Water Environmental Technology, A.A.S.
Entry Time
Fall, Spring or Summer
Award
Associate of Applied Science degree
2 years (5 terms including summer)
This innovative program provides students with real-world experience with either a one-year or two-year program for preparation in the water and wastewater fields. The two-year degree includes technical study in water/wastewater procedures, complemented by math, science, social science, humanities classes as well as an internship. The Water Environmental Technology program comes to you via Environmental Technology Online. The classes were developed by the Kirkwood Community College, Environmental Training Center. Students may transfer credits from this program to the University of Northern Iowa toward a bachelor’s degree in technology management.
Graduates of this program work in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants and the collection systems and distribution systems that serve them. All operators are required by law to be certified. This program provides training and educational experiences that will prepare you for certification examinations. Work experience requirements must be met before you are eligible to take an examination for certification. Be sure to refer to the certifying body in your state to determine eligibility.
The main objective of the program is to provide a comprehensive educational opportunity for immediate and future plan operators and treatment employees and managers. People who may be interested in the program:
- Entry-level students interested in entering the field of water or wastewater treatment technology.
- Plant operators working on improving their industry certification level through attainment of coursework.
- Plant operators laddering their education into the Water Environmental Technology degree.
Career Opportunities
- municipal water utilities
- municipal wastewater treatment plants
- rural water systems
- industrial waste treatment facilities
- engineering firms
- privately owned water/wastewater plants
Degree Requirements
| Term 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| WAT-308 | Wastewater Analysis | 3 |
| WAT-307 | Wastewater Treatment I | 4 |
| WAT-306 | Wastewater Collection Systems | 4 |
| CHM-110 | Introduction to Chemistry | 3 |
| MAT-102 | Intermediate Algebra 1 | 4 |
| Term Totals: | 18 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Spring | ||
| WAT-304 | Water Treatment I | 4 |
| WAT-305 | Water Distribution Systems | 4 |
| WAT-300 | Water Analysis | 3 |
| Communications Course 1 | 3 | |
| Term Totals: | 14 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Summer | ||
| WAT-932 | Internship | 3 |
| Term Totals: | 3 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CSC-116 | Information Computing 1 | 3 |
| WAT-312 | Water Treatment II | 4 |
| WAT-400 | Permits and Administration | 1 |
| WAT-301 | Basic Mech Maint & Pumps | 3 |
| Communications Course 1 | 3 | |
| Term Totals: | 14 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| Spring | ||
| WAT-311 | Wastewater Treatment II | 4 |
| WAT-210 | Wastewater Treatment: Industrial | 4 |
| SOC-110 | Introduction to Sociology 1 | 3 |
| WAT-401 | Water and Wastewater Management | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Environmental Science 1 | ||
| Microbiology 1 | ||
| Humanities or History/Culture Course 1 | 3 | |
| Term Totals: | 19 | |
| Program Totals: | 68 | |
- 1
Courses may be taken before beginning the program.
Optional Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WAT-924 | Honors Project | 1 |