Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 VSCC Catalog 
    
2015-2016 VSCC Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Technology Technical Certificate


This technical certificate is a one semester program of study designed to build upon skill sets obtained in the Foundations of Environmental Technology Technical Certificate.  The certificate provides potential for advancement through entry level to mid-level employment opportunities in the utilities industry (water management, wastewater management, etc.). Students may have the opportunity for paid internships within the local utilities industries while completing this certificate.

Completion of the Foundations of Environmental Technology Technical Certificate is required to enroll in BIOL 1070, Environmental Management, and ENVT 1010, Environmental Capstone Seminar, which must be taken concurrently.  Because the certificate may be completed in a single semester, the student will work with the Environmental Technology advisor within the Math and Science Division to schedule all classes and apply for graduation with the technical certificate in the first semester.

Certificate Requirements - Credits (16-17)


Footnotes:


¹ To include microbiology, limnology, (lakes and rivers) power generation, pollution, waste management, air and weather, toxicology, environmental law, (safe drinking water act {focus on MCLs and related limits}, clean water act {focus on NPDES permitting}, RCRA, CERCLA, NEPA, FIFRA, TSCA, NCP, OPA).

² Students will select a topic in their field of endeavor and prepare a research proposal that will be reviewed and approved by a faculty committee.  Once modified and approved, they will research their topic and put together a preliminary draft of the thesis which will be submitted to the faculty member for editing and comment.  This paper will then be finalized and submitted to the committee for final review and approval.  Students will then be required to prepare a PowerPoint presentation of their work and present their research to the committee and other students in the class.  An oral defense of their presentation and research will follow.  If approved by the committee, the certificate will be awarded.  Students failing the oral defense and/or presentation will be allowed to re-take the course (for a maximum of two more attempts).

Total Certificate Requirements - Credits (16-17)


Career and Salary Information


Career Beginning Salary Experienced Salary Median
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant & Operators $25,300 $43,200
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians $26,600 $42,500

Career and salary information taken from onetonline.org. Check out this website for additional information about education requirements and preferred work styles and abilities for these careers.  Salaries are not guaranteed.