Water Resources - Catalog

NOTE: This program is currently in moratorium.

This program is not accepting new students.  For more information, please contact Ryan Loomis at 447-6904.

The Water Resources Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in water-related fields. Program Graduates can enter regulatory, private, and non-profit entities as water efficiency technicians, hydrologic technicians, and water specialists.

The Water Resource Program is a career-technical curriculum offering an Associate of Applied Science in Water Resources. This AAS degree focuses on water quality and quantity including biologic and environmental aspects of water while also emphasizing the nature of water in relation to earth system processes. A degree in Water Resources will prepare a student to handle a variety of water issues including evaluation of water use patterns, recommending water efficiency techniques, use of GIS and map interpretation, water collection and analysis, interpretation of water policies, technical report writing, and field methodologies.

Note: The Water Resources Program is delivered primarily online. Consult an academic advisor regarding optional coursework if considering transferring credits to a four-year institution.

Gainful Employment

Water Resources Associate of Applied Science

Water Resources Career Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of environmental science and protection technicians is expected to grow by 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as the increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are expected to spur demand for environmental science and protection technicians. Further demand is expected as a result of new and increasingly complex environmental laws and regulations.

Most employment growth for environmental science and protection technicians is projected to be in private consulting firms. More businesses and governments are expected to use these firms in the future to help them monitor and manager the environment and comply with regulations.

Environmental science and protection technicians should have good opportunities for employment. In addition to openings due to growth, many job openings are expected to be created by those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Job candidates with an associate’s degree or experience should have the best opportunities.

Job opportunities available in state and local governments will vary from year to year with the budgets of state and local environmental protection agencies.

For the most current salary information please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook found at www.bls.gov/ooh/.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-science-and-protection-technicians.htm (visited February 26, 2013).

Program Cost:
Approximately $8,700