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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.

  1. Install, operate and maintain instruments used in stream gaging and discharge measurement.
  2. Collect samples, complete field surveys, analyze, and report water quality parameters in the field and laboratory using standard chemical, biological, physical, and field survey techniques commonly utilized in water resource studies.
  3. Collect, recognize and identify aquatic organisms from invertebrate insects to fish species, relating what is found to the habitat and aquatic ecosystem conditions.
  4. Install, operate, and maintain instruments used in collecting hydro-meteorological measurements.
  5. Set up monitoring plans and schedules to collect, measure, analyze and report ground water levels and water quality parameters.
  6. Be familiar with restoration practices used to improve fish habitat and water quality, including techniques to stabilize slopes, recover degraded lakes and stream courses.
  7. Utilize, interpret and analyze maps and aerial photographs in the characterization and management of water resources, including through the use of geographic information systems (GIS).
  8. Operate a hand compass, level, global positioning systems (GPS) and electronic instruments in determining slopes, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
  9. Work safely in a variety of adverse conditions and environments.
  10. Have knowledge and understanding of Federal and State laws that pertain to water and the aquatic environment including a good working knowledge of water rights laws.
  11. Use the computer as a tool for solving water resources problems.
  12. Record, report, analyze and store data gathered according to established protocol.
  13. Write technical reports and give presentations.
  14. Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.

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.

Prepare for College-level English

English placement is required for this program. If your English placement is below ENGL& 101, you’ll need to take following sequence of courses, starting from the level you placed into:
AE 36 → AE 46 and 47 (taken together) → AE 67 → ENGL 99 → ENGL& 101

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.

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

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 90


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
NATRS204
Maps and Aerial Photo Interpretation  
5
WATER109
Introduction to Water Resources  
5
WATER129
Occupational Preparation and Experience  
1
WATER132
Hydrologic Field Projects   1
1
Total Credits
 
17

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS&101
Introduction to Environmental Science  
5
ENVS 232
Applied Research in Hydrology  
3
WATER135
Introduction to Water and Wastewater  
3
WATER205
Differential Leveling  
3
WATER210
Hydrologic Measurement  
3
Total Credits
 
17

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS 220
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resources   3
5
ENVS 226
Fisheries Techniques  
4
ENVS 234
Applied Research in Water/Wastewater Operations   4
3
WATER208
Water Data and Records Analysis  
3
WATER228
Occupational Preparation and Experience  
1
Total Credits
 
16

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS 233
Applied Research in Water Quality   4
3
NATRS221
Applications in Geographic Information Systems  
4
WATER110
Hydrogeology  
5
WATER229
Occupational Preparation and Experience  
1
Total Credits
 
13

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS 211
Weather and Climate  
5
ENVS 231
Applied Research in Geographic Information Systems   4
3
WATER212
Water Law & Policy  
5
Total Credits
 
13

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
3 Must be completed with a 2.0 or higher before advancing to NATRS 221.
4 Students are required to complete a total of 12 credits of Applied Research courses (ENVS 231, 232, 233, 234, 235)

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 9,242
$ 11,460
$ 21,142
Books
$ 150
$ 150
$ 150
Course Fees
$ 989
$ 989
$ 989
Institutional Fees
$ 3,212
$ 3,212
$ 3,212
Total Costs
$ 13,592
$ 15,810
$ 25,492

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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David Stasney

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