University of Arizona Launches 1-Year Master's in Hydrogeology

Program aims to quickly train next generation of water experts as shortages increase worldwide

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:23am

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The University of Arizona has launched a new 1-Year Master's in Hydrogeology program to help address growing global water shortages. The program, developed by the renowned Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, provides an intensive curriculum to train students in the science and practical realities of managing groundwater resources. The program was created in memory of Professor Tom Meixner, a leader in the field who was tragically murdered on campus in 2022.

Why it matters

Water scarcity is a critical issue worldwide, with demands on groundwater supplies increasing as surface water sources become depleted. The 1-Year MS in Hydrogeology program aims to quickly produce a new generation of hydrogeologists equipped to tackle these challenges and help ensure sustainable water resources for the future.

The details

The 1-Year MS in Hydrogeology program at the University of Arizona takes an integrated, hands-on approach, with students working as a cohort through rigorous coursework in physical and chemical hydrogeology, analysis tools, measurement methods, and communication. Students also complete individual research projects from proposal to final presentation. The program was launched under the leadership of Professor Paul 'Ty' Ferre, but additional funding is now needed to support a new program coordinator as Ferre approaches retirement.

  • The 1-Year MS in Hydrogeology program began in 2022.
  • Professor Tom Meixner, who helped develop the program, was murdered on campus in October 2022.
  • The program is currently in its inaugural year with a full cohort of students.
  • Next year's cohort for the program is already filling quickly.

The players

Tom Meixner

A professor, researcher, and leader in the field of hydrology who helped develop the 1-Year MS in Hydrogeology program at the University of Arizona before being tragically murdered on campus in 2022.

Paul 'Ty' Ferre

The Distinguished Professor of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences who currently leads the 1-Year MS in Hydrogeology program, but is soon to retire.

Meixner Foundation

A volunteer organization created by Meixner's former colleagues, area hydrology professionals, and others to establish a salary stipend endowment in Meixner's name to help attract and retain future program coordinators for the 1-Year MS in Hydrogeology.

University of Arizona Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences

The renowned academic department that developed the 1-Year MS in Hydrogeology program to quickly train a new generation of hydrogeologists.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Meixner Foundation is working to secure additional funding to support a new professor to coordinate the 1-Year MS in Hydrogeology program at the University of Arizona as the current program leader, Professor Ferre, approaches retirement.

The takeaway

The 1-Year MS in Hydrogeology program at the University of Arizona represents a critical effort to quickly train the next generation of water experts needed to address growing global water scarcity challenges. The program's innovative, hands-on curriculum and focus on practical application aims to produce highly skilled hydrogeologists to help ensure sustainable water resources for the future.