Water Quality Technology

Program Description

Moraine Park’s Water Quality Technology program provides students with the skills and training to perform testing, analysis and treatment to community and industrial water supplies. Water Quality technicians are responsible for ensuring that the water we use is safe and that discharge water is processed effectively. Their work combines the precision and accuracy found in the biochemical laboratory with operational aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Each day, municipalities and industries generate billions of gallons of wastewater that must be collected, analyzed and treated.

Program graduates also have employment opportunities as environmental technicians and field service technicians at companies that design and install water treatment equipment for municipalities and manufacturing companies.

This associate of applied science degree offers targeted instruction and practical experience through online Internet-based courses and an on-the-job internship. Geographical location of the student does not matter, as long as the student can access the Internet. Completion of the degree can occur from anywhere on the globe.

Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$29,412 $48,460

Approximate Costs

• $106 per credit (resident)
• $159 per credit (out-of-state resident)
• *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Career Opportunities

• Water Plant Operator
• Environmental Technician
• Wastewater System Technician
• Field Service Technician
• Water Treatment Equipment Sales Representative
• Industrial Waste Technician

Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Moraine Park offers courses and seminars to help students prepare for various Dept. of Natural Resources certification exams and also offers continuing education courses to maintain certification. These courses are scheduled throughout the year at various locations within Wisconsin.

Visit www.morainepark.edu/watercert for more information.

Program Outcomes

• Analyze and improve operational procedures at water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Test, analyze and treat community and industrial water supplies.
• Analyze and improve equipment maintenance programs for water treatment and waste treatment facilities.
• Determine flow rate in hydraulic designs to control treatment processes.
• Determine industrial waste treatment strategies to minimize impact of waste streams.

Entrance Scores

Admission Process

• Submit the college admission application.
• Submit the $30 one-time fee.
• Submit high school and other official college transcripts.
• Take the college assessment test (Accuplacer, ACT or other). The Accuplacer assessment can be taken at MPTC.
• Meet with Admissions to discuss order of courses and prerequisites (strongly encouraged).
• Check with Admissions if any additional steps are required.