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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.
English placement is not required for this program.

The Water Science program is designed to prepare students for employment in water resources and environmental sciences, including water and wastewater operations, stormwater management, and hydrology, water rights and water quality for local, state and federal agencies, non-profits and private industry.  Students can complete the program on ground or remotely.

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   1
5
NATRS120
Basic Computer Applications in Natural Resources  
2
WATER128
Occupational Preparation and Experience  
1
WATER131
Hydrologic Field Projects  
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   3
5
WATER109
Introduction to Water Resources  
5
WATER129
Occupational Preparation and Experience  
1
WATER132
Hydrologic Field Projects  
1
Total Credits
 
17

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS&101
Introduction to Environmental Science  
5
ENVS 235
Applied Research in Watershed Restoration   4
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  
5
ENVS 226
Fisheries Techniques   5
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   6
5
WATER229
Occupational Preparation and Experience  
1
Total Credits
 
13

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS 211
Weather and Climate  
5
WATER212
Water Law & Policy  
5
 
ENVS 231 or 235  
3
Total Credits
 
13
ENVS 231 or 235: Choose 3 credits ENVS 231 or 235: Choose 3 credits  
ENVS 231
Applied Research in Geographic Information Systems  
3
ENVS 235
Applied Research in Watershed Restoration  
3

ENVS 231 or 235  

 

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENVS 231
Applied Research in Geographic Information Systems  
3
ENVS 235
Applied Research in Watershed Restoration  
3
1 May be substituted for MATH& 142 for students transferring to EWU for the Geosciences program. Prerequisites apply.
2 May be substituted with WATER 120
3 May be substituted with GEOL& 100
4 Students are required to complete a total of 12 credits of any combination of Applied Research courses (ENVS 231, 232, 233, 234, 235).
5 May be substituted with WATER 291
6 May be substituted with ENVS 210

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 9,544
$ 11,488
$ 21,823
Books
$ 106
$ 106
$ 106
Course Fees
$ 341
$ 341
$ 341
Institutional Fees
$ 672
$ 672
$ 3,195
Total Costs
$ 10,663
$ 12,607
$ 25,465

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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Kim Rose

Pathway Specialist
Kim.Rose@scc.spokane.edu

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