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Irrigation Technology Programs and Courses
Irrigation Technology Programs and Courses
Irrigation technology programs are typically offered at the certificate and associate's degree levels, and cover topics in agriculture and water conservation as well as include a hands-on training component. Continue reading for more information about this career and what you can learn in an irrigation technology program.
What You Need to Know
Irrigation technologists often work on projects to determine the best way to complete irrigation systems to serve the needs of the operation while conserving water. Degrees are not strictly required for work in this field, but you may improve your odds of getting the career you want by completing some postsecondary education. Programs can be found at the certificate and associate's degree level, with classes and internships available to provide the training you need.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td>Certificates and associate's degrees in irrigation technology, water management or irrigation management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Classes</b></td><td>Technical welding, agriculture, fluid hydraulics, energy conservation and water pumps</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td>Some programs offer internships</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatCertificateProgramsAreAvailable">What Certificate Programs Are Available?</h3><p>Certificate programs usually take a year to complete. Depending on the program, you can transfer credits earned to an associate's or bachelor's degree program. Typically, the courses in a certificate program cover only topics relevant to the field.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAssociateSDegreesCanIFind">What Associate's Degrees Can I Find?</h3><p>Irrigation technology programs are also found at the associate's degree level. Relevant fields of study may include irrigation technology, water management or irrigation management technology. Associate's degree programs consist of two or more years of study, and some schools allow transfer options to a 4-year bachelor's degree program. Curricula consist of a combination of general education, core professional courses and field-specific electives. An Associate of Science or an Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences in Irrigation Technology may be available.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTopicsWillIStudy">What Topics Will I Study?</h3><p>Irrigation technology programs often have no prerequisites, but having some work experience in the field may make the subject easier to understand. You can expect to take classes in:
</p><ul><li>Technical welding
</li><li>Agriculture
</li><li>Fluid hydraulics
</li><li>Energy conservation
</li><li>Water pumps
</li><li>Irrigation and drainage
</li><li>Irrigation wells
</li><li>System design and maintenance
</li></ul><p>Most degree programs include internships with local design, irrigation or landscaping companies. Internships are typically made available to you during your second semester and may include paid positions. You may also find some programs offered online, though lab work and internships require on-campus or on-site attendance.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsIrrigationTechnology">What Is Irrigation Technology?</h3><p>Technically, there is no minimum degree requirement to work in irrigation technology. However, the relatively recent focus on environmental protection has made employers look more favorably on applicants with a degree or certificate in the field. Particularly applicable programs include instruction on alternate energy, water conservation or other environmentally friendly practices.
</p><p>Irrigation technology is the science of planning, installing and maintaining stationary and pivoting sprinklers and watering systems. Technologists survey properties and other areas, research the water needs of the vegetation in the area, design irrigation systems, schedule and oversee the installation of those systems and maintain them after installation.
</p><p>Irrigation specialists are also concerned with water conservation. Because water is a non-renewable natural resource essential to all living organisms, technologists work to develop and implement ways to recycle or reduce the amount of water used during irrigation. This task may arise when working with state or local governments, large institutions or agricultural operations to provide efficiency in water usage.</p>
