Water Technology, A.S.

Water Technology is a career oriented non-transfer vocational program offering courses leading to a certificate and/or an Associate degree. The Water Technology program at MSJC emphasizes a real world approach to diagnostic skill building and a thorough understanding of system theory and operations. Professionalism, workplace skills and responsibilities are stressed along with safety and an awareness of hazardous materials control. Graduates are primarily employed by cities, counties, federal agencies and industry that operate and maintain water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and/or wastewater treatment systems. They may also find employment in support roles such as equipment sales. For individuals currently working within these fields, there may be potential for salary and/or career advancement. 

In addition to the 18 units of the certificate program in Water Technology, students must also complete all MSJC General Education Option A requirements (a total of 60 units) for the Associate of Science degree in Water Technology. Certification by the state of California requires the qualified individual to: 1) pass an examination administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, the American Water Works Association, or the California Water Environment Association; 2) meet the experience and/or educational minimum requirements; 3) and, submit a certification application with the applicable fee. The Cooperative Work Experience Education course, CWEE WATR-549, is highly recommended course for students not currently employed in the field. 

AS.WT

Design Your Future!

Begin by exploring MSJC program maps to find career or transfer opportunities.  Program maps show the recommended course sequence that leads to graduation or transfer. The maps were developed by program experts to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.    

  • Starting in Spring? Choose Fall Semester 1 courses.   
  • Are you a part-time student?  Start Fall Semester 1 courses and follow the course sequence.

MSJC General Education Option A

This program provides students with focused program options. A focused program map contains courses that help students specialize in a distinct area and connects to careers.  Talk to a counselor about preparing for transfer to specific schools.

Wastewater Treatment Focus

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Semester 1Units
WATR-790 Basic Waterworks Mathematics (formerly WATR-090) 2
WATR-500 Introduction to Water/Wastewater Operations (formerly WATR-100) 1
GEOG-108 World Regional Geography 3
PHIL-105 Introduction to Ethics 3
CSCR-502 Personal Success Habits of Highly Effective People (formerly GUID-120) 3
ENGL-101 College Composition (formerly Freshman Composition) 4
 Units16
Spring Semester 1
WATR-503 Water Treatment Plant Operations I & II (formerly WATR-103) 3
WATR-520 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations I & II (formerly WATR-120) 3
PS-101 Introduction to American Government and Politics 3
COMM-103 Interpersonal Communication 3
MATH-105 College Algebra 4
 Units16
Fall Semester 2
WATR-522 Wastewater Plant Operations III, IV & V (formerly WATR-122) 3
WATR-525 Test Procedures for Water and Wastewater (formerly WATR-125) 3
WATR-530 Environmental Laws and Regulations (formerly WATR-130) 3
GEOG-115 Introduction to Geographic Information Science 3
MGT-500 Introduction to Management (formerly MGT-103) 3
 Units15
Spring Semester 2
BIOL-146
Biodiversity
or Conservation Biology
3
GEOG-520 Intermediate Geographic Information Science 3
COMM-117 Organizational Communication (formerly Professional Communication) 3
MGT-505 Organizational Behavior (formerly MGT-108) 3
MGT-770 Productivity Management (formerly MGT-133) 3
 Units15
 Total Units62

