Wastewater Management Degrees: Online Programs
Wastewater management combines science and engineering to help preserve the earth and its natural resources. Read on to learn about online degree programs, what you'll learn, other degree options and careers in the field.
What Wastewater Management Degrees Can I Earn Online?
Online programs related to wastewater management are available at most levels of study. At the undergraduate level, you can earn an associate's or bachelor's degree entirely online. If you're interested in graduate-level programs, you could pursue a master's degree or graduate certificate.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Programs are available at the associate's, bachelor's, master's and graduate certificate levels</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Biological wastewater treatment, water pollution control, surface water hydrology, storm water system design</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Additional Degree Options</b></td><td>Associate's degrees in water environmental technology and water quality technology; bachelor's or master's degrees in sustainable management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Wastewater operator, pollution technician, civil engineer, government research or analysis position</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$49,090 (<i>for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>4% decline (<i>for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInOnlineCourses">What Will I Learn in Online Courses?</h3><p>Your courses will focus on ecology, water treatment, environmental health and protection, water management and water supply. Some courses you might see in your curriculum include:
</p><ul><li>Water pollution control
</li><li>Water treatment processes
</li><li>Storm water system design and monitoring
</li><li>Biological wastewater treatment
</li><li>Water resources planning, management and sustainability
</li><li>Surface water hydrology
</li></ul><p>Usually, online courses will be presented through a course website. You'll log onto this website to meet with your instructor and peers for lectures and discussions; you'll usually submit your assignments through this website or through e-mail. All online programs require regular access to a computer with an Internet connection.
</p><h3 id="section---DoWastewaterManagementProgramsGoByDifferentNames">Do Wastewater Management Programs Go By Different Names?</h3><p>At the associate's degree level, you can find online programs specifically in water environmental technology or water quality technology. Bachelor's or master's programs in sustainable management or environmental engineering may focus solely on wastewater management, but many include additional courses in natural resource management. You may be able to specialize in wastewater management within these degree programs. You may also be able to earn an online graduate certificate in environmental engineering with a focus on water resources issues.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do with My Degree?</h3><p>Job eligibility will depend on the level of education you complete; some positions may require prior experience. You may find a position as a wastewater operator or a pollution technician. You could work as a civil engineer, specializing in wastewater system design. You might find a government job at the city, county, state or federal level, in research or analysis.</p>