Geological Engineering, Hydrogeological Engineering Option, M.S.

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Why Study Hydrogeological Engineering at Montana Tech? 

The hydrogeological engineering degree features a research-based curriculum, with added emphasis on engineering, including courses in groundwater flow modeling, field hydrogeology, advanced hydrogeology and more. You’ll learn from industry-experienced — and connected — Montana Tech faculty who are passionate about helping you succeed in hydrogeology. You’ll be prepared for hydrogeology careers or to pursue your Ph.D in Earth Science and Engineering at Montana Tech.

Outstanding Faculty

The Geological Engineering Department at Montana Tech has distinguished faculty members who all hold Ph.D. degrees in subdisciplines including Civil Engineering with Geotechnical emphases, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and stratigraphy. Each faculty member has significant industrial experience they bring to the classroom, laboratory, and field site.

World-Class Hydrogeology Labs

You have plenty of hands-on learning opportunities at Montana Tech. With access to state-of-the-art and fully equipped laboratories, our hydrogeology degree students will graduate learning how to operate sophisticated laboratory and field equipment. Our geological engineering department is home to state-of-the-art facilities including a triaxial testing lab, an underground mine facility, and geotechnical and groundwater modeling software.

Hydrogeology Internships 

Obtain even more hands-on experience through hydrogeology internships to supplement your bachelor’s degree from Montana Tech. Through our annual Career Services events, you’ll have access to more than 100 companies that come to campus to recruit Montana Tech students for hydrogeology summer internships for continuing students and full time employment for our hydrogeology graduates.

Exceptional Location

By choosing Montana Tech for your hydrogeology degree, you’ll benefit from our location in Butte, Montana. You can tour local engineering operations and pursue hydrogeology internships in Butte as well as in nearby cities such as Bozeman and Missoula. Plus, you’ll also have innumerable opportunities to enjoy Montana’s great outdoors in your free time.

Thesis and Non-Thesis Option

You can earn the Geoscience, M.S. option in hydrogeology with by taking 30 credits and completing a thesis or publishable paper, or by taking 36 credits, without a thesis or paper. 

Study Hydrogeology and Have Fun Too

Get involved in various clubs and organizations on campus. Or enjoy the expansive nature Butte, Montana offers for year-round activities. Ski at nearby resorts or in the backcountry, enjoy local hot springs, hike the Great Divide, or fish in pristine mountain streams.

Be Ready for a Career in Hydrogeology

Through this rigorous hydrogeology degree you’ll not only gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. You’ll also develop communication, interpersonal, and project management skills. From Montana Tech’s engaged geological engineering faculty to Career Services, you’ll have the resources, support, and connections you need to land coveted internships and jobs and receive a top hydrogeology salary.

What is Hydrogeology? 

Graduate students in Hydrogeological Engineering will study the occurrence, movement, and chemistry of groundwater with additional engineering emphasis. Typical thesis investigations are related to environmental problems, resource supply problems, or issues associated with mining or agricultural activities, and may frequently involve research participation with the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology.

What Types of Jobs Do Hydrogeology Graduates Get? 

Hydrogeologists are in demand due to shortages of experts in water resources issues, their ability to tackle industrial problems, and environmental water quality concerns at both the state and national levels. Career opportunities in this area are very good and graduates are finding 100 percent placement. Companies who have hired our master's degree graduates in this area include Brown Engineering, Conoco, ESA, EG&G, DOE (Battelle), MSE, Lambier Stevens Engineers, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Montana Salinity Control, PTI Environmental, Newmont Mining, and Conoco.

Explore Classes for the Hydrogeology Degree

The thesis option requires 30 credits, with a minimum of 15 at 500 level, and the remainder at 400 level.  The non-thesis option requires 36 credits, with a minimum of 18 at 500 level, remainder at 400 level. Course schedule is determined in cooperation with faculty advisor.