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Water Science

The Water Science Program at SCC is one of only a few programs of its kind in the United States with direct ties to the United States Geological Survey. Earning the AAS in Water Science provides hands-on experience in the field learning how to measure water flow, collect samples, complete field surveys, analyze and report water quality conditions, and learn about aquatic life and their ecosystems to help improve fish habitat. Additional coursework and training in GIS, water and wastewater operations, and career networking are also part of the degree in preparation for a career in local, state and federal agencies, tribes, and private industry.

Earning the one-year certificate in Water & Wastewater Operations provides foundational general education along with training on specific topics within these fields to help prepare for the Washington State Operator in Training (OIT) exams. Working industry professionals are brought in as adjunct faculty to teach classes providing current and relevant subject matter.

Earning the one-year certificate in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provides up to date training using the latest GIS software versions combined with practical applications and a cap stone project working with a community partners on real world projects. The GIS certificate is embedded within the Water Science AAS degree.

Students completing the Water Science degree can earn a BA or BS degree in Geosciences at Eastern Washington University in 2 years under a 2+2 direct transfer agreement.

  • Overview of Water & Wastewater Systems
  • Wastewater Characteristics & Preliminary Treatment
  • Wastewater Ponds & Biological Treatment
  • Activated Sludge & Nutrient Removal
  • Water Quality & Disinfection for Wastewater Systems
  • Water Systems Operations & Administration
  • Storage Facilities & Distribution System Facilities
  • Distribution System Operation & Maintenance
  • Disinfection & Water Quality for Water Systems
  • Math for Water & Wastewater Operators

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

The Water Science program is designed to prepare students for employment in  water resources, including water and wastewater operations, hydrology and water quality for local, state and federal agencies, and private industry.
 

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 44


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
NATRS112
Natural Resources Mathematical Applications  
5
NATRS120
Basic Computer Applications in Natural Resources  
2
WATER128
Occupational Preparation and Experience  
1
WATER131
Hydrologic Field Projects   1
1
WATER209
Water Quality  
5
Total Credits
 
14

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENGL&101
English Composition I   2
5
ENVS 234
Applied Research in Water/Wastewater Operations  
3
WATER109
Introduction to Water Resources  
5
WATER132
Hydrologic Field Projects   1
1
Total Credits
 
14

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS&101
Introduction to Environmental Science  
5
WATER135
Introduction to Water and Wastewater  
3
WATER210
Hydrologic Measurement  
3
WATER212
Water Law & Policy  
5
Total Credits
 
16

1 Students are required to complete a minimum of 2 of the 6 hydrologic projects (WATER 131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233)
2 May be substituted with WATER 120.

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 4,709
$ 5,717
$ 10,840
Books
$ 51
$ 51
$ 51
Course Fees
$ 127
$ 127
$ 127
Institutional Fees
$ 336
$ 336
$ 1,597
Total Costs
$ 5,223
$ 6,231
$ 12,615

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

Water Science

Students completing the Water Science Progream will have specialized training in:

  • Installing, operating, and maintaining instruments used in stream gaging and discharge measurement

  • Collecting, recognizing, and identifying aquatic organisms from invertebrate insects to fish species, relating what is found to the habitat and aquatic ecosystem conditions

  • Restoration practices used to improve fish habitat and water quality, including techniques to stabilize slopes and recover degraded lakes and stream courses

  • Advanced data collection and analysis techniques pertaining to hydrology

     

Certificate in Water and Wastewater 

Students completing the Certificate in Water and Wastewater will have specialized training in:

  • Common system operations pertaining to both water and wastewater

  • Regulatory permitting requirements common to both water and wastewater

  • Preparation for Operator in Training (OIT) exams for both water and wastewater

  • Networking for internships and job placement
     

Additional Information

Customized options to accommodate online and remote students are available.  We also have a streamlined program for students with bachelor’s degrees. If you already have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university (regardless of your major), you can get through the program quicker while still learning:

  • Stream discharge/gaging measurements using Acoustic Doppler

  • Groundwater and surface water sampling and analyses

  • Watershed restoration monitoring and techniques

  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Have a question? Let's hear it.

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Request Info

Kim Rose

Pathway Specialist
Kim.Rose@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8824

 

Leslie Plum

Workforce Transitions Specialist
Leslie.Plum@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8210

 

John Michel

Academic Counseling Liaison
John.Michel@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7034

 

David Stasney

Department Chair
David.Stasney@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7278

 

JL Henriksen

Division Dean
JL.Henriksen@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8829