Water Distribution Focus

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Semester 1Units
WATR-790 Basic Waterworks Mathematics (formerly WATR-090) 2
WATR-500 Introduction to Water/Wastewater Operations (formerly WATR-100) 1
GEOG-108 World Regional Geography 3
PHIL-105 Introduction to Ethics 3
CSCR-502 Personal Success Habits of Highly Effective People (formerly GUID-120) 3
ENGL-101 College Composition (formerly Freshman Composition) 4
 Units16
Spring Semester 1
WATR-503 Water Treatment Plant Operations I & II (formerly WATR-103) 3
WATR-507 Water Distribution I & II (formerly WATR-107) 3
PS-101 Introduction to American Government and Politics 3
COMM-103 Interpersonal Communication 3
MATH-105 College Algebra 4
 Units16
Fall Semester 2
WATR-509 Water Distribution III, IV & V (formerly WATR-109) 3
WATR-530 Environmental Laws and Regulations (formerly WATR-130) 3
WATR-740 Wells, Pumps and Motors (formerly WATR-140) 3
GEOG-115 Introduction to Geographic Information Science 3
MGT-500 Introduction to Management (formerly MGT-103) 3
 Units15
Spring Semester 2
BIOL-146
Biodiversity
or Conservation Biology
3
GEOG-520 Intermediate Geographic Information Science 3
COMM-117 Organizational Communication (formerly Professional Communication) 3
MGT-505 Organizational Behavior (formerly MGT-108) 3
MGT-770 Productivity Management (formerly MGT-133) 3
 Units15
 Total Units62

Water Treatment Focus

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Semester 1Units
WATR-790 Basic Waterworks Mathematics (formerly WATR-090) 2
WATR-500 Introduction to Water/Wastewater Operations (formerly WATR-100) 1
GEOG-108 World Regional Geography 3
PHIL-105 Introduction to Ethics 3
CSCR-502 Personal Success Habits of Highly Effective People (formerly GUID-120) 3
ENGL-101 College Composition (formerly Freshman Composition) 4
 Units16
Spring Semester 1
WATR-503 Water Treatment Plant Operations I & II (formerly WATR-103) 3
WATR-507 Water Distribution I & II (formerly WATR-107) 3
PS-101 Introduction to American Government and Politics 3
COMM-103 Interpersonal Communication 3
MATH-105 College Algebra 4
 Units16
Fall Semester 2
WATR-505 Water Treatment Plant Operations III, IV & V (formerly WATR-105) 3
WATR-525 Test Procedures for Water and Wastewater (formerly WATR-125) 3
WATR-530 Environmental Laws and Regulations (formerly WATR-130) 3
GEOG-115 Introduction to Geographic Information Science 3
MGT-500 Introduction to Management (formerly MGT-103) 3
 Units15
Spring Semester 2
BIOL-146
Biodiversity
or Conservation Biology
3
GEOG-520 Intermediate Geographic Information Science 3
COMM-117 Organizational Communication (formerly Professional Communication) 3
WATR-509 Water Distribution III, IV & V (formerly WATR-109) 3
MGT-505 Organizational Behavior (formerly MGT-108) 3
 Units15
 Total Units62

Note: AREA G (Math Competency) can be demonstrated by a high school math course at or above the level of Algebra 2 with a grade of C or better.

An Associate Degree in this program requires students to follow MSJC's General Education, Option A and complete all general education areas, all major requirements, and complete an overall total of 60 degree applicable units with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Course Title Credits
MSJC General Education Option A24
Required Water Technology Courses3
Water Technology Electives15
Electives (as needed to reach 60 units)
Course Title Credits
Required Courses
WATR-500Introduction to Water/Wastewater Operations (formerly WATR-100)1
WATR-790Basic Waterworks Mathematics (formerly WATR-090)2
or WATR-795 Wastewater Technology Math
Elective Courses
Select 15 units of the following:15
Water Treatment Plant Operations I & II (formerly WATR-103)
Water Treatment Plant Operations III, IV & V (formerly WATR-105)
Water Distribution I & II (formerly WATR-107)
Water Distribution III, IV & V (formerly WATR-109)
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations I & II (formerly WATR-120)
Wastewater Plant Operations III, IV & V (formerly WATR-122)
Test Procedures for Water and Wastewater (formerly WATR-125)
Introduction to Wastewater Collections
Environmental Laws and Regulations (formerly WATR-130)
Introduction to Water Use Efficiency
Introduction to Water Utility Management
Wells, Pumps and Motors (formerly WATR-140)
Total Units18

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Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer.