Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Hydrology is designed for individuals who want to complement their current skillsets or post-secondary training. The certificate will provide applied skills and fundamental knowledge for professional practice in hydrology. Focused on concepts, tools, quantitative methods, and field skills, the certificate is designed for those currently working, or planning to work, in both applied water resources fields and science institutions.

Program Structure

• The program is expected to be completed within 2 years.
• It is a course-based program with no project or thesis requirements.
• The program consists of three courses:
  • GEOG 825.3 Process-based Hydrological Modeling
  • GEOG 827.3 Principles of Hydrology
  • GEOG 836.3 Ecohydrology
• Students may substitute alternate courses for GEOG 825 and GEOG 836 as approved by the department.
• GEOG 827 will be offered on an annual basis.

About Hydrology at USask

The Department of Geography and Planning is committed to empowering students to address one of the world’s most pressing issues—ensuring a sustainable and safe water supply for all. As a key contributor to USask’s signature area in water research, Geography and Planning hosts the Centre for Hydrology, and plays a collaborative role in providing hydrology training within interdisciplinary water security programming, equipping students to make a real impact.

Tuition and Funding

Funding

Certificate programs are not eligible for scholarships; however, industry professionals may have access to professional development funds through their employers.

Tuition

• The certificate is 9 credit units.
• Students in course-based programs pay tuition for each class they take.
• Every class is assigned a number of credit units (usually three) which determines their cost.
• If a student is not enrolled in any classes for a term, they will need to register in a 'Maintenance of Status' class that is assessed tuition equivalent to 3 credit units to stay in their program.
• Graduate students in course-based programs registered in any undergraduate classes will be assessed tuition for these classes at the undergraduate rate.
• International graduate students in these programs registered in undergraduate courses, whether or not the classes are part of their program of study, will also be assessed the undergraduate international tuition.

Tuition Fees

| Canadian students | International students
---|---|---
Maintenance of Status course | $879.00 CAD | $1,977.60 CAD
Cost per graduate credit unit | $293.00 CAD | $659.20 CAD
Cost per 3 credit unit graduate class | $879.00 CAD | $1,977.60 CAD

Student Fees

In addition to tuition, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full-time or part-time, and if you are on campus or not.

| Fall 2025 | Winter 2026 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
---|---|---|---|---
Student fees | $578.45 CAD | $804.73 CAD | $36.75 CAD | $36.75 CAD

Admission Requirements

Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.)

• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.
• A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e., 60 credit units)
• A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study OR 5 years professional experience in hydrology or related science OR 3 years professional experience in hydrology or related science, plus a 2-year diploma or certificate
• Evidence of taking an undergraduate course in hydrology equivalent to GEOG 325, 328 or 427 offered at USask

Application Process

Submit an Online Application

Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.

• Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
• Contact information of your three referees
  • Your letters of recommendation may be from either academic or professional contacts and must speak to your capacity for success in a graduate program
• Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions

Submit Required Documents

Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references.

Transcripts

• Preliminary Statement of Marks: Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended.
• The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college and must include a grading key/legend.
• All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
• Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission.

Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required)

For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:

• Completing a relevant test with the appropriate score is required before the application deadline.
• Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
• Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.