What you'll learn studying Agricultural Hydrology and Water Quality at UW-Platteville
Gain experience and learn about conserving soil and protecting water resources in agricultural landscapes with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s School of Agriculture. The Agricultural Hydrology and Water Quality minor is designed for non-Soil and Crop Science majors. In your agricultural and water quality classes, which total 16 credits, you will learn about the fundamentals of agronomy, agroecology, soil science, nutrient management, soil and water conservation, and field methods to quantify sediment and nutrient losses from agricultural lands.
With this program, you can tailor your minor to your career interests by pairing required coursework with eight credits of elective water quality courses focused on freshwater biology, environmental chemistry, cartography, wetland ecology and management, and related topics. Each water quality management course in our curriculum is designed to focus on a different element of hydrology as it relates to agriculture.
Careers in Agricultural Hydrology and Water Quality
Agricultural hydrologists conduct research, use and analyze data, and seek to examine and manage water on agricultural lands, especially related to irrigation and drainage. They investigate and monitor changes in the soil-crop atmosphere and can use that knowledge to estimate requirements to plan irrigation and agricultural production in a way that helps sustain and preserve natural resources. Professionals in this field often perform agricultural consulting, prepare reports of their findings and recommendations, and advise farmers, ranchers, and others involved in agriculture about how to preserve and use available sources of water.
Earning a water quality degree or pursuing a minor in this field will prepare you for future career success. Some of the roles you might consider include:
- Agricultural conservation scientist
- Agricultural engineer
- Conservation scientist
- Environmental scientist
- Geological/hydrological technician
- Geoscientist
- Hydrologist
Agricultural hydrologists may work for large agricultural organizations, research firms, state and federal government agencies, environmental consulting companies or agricultural conservation organizations. While some people in these roles work in office settings reviewing and evaluating data, others work in the field on agricultural lands collecting samples and monitoring equipment.
Discover by doing
Taking water quality training courses at UW-Platteville offers access to exciting research projects, internships with prospective employers, and university events that allow you to bridge your education to your future career.
