Master’s program in Hydrology and Water Resources Management

    Master program will equip you with the skills to manage natural (rivers and lakes) and artificial (reservoirs and channels) water bodies, and evaluate the impact of man-made changes on the distribution and quality of water. From rivers to lakes and reservoirs, you will examine a range freshwater environment and its pollution. Various issues related to water and land use will be studied, including the effects of climate change upon hydrological processes. As well you will study how to manage the surface waters in flood time in urban and rural areas especially. Practical training will include data collection through activities such as field works and GIS (geographical information systems). 

    After graduation, you will be a competent professional in the rapidly developing, multidisciplinary area of water and the environment.

    You will acquire:

• competence in relevant theories and techniques, and an ability to use knowledge, equipment and tools independently for the management of natural (rivers and lakes) and artificial (reservoirs and channels) water bodies;

• understanding of the factors of extreme hydrological events (such as floods in urban and rural areas and etc.) formation and an ability to predict it;

• knowledge of the effects of climate change upon water resources;

• experience of GIS and RS use for the water resources management;

• knowledge of sustainable water resources uses, impact of man-made changes on the distribution and quality of water and water pollution management.

   Jobs in hydrology are found in government agencies, private firms, and nonprofit and academic institutions. Government agencies (national water agencies, ministries of natural resources, meteorological agencies, water supply organizations, hydropower) hire hydrologists for research and water resource development, management, and environmental protection. Private firms hire hydrologists to work with the development, management, and usage of water. As well hydrologists work in academic institutions.

   Employment of hydrologists is projected to grow by 10% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for the services of hydrologists will stem from increases in human activities such as mining, construction, and hydraulic fracturing. Environmental concerns, especially global climate change and the possibility of sea-level rise in addition to local concerns such as flooding and drought, are likely to increase demand for hydrologists in the future.

Managing the nation’s water resources will be critical as the population grows and increased human activity changes the natural water cycle. Population expansion into areas that were previously uninhabited may increase the risk of flooding, and new communities may encounter water availability issues. These issues will all need the understanding and knowledge that hydrologists have to find sustainable solutions.

Hydrologists will be necessary to assess the national water supplies. For example, changes in climate affect the severity and frequency of droughts and floods. Hydrologists are critical to developing comprehensive water management plans that address these and other problems linked to climate change.

    The full-time/online Master’s program comprises two years. The four trimesters are course-based, one trimester is for field trip, and the final trimester is devoted to an individual Research Project in the Water Resources Management.

    For full-time  the cost of one year will be about the same with the bachelor program. For online option could be a bit less than for the full-time program.

    Simplified admission to the master's program after a bachelor's degree at Perm State University. The results of the Presentation of the Qualification Paper (Research work) and the State Exam will be taken into account. 

    Other students need to pass the exam. It will be based no questions about geography, hydrosphere, climate, water cycle, water resources and etc.