Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Course Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Water Environmental Technology, Water Environmental Technology Concentration, AAS


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DMACC’s innovative Water Environmental Technology degree program provides preemployment training as well as advanced courses in water and wastewater technology for those wishing career advancement including state certification upgrade studies. Courses are designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in water and wastewater treatment operations as well as for certification examinations administered by the State of Iowa and those administered by professional associations within the water and wastewater industry. This degree program has both industrial plant operations training and water operations training with an emphasis on hands-on experiences and instruction. Students may choose a concentration in either water treatment, wastewater treatment or both.

Current instructors are experienced water and wastewater professional experts and are up-to-date in industry practices. Classes are built around practical examples of real-world scenarios, demonstrations and field trips to maximize understanding of subject matter. Internships are required.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be qualified to seek employment or advancement in a wide variety of settings including water and wastewater treatment companies and facilities, municipalities and state and federal agencies.

Internships are required. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be qualified to seek employment or advancement in a wide variety of settings including water and wastewater treatment companies and facilities, municipalities and state and federal agencies.

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 area to determine eligibility. In Iowa, visit the DNR website located at http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RegulatoryWater/Certification/WaterWastewaterOperators.aspx.

For more information about the Water Environmental Technology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/water.

Location: Ankeny

Students start any semester.

Program Entry Requirements:

  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.
  4. Complete a high school chemistry course and biology course or equivalent with a “C” or higher.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Water Environmental Technology AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of 2.0 (C) or better is required in all courses required for this degree.

All students take the same courses in Semesters 1-3. In Semesters 4, 5 and 6 students must choose either the Wastewater Treatment Concentration or the Water Environmental Technology Concentration.

Requirements for the Water Environmental Technology Concentration


Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree: Water Environmental Technology Concentration - 71


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$147.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5 Semester 6
Books (approximate) 320 325 300 285 300 10(WAT portion ony)

Approximate total for program: $11,977*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


Students graduating from our two-year program will be immediately qualified for some related employment opportunities, including entry-level positions with municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, industrial water and wastewater treatment plants, and water and wastewater compliance laboratories. You will be well-advanced along the path for state operator certification, which opens many employment doors for you.

You will:

  • Produce and deliver safe drinking water to consumers, thereby protecting public health from waterborne diseases  and other health concerns.
  • Operate facilities and equipment designed to clean up wastewater and maintain or improve our environment.
  • Operate and maintain treatment processes and collection or distribution systems.
  • Operate and monitor controls, computerized systems, and laboratory equipment.
  • Collect and analyze water samples, interpret results, and adjust processes to achieve maximum performance.
  • Make a difference every day.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • A basic knowledge of the traditional sciences, including biology and chemistry.
  • A good knowledge of math and algebra.
  • A willingness to work indoors and outdoors.
  • A desire to protect public health and the environment.
  • Technical abilities and technological skills.
  • Good public relations skills.
  • A willingness to do a variety of tasks that contribute to water or wastewater treatment.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • Water and wastewater environmental technology is a high-growth industry that is very stable and challenging. There are a wide variety of career opportunities and specialties.
  • Field work and other hands-on experience is very important in this field. You will want to make sure you have time in your schedule to complete an internship.
  • If you are a person who is passionate about the environment, able to work with minimal supervision and reliable and accurate in your work ethic, water environmental technology may be the field for you.
  • Average starting salary $28,000-$60,000 (depending on area of interest and level of education), with opportunities to make a much higher income as you advance to higher levels of state certification.

Nondiscrimination Policy


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in employment, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator may be contacted at 515-964-6857.  For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850. (2016)

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