2011-2012 Catalog

Tarleton State University offers the only Bachelor of Science in Hydrology & Water Resources in Texas, and is one of 13 such programs in the United States. The Hydrology degree program was developed after consultation with water resource specialists from throughout the nation and is designed to prepare students for professional positions in hydrology and water resource development. Hydrology is the study of the behavior of water in nature. Water is our most important natural resource. Without it, there would be no life on earth. Managing its use so we do not run out of water is a challenge for today and tomorrow. The water resources expert knows how to manage the water nature provides and how to distribute it to the places it is needed in the proper quantity and with the proper quality for the benefit of man.

One of the unique features of the Hydrology and Water Resources Program at Tarleton State University is that each student is required to complete an internship before graduation (see HYDR 440-Internship in the course offerings section of this catalog). The manner in which this requirement is met is for the student to work from 9 to 13 weeks (generally 40 hours a week) for a company or agency that has some expertise in hydrology. Often this leads to full‑time employment at the end of the internship. Departmental faculty will assist students in finding an appropriate internship sponsor. Enrollment in HYDR 440 requires advisor and department head approval. The student is required to receive a grade of C or higher in all required HYDR, BIOL, GEOL, CHEM, MATH, ENGR, ENPH, CS, ECO, AGRN, AEN, AEC, and PHYS courses for graduation.