The Hydrogeology Field Course offered by the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Western Michigan University is one of very few hydro-technical programs in the United States. The program, developed in 1987, is directed by Tom Howe. This applied course has trained more than a thousand students from around the nation and abroad. The Hydrogeology Field Course is taught as one-week, one-credit courses in the following disciplines: environmental surface geophysics, HAZWOPER training, well drilling and installation, groundwater sampling and monitoring, aquifer testing, and environmental remediation. Much of the geophysical testing, field work and training for this course is conducted at the Asylum Lake research and training site, which was developed to provide advanced field work and hands-on experience for our students.
Course Dates - Summer 2026
Summer II Semester
- GEOS 5250 - Surface Geophysics: July 6-11
- GEOS 5230 - Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER): July 13-16 (4 day course)
- GEOS 5270 - Principles and Practices of Well Drilling and Installation: July 20-25
- GEOS 5280 - Principles and Practices of Groundwater Sampling and Monitoring: July 27-August 1
- GEOS 5260 - Principles and Practices of Aquifer Testing: August 3-8
- GEOS 5240 - Remediation Design and Implementation: August 10-14 (course closes by 5pm on Friday)
Application Instructions - Summer 2026
Registration reviews for the Hydrogeology Field Course will begin January 1, 2026 and remain open until the course is full. Applicants may submit materials earlier, but reviews will not start until that date. Because the course typically fills quickly, early completion of the registration process is strongly recommended.
Enrollment is limited to qualified applicants, with priority given to those who apply early and/or register for multiple weeks. Spots are reserved in the order that both the application and registration fee are received.
Please visit the registration page below for detailed instructions on applying to WMU and the Hydrogeology Field Course.
Note: Visiting international students must register for consecutive module blocks (for example, Modules 1–3 or Modules 1–6).
In addition to our hydrogeology field course, the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences also offers a Certificate Program in Hydrogeology. Students should apply to the certificate program either before or at the same time as enrolling in the HFC.
HFC Prerequisites
Prerequisite: An introductory college-level course in hydrogeology or equivalent. Please contact the HFC Director Tom Howe if you have questions about course equivalency. Each spring term, the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at WMU offers GEOS 5120: Hydrogeology online which will satisfy the HFC prerequisite.
*Please note: Applicants who do not meet the prerequisite may still be admitted by submitting proof of relevant experience along with two professional recommendation letters supporting their suitability for the course.
Learn More
- Registration: Who should apply, eligibility, registration instructions and selection criteria
- Tuition and fees
- Course modules
- Course structure, grading and equipment requirements
- Outcomes
- Testimonials
- Asylum Lake Field Site
- Logistical support: Housing, child care and parking
- Supporters
- Contact us
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