Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology
The Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology gives students and working professionals hands-on training in water and soil sampling, hydrologic measurement, chemical analyses, and scientific data analysis — the everyday skills behind real environmental work.
At a Glance
- Format: On-campus, post-baccalaureate
- Credit hours: 15
- Who it is for: Degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students preparing for environmental careers or further study
- Focus areas: Hydrogeology, environmental geology, aqueous geochemistry, and geological characterization
Dr. Stephen Moysey
Program Coordinator
Trained environmental professionals are needed to address drinking water supplies, wastewater treatment, water resource availability, subsurface contaminant transport, stream and wetland health, and the effects of climate and land-use change on water resources. ECU’s certificate builds those skills through coursework and lab experience taught by faculty whose research connects hydrogeology, geochemistry, and environmental geology to real-world problems in eastern North Carolina and beyond.
Why Study Hydrogeology at ECU?
Program Overview
The Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Certificate is a post-baccalaureate program that prepares students for careers and further study in environmental fields. Coursework combines hydrology, aqueous geochemistry, and geological characterization with laboratory and field practice.
Graduates work on issues like environmental regulation and compliance, hydrogeologic investigation, wetland mitigation, flood prediction, pollution abatement and bioremediation, and environmental site audits. The certificate is open to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.
Courses
Students complete 15 s.h. drawn from three groups: hydrogeology and environmental geology, geochemical processes, and geological characterization and quantitative analysis. Lecture and lab pairs are taken together. Specific course selection should be planned with the program coordinator.
Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology (9–11 s.h.)
- GEOL 6150 — The Geologic Component of Environmental Science
- GEOL 6700 — Geohydrology of Drainage Basins and GEOL 6701 — Geohydrology of Drainage Basins Laboratory
- GEOL 6710 — Ground Water Hydrology and GEOL 6711 — Ground Water Hydrology Laboratory
- GEOL 7710 — Groundwater Modeling and GEOL 7711 — Groundwater Modeling Laboratory
- GEOL 7920 — Advanced Surface Water/Groundwater Hydrology and GEOL 7921 — Advanced Surface Water/Groundwater Hydrology Laboratory
Geochemical Processes (3–4 s.h.)
- GEOL 5450 — Introduction to Aqueous Geochemistry and GEOL 5451 — Aqueous Geochemistry Laboratory
- GEOL 7930 — Biogeochemical Processes
Geological Characterization and Quantitative Analysis (3–4 s.h.)
- GEOL 6250 — Stratigraphic Analysis
- GEOL 6550 — Principles of Geophysics and GEOL 6551 — Principles of Geophysics Laboratory
- GEOL 6705 — Seminar in Geology
- GEOL 6950 — Environmental Data Science and GEOL 6951 — Environmental Data Analysis Laboratory
- GEOL 7910 — Sediment Transport and Depositional Processes
- A 3 s.h. elective approved by the program coordinator
For complete requirements, see the Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Certificate entry in the ECU Catalog.
Career Relevance
Hydrogeology and environmental geology skills support work across consulting, regulatory agencies, water utilities, conservation organizations, and applied research. The occupations below are examples of career areas where coursework from this certificate is relevant. They are not a complete list of outcomes, and job paths vary by degree level, prior experience, employer, location, and additional training or licensure.
| Example O*NET Occupation | Why It Fits Hydrogeology Skills | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrologists | Groundwater and surface water analysis, hydrogeology, water samples, data analysis, and water resource reporting | $92,060 | Average (3% to 4%) |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | Soil and water sampling, pollution and contamination assessment, environmental compliance, and technical reporting | $80,060 | Average (3% to 4%) |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | Subsurface characterization, geological data, earth materials and resources, hazards, and technical reports | $99,240 | Average (3% to 4%) |
Occupation data obtained from O*NET OnLine, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data reflect 2024 national median wages, and projected growth reflects 2024–2034 national employment projections.
How to Apply
The Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Certificate requires admission through the ECU Graduate School. Applicants must hold an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. The certificate is open to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.
Current ECU Graduate Students
Current ECU graduate students who want to add the certificate to their existing program of study should visit the ECU Graduate School forms page and complete the form titled “Request to Add a Certificate” under Students – Online Forms.
New Students Applying Directly to the Certificate
Students who are not currently enrolled in an ECU graduate program should apply through the ECU Graduate School and select the Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Certificate as their intended certificate program. The application is completed online.
Questions?
For questions about the Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Certificate, contact Program Coordinator Dr. Stephen Moysey at moyseys18@ecu.edu or 252-328-6360 (101 Graham Building).