Math needed for Hydrology, specifically surface water hydrology?

Question

I wanted to know what math is needed for hydrology, in particular surface water hydrology.In my research online, of Master's programs (either in Hydrology or Environmental Science with a concentration in Hydrology), the undergraduate math pre-requisites differ greatly from program to program: some just required a year of calculus, others wanted or strongly recommended Calculus I, II, and III and yet other programs it was Calculus I, II, III, Linear Algebra, and Differential equations. Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts about how much math?!

Answer 1

Calculus 1 is typically the bare minimum. There are some programs that might look more into your relevant coursework and might accept your background even if it's not math-heavy, but you would do well to have at least calculus 1. Some of the equations used in hydrology stem from differential equations; having an understanding of how to solve differential equations could be helpful, but if the professor doesn't require you to solve the equations from scratch then it might not matter as much. Like you said, they're all a little different so looking at the class syllabus or asking for substitute experience will let you figure out if you would do well in the class.