Hydrogeology
Western Michigan University has a long history of applied research in hydrogeology, including producing the Hydrogeologic Atlas of Michigan. Our students receive hands-on experience working with faculty on such initiatives as researching groundwater contamination and mapping glacial sediments.
If you choose to major in hydrogeology you will study those aspects of geology and related sciences that pertain to the occurrence, movement and quality of water with particular attention to water-related environmental problems.
As a hydrogeology student at WMU, you will have numerous scholarship and endowment opportunities available to you, including those for general study, specific areas of study such as water quality, and endowments for students who will be pursuing teaching in geosciences.
You will have the unique opportunity to work with the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education, which focuses on student training, basic and applied research, and continuing education and outreach programs in energy, natural resources and the environment. You can also gain valuable experience and build your professional network through registered student organizations such as the WMU Geology Club and the WMU chapter of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
WMU's hydrogeology program also has a substantial amount of equipment to support research in the field including a small all-terrain drill rig that can place wells using hollow-stem auger or mud rotary, a boat that has been useful for coastal and river work, pumps, transducers, and a sampling van and other monitoring and sampling tools. WMU also has a soils lab with extensive testing equipment and a field site around a lake near campus with more than 100 wells in three well fields.
Recent WMU graduates with degrees in hydrogeology are working as:
- Geologists
- Earth science educators
- Environmental geologists
- Hydrogeologists
- Water quality technicians
Among the organizations they work for are:
- Engineering firms
- Mining companies
- Oil companies
- Environmental consulting companies
- Government agencies
- Kalamazoo