Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Environmental Science - Water/Wastewater Specialization

Associate of Applied Science
Mountain Empire Community College

The Water/Wastewater Major student will take course work from a wide array of natural resource offerings. These courses stress the practical application of scientific principles to the treatment of water for human consumption and for protection of water resources.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Possess the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an entry-level position in a water/wastewater treatment facility.
2. Become knowledgeable about processes and equipment used in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures related to water and wastewater treatment processes.
4. Demonstrate basic knowledge of microbiology and chemistry applicable to water and wastewater treatment.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of hydraulic systems as related to water and wastewater systems.
6. Analyze and solve operational problems and perform mathematical calculations related to water and wastewater treatment processes.
7. Describe major concepts, theories, and classic research studies in environmental science.
8. Operate a treatment plant in a respectable and ethical manner as dictated by state and federal regulations.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The Water/Wastewater Major student will take course work from a wide array of natural resource offerings.  These courses stress the practical application of scientific principles to the treatment of water for human consumption and for protection of water resources.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.
Distance Education Option: The entire Water/Wastewater Program can be completed through distance education courses. All technical courses are available through at water.mecc.edu. All support courses are available through web-based instruction.
Opportunities for Advancement: Coursework in the Water/Wastewater major prepares students for the state certification exam required for a water or wastewater operator’s license. This license is essential for career advancement. Students will also be able to keep abreast of technological advances in the field of environmental science, thus furthering career opportunities in this and related fields.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses The entire Water/Wastewater Program can be completed through distance education courses. All technical courses are available through at water.mecc.edu. All support courses are available through web based instruction. Students may receive college credit for verified on-the-job experience.
Doing More With Your Degree The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Environmental Science is designed to prepare students for employment in municipal and industrial treatment facilities and laboratories. State agencies and private companies also employ MECC Environmental Science graduates. As environmental concerns continue to make news headlines, the job market continues to expand.
Program Successes & Highlights Coursework in the Water/Wastewater major prepares students for the state certification exam required for a water or wastewater operator’s license. This license is essential for career advancement. Students will also be able to keep abreast of technological advances in the field of environmental science, thus furthering career opportunities in this and related fields.
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Environmental Science - Water/Wastewater Specialization
65
Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Science Degree Water/Wastewater Specialization
65
Course Requirements for 828-02
65
Core Requirements for 828-02
65
SDV 101
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENV 110
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENV 220
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MTH 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
SCT 111
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HUM EEE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENV 115
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
NAS 106
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SCT 112
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENV 108
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENV 149
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENV 227
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HLT/PED
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Social Science Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Social Science Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CIV 240
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CIV 246
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENV 211
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENV 290
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Technical Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
MTH 105 & 106
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Residency
65
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 48 credits may be applied to this program.
Plan GPA for 828-02
65
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Integrated Environmental StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
19-1031.00Conservation ScientistsManage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4071.00Forest and Conservation TechniciansProvide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1032.00ForestersManage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1043.00Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-1031.03Park NaturalistsPlan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1031.02Range ManagersResearch or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 65 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Environmental Science - Water/Wastewater Specialization at Mountain Empire Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $167 Per Credit $10,855 $0 $10,855
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.