Water Quality Technology

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/water-quality-technology/

Program Number: 10-527-2
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Online
This program is eligible for financial aid

Receive top-of-the-line education and training needed to become a water technology expert through the Water Quality Technology program at Moraine Park.

About the Program

Water quality issues are continuing to increase in the country—and so are career opportunities in the water technology industry. Moraine Park’s Water Quality Technology program prepares students for a rewarding technical career through hands-on training and industry expertise.

What You'll Learn

Through targeted instruction and an on-the-job internship, students learn how to test, analyze and improve operational procedures at water treatment facilities. Students unable to secure an internship will have opportunities to do a research project. The Water Quality Technology program gives students confidence to determine and employ optimization strategies for water treatment processes.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Additional Information

Graduates are strongly encouraged to pursue obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

 
 

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Tuition

Occupational

  • $149.50 per credit (resident)
  • $224.25 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $5.00 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $13.45 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.

Course Requirements 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
527-100 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment 3
527-130 Groundwater Supply and Distribution 3
801-136 English Composition 1 3
804-107 College Mathematics 3
890-101 College 101 2
 Credits15
Semester 2
527-103 Conventional Wastewater Treatment 3
527-111 Water Chemistry 4
527-131 Surface Water Supply and Treatment 3
Communication Course 3
Social Science Course 3
 Credits16
Semester 3
527-105 Advanced Wastewater Treatment Processes 4
527-120 Hydraulics of Water and Wastewater 3
527-129 Utility Management 3
527-136 Equipment Maintenance and Instrumentation 4
Behavioral Science Course 3
 Credits17
Semester 4
527-125 Industrial Wastes 3
527-150 Advanced Water Treatment 3
527-171
Water Quality Internship
or Water Quality Research
3
809-195 Economics 3
 Credits12
Required Elective Credits
Required Elective Credits (can be taken any semester) 3
 Credits3
 Total Credits63

Program Outcomes

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

Program Opportunities

Moraine Park offers courses and seminars to help students prepare for various Department 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 the Wisconsin Water Operator Certification Training course page for more information.

Career Opportunities

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

Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates

$55,585