Apply for Summer 2027
2027 HFC Registration
Applications Open December 1, 2026
Applications for Western Michigan University's Hydrogeology Field Course (HFC) may be submitted beginning December 1, 2026. Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt, with reviews and admission decisions beginning in January 2027.
Enrollment is limited. Early applications are encouraged, particularly for students planning to enroll in multiple modules. Applications will be accepted until available spaces are filled.
Who Can Apply?
The HFC welcomes upper-level undergraduate students, graduate students, and working professionals interested in hands-on training in applied hydrogeology.
Applicants should have completed a college-level hydrogeology or geohydrology course (typically three credits) or possess equivalent professional experience. Exceptions may be approved by the HFC Director.
How to Register
Complete the following four steps to apply and secure your enrollment. HFC applications and reservation deposits are submitted electronically.
Step 1: Apply to Western Michigan University
Applicants who are not currently WMU students must complete the appropriate university admissions application.
| Applicant Type | WMU Application |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree holders | Graduate Non-Degree |
| Undergraduates enrolled at another institution | Undergraduate Guest |
| Undergraduates not currently enrolled elsewhere | Undergraduate Non-Degree |
| Current WMU students | No additional application required |
University admissions applications are completed online and may be submitted at the same time as your HFC application.
Step 2: Submit Your HFC Application
All applicants, including current WMU students, must email the following:
- Completed 2027 HFC Application Form
- Unofficial college transcript documenting completed or current hydrogeology coursework. Applicants qualifying through professional experience instead of coursework must provide two professional recommendation letters.
- HAZWOPER training documentation, if applicable. Applicants who have already completed the required training should submit documentation of their initial 40-hour training and most recent 8-hour refresher, if applicable.
Email your application materials to @email with the subject line 2027 HFC Application.
Do not send payment with your application. Reservation deposits are collected only after acceptance.
Step 3: Receive Acceptance and Pay Your Deposit
Qualified applicants will receive an acceptance notification by email with instructions for reserving their place.
Accepted applicants must pay a $100 reservation deposit per module within 10 business days of acceptance through WMU's secure TouchNet payment system.
Important payment information:
- Deposits are paid online only; cash and checks are not accepted.
- Each $100 deposit is applied toward the corresponding HFC course fee.
- TouchNet deposits do not appear as payments on WMU student accounts.
- Remaining course fees, tuition, and applicable university charges are billed separately.
- Spaces not secured by the payment deadline may be offered to other applicants.
See HFC Tuition and Fees for current rates and additional information.
Step 4: Complete University Course Registration
After acceptance, WMU staff will provide instructions for officially registering for your approved course modules.
Students will also receive course schedules, required health forms, field guidelines, and other information before the program begins.
Enrollment and Selection
Applications are reviewed beginning in January 2027. Priority is given to qualified applicants who apply early and/or enroll in multiple modules.
Acceptance is subject to available space, and enrollment is secured once the required reservation deposit has been received.
Questions?
Thomas Howe
Hydrogeology Field Course Director
Western Michigan University
@email
Interested in additional academic credentials? Learn about WMU's Certificate in Hydrogeology.