McCuen's Hydrologic Analysis and Design, Fourth Edition is intended for a first course in hydrology. The text introduces the reader to the physical processes of the hydrologic cycle, the computational fundamentals of hydrologic analysis, and the elements of design hydrology. Although sections of the book introduce engineering design methods for engineering students, the concepts and methods pertain to students in a range of similar disciplines including geology, geography, forestry, and planning.

The Fourth Edition streamlines the organization of the chapters to strengthen the focus and scope of each section. McCuen remains vigilant of the various ways hydrology is taught, making flexibility a touchstone of the book's structure. The marked flexibility in all 13 chapters provides knowledge about new design procedures, methods, and philosophies.