MSU program makes first-ever national ranking

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University’s hydrogeology academic program in the geosciences department is newly listed in the top 100 nationally.

According to a recent report by the National Ground Water Association, MSU’s ranking is based on the strength of faculty and related factors. This is the first time the non-profit organization of 12,000 U.S. and international groundwater professionals has released such a ranking.

More than 400 programs were considered in the rankings.

According to geosciences department head Darrel Schmitz, NGWA’s ranking helps show students interested in the field that MSU provides strong opportunities for learning and research, he observed.

The field of hydrogeology deals mainly with groundwater, but can relate to all geologic aspects related to ground water. Major components include, among others, water sources from underground aquifers, contamination of subsurface water, formation of caves and oil and gas movement in the subsurface.

Schmitz said graduates in the field have careers in many levels and specializations throughout industry, academia and government.