Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

Are you concerned about water quality? Would you like to learn about the effects of human activities on water and offer solutions to the problems of today? Hydrology is the science of water that is concerned with the origin, circulation, distribution, and properties of the waters of the earth. Watershed hydrology is the application of that science to the study of the storage, movement, and quality of water in the context of the natural landscape unit, the watershed, and the effects of human activities on that water.

Courses include:

Environmental Sciences, Weather & Climate, Ecology, Hydraulics, Plant Life, Engineering Mechanics, Watershed & Wetlands Hydrology, Natural Resource Measurements

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of all courses (Environmental Science - Watershed Hydrology courses are derived from multiple curricula:: BAE, BO, CE, FOR, MEA, & NR), and the degree audit shows the curriculum course requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

Return to top

Skills You Develop In This Major

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Management practices
• Field research

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

Return to top

Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Hydrologist	Government agency
Consultant	Private firm
Field Technician	Government agency
Biologist	Government agency
Research Technician	University
Outreach/PR	Non-profit organization

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Professor
• Researcher
• Director of Government Agency

Return to top

Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 39,160
From National Association of Colleges and Employers- July 2009

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

CFR Council
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Adrianna Kirkman, 515.6191, adrianna_kirkman@ncsu.edu

National Association of Environmental Professionals- Student Chaper
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Bob Bruck, 515.2086, bob_bruck@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

• National Association of Environmental Professionals

Links to Related Resources

• University Career Center
• For more specific information on occupation/job skills, expectations, and salary, go to the Occupational Information Network site and search for a specific job. (hint: for salary info, select a report on one of the jobs and find the wages link at the bottom of the page.)
• The list of available Minors at NC State.
• Experimental Courses Listing (a.k.a. Special Topics)
• Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources
• College of Natural Resources
• Cooperative Education Program
  

Next Steps

Need more information about this major? Contact the expert on this major,
Coordinator of Advising.

Don't want this major? Continue exploring the available majors.
Still unsure of your major and/or not sure what to do next?
You know you want this major. What do you need to do now?

Return to top

Last updated: 8th of September, 2009 at 10:00:40 AM

[ What Can I Do With A Major In...? | How Do I Decide On A Major? |
Degree Requirements | How Do I Change My Major? | Minors | Pre-Professional & Grad School ]

[ University Career Center | Advising Central | CALS Career Services | Textiles Career Services ]

[NC State Home]

Site last modified April, 2009
Copyright ©2004-2009, University Career Center and OASIS, North Carolina State University