Online Schools for Hydraulics Engineering: How to Choose

A branch of civil engineering that deals with water, hydraulics engineering deals with planning, managing and treating watercourses. It also strongly intersects with environmental engineering. A few master's degree and graduate certificate programs exist for students interested in pursuing online education in this field, and all of them require at least a bachelor's degree for admission.

How to Choose an Online Hydraulics Engineering School

Award Levels

Online programs are available at graduate degree and certificate levels, so students should consider which type meets their needs before selecting a school. A graduate degree is commonly required for individuals aspiring to work in teaching or research, while graduate certificate programs appeal to students interested in expanding their knowledge in hydraulics engineering without committing to a master's degree program. If they decide to continue their education in the future, some graduate certificate credits can transfer toward a master's program. Individuals need to check whether program requirements call for applicants to be professional engineers; some programs are open to recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering or a natural science major, including physics.

Program Curriculums

Even though hydraulics engineering is rooted in both environmental and civil engineering, some programs base their curriculum solely on environmental engineering. Students should consider if they want to take courses in a combined program or not. Another difference exists between the curriculums, because air pollution and quality courses are offered through graduate certificate programs, but not in master's degree programs. Individuals with a strong interest in the relationship between water and air may lean towards a graduate certificate program in hydraulics engineering.

List of Online Hydraulics Engineering Degree Programs

Online Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering

Students in these programs learn how pollutants travel through water, soil and air. They study the impact pollution has on water quality and ways to effectively protect water resources, and some programs may put an extra emphasis on wastewater and its treatment. Enrollees download course lectures online and watch them using streaming media. A proctor may be needed to administer tests off-campus.

Online Master's Degree in Water Resources Engineering

The focus of these 2-4 year degree programs is effective and sustainable management of water resources. Online courses look at the trend towards environmentally sustainable water management and how to incorporate it into U.S. infrastructure and industrial practices. Students examine design, analysis and practice techniques by viewing lectures notes on the Internet and completing readings. They communicate with professors and classmates using e-mail, chat rooms and online discussion boards.