submit a personal statement on your career goals and reasons for applying to the program
- International applicants are required to submit Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
- Official GRE scores are optional and not required for admission
Application Timeline
Questions about Admissions?
For more information on the admissions process, please complete the contact form below, and an admissions counselor will be in touch shortly.
Paying for School
If you would like to compare the estimated cost of your program with a typical financial aid package, use the cost calculator on our OU Online financial aid page.
Graduate tuition waivers cannot be applied to OU Online programs. OU Online programs qualify for the OU Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver & Fee Exemption, and we encourage you to check your eligibility.
Tuition waiver and fee exemption package application
If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please get in touch with the Online Aid office by emailing onlineaid@ou.edu or calling 405-325-2929.
same academic excellence
Earning a Master of Environmental Science in Hydrology and Water Security degree from OU Online gives you the skills to succeed in a growing and evolving field. It also gives you access to career support and an expanded professional network as part of the global OU alumni community. Stand out where the industry is moving while enjoying the potential for higher pay, career advancement, and new opportunities.
Tuition and fees for the program are $29,550 ($985 per credit hour). Books and additional materials are not included.
Once accepted into the program, students must submit a $350 nonrefundable deposit within two weeks. Deposits are applied toward tuition expenses and secure a student’s place in the upcoming class. There is no application fee for this degree.
Tuition Calculator
Our tuition calculator can help you estimate your tuition and financial aid for your program of interest.
Why OU Online?
We are a top-tier public institution offering high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs committed to maintaining academic excellence online.
Our Online Programs
Every OU Online program is built on the foundation of world-class faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.
Our OU Family
When you graduate from an OU Online program, you’ll join the network of 250,000 OU alumni and be forever part of the OU family. Become part of the tradition of excellence that OU has established in its 130-year history.
