Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is Recycling Technology?

Recycling Technology is a field of study focused on optimizing water usage.  By effectively managing biological, physical, chemical, and radiological components of water, professionals can better manage usage.  The curriculum within the Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment, and Recycling Technology degree programs include the ability to understand water through a human lens.  By accurately sampling and testing water, recycling technologists can best understand physical and chemical characteristics that affect human consumption and overall water usage.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Recycling Technology Degree

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology offers adult education programs, vocational trainings, and degree programs, with some of these programs including construction, welding, healthcare, and food service.

CPI is approved by the Pennsylvania Vocational Institutions Commission and is committed to providing services and preparation for individuals who aspire to pursue their ideal careers. Water and Recycling Technology is an interdisciplinary field of study that involves the principles of proper water use and treatment. As an institution who strives to guide their students achieve success, CPI makes sure that their curriculum is tailored to educate their students through and through. Financial assistance is also provided in the form of grants and loans.

Acceptance Rate

89.77

Tuition

$15,340 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a two-year college that offers programs such as Automotive Technology, Cabinetmaking, Plumbing Technology, Water & Environmental Technology, and Business Administration. Just like every other school who strives to produce graduates of a great caliber no matter the economic status, Thaddeus Stevens also offers financial aid in the form loans and Pell grants.

The school's course aims to educate people with the processes, equipment, instruments, regulations, and laws that are related to water maintenance, perform calculations, and demonstrate skillful water treatment. This idea is to assist the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and provide them with competent operators of potable water. Once the program is successfully completed, a student will obtain a certificate.  

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Alaska Fairbanks, a public educational institution located in Fairbanks, Alaska, is an open-ended institution that provides courses in different fields of research such as psychology, humanities, and business research and marketing.

The school also provides sports programs to enable students to participate in inter-university sports competitions. University of Alaska Fairbanks’ College of Natural Science and Mathematics provides undergraduate and graduate programs in courses related to natural science and mathematics. These courses include biology, wildlife, and statistics. To better enhance their students’ knowledge and skills, they are given chances to work with the faculty on research studies.

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Colorado Mesa University is a liberal arts college whose purpose is to protect people from religious beliefs, gender, race, ancestry, marital status, and sexual orientation. They open admissions, allowing interested learners to apply for and register with the school.

Water Quality Management is a program that teaches students the proper and correct use of equipment used in water processes and understand the responsibilities of a water technician. Students may choose from 7 different career focuses, namely: Water Quality Management, Introduction to Wastewater Treatment, Mathematics in Water Quality, Small Systems, Wastewater Collection and Treatment, Water Distribution and Collection Systems, and Water Distribution and Treatment. After the plan is completed, depending on their research focus, they may take up positions such as distribution technicians, collection technicians, and water resources experts.

Acceptance Rate

78.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Puente Manor Adult Education Center is a public institution approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is currently working hard to get their training program approved by the Vocational Education Commission. Some of the programs they offer are nursing, cosmetology, and bookkeeping.

The Water Technology degree program aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills for use in the water industry. This is to provide the community with qualified water technology professionals in response to the growing needs of the community. From Tuesdays to Thursdays at 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, they will engage in classroom discussions and laboratory sessions that will help them in their chosen career path.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,300 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

32:1

Flagler Technical Institute’s goal is to empower the community it serves by providing high quality education to individuals who will be shaped to become culturally enriches, physically fit, and economically self-sufficient. The core programs they provide include PC support, commercial truck driving and emergency medical technicians.

Flagler Institute of Technology prides itself on nurturing capable individuals who are aware of their responsibility to the environment.  The FIT degree in water systems is designed to equip students with the skills and abilities they need in the workforce. The school also runs activities and other planning initiatives for adults with disabilities.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$1,039 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The courses offered by the Salina Regional Technical College include commercial and advertising art, architectural technology, dental assistants, automatic collision repair and recycling technology. Interested students can apply through the online application on its website.

The top rated recycling technology degree focuses on how to best manage and use water. Experts in the field study water to better understand the best way to maintain water quality. The school uses its experts to provide students with concepts on how to use high-end facilities to treat water.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Founded in 1912, Moraine Park Technical College is one of the 16 institutions that make up the Wisconsin Technical College system established by law in 1911. The institution offers a two-year course and an open admission system, allowing individuals to apply after completing the application process.

To educate people who not only need to be leaders in their industry but also work with integrity, Moraine Park Institute of Technology offers a two-year associate degree in water quality technology. Their aim is to foster care for the environment. The program includes courses related to chemistry and management, hydraulics, and water and wastewater.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, Bismarck is a community college that offers four-year programs, filled with the dedication to provide educational opportunities to students of all kinds. Requirements at BSU will depend on the program Students are eager to participate.

Water and Wastewater Technology degree at Bismarck State College grants a student a certificate once completed. The job of a water and wastewater operator includes managing and controlling water machines by applying mechanical and chemical knowledge taught to them in classroom discussions and laboratory activities. The course is offered in the spring and fall semesters and classes will be done online.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Pinellas Technical Education Center provides a wide range of programs in more than 40 fields of study including plumbing and dental assisting. It is hoped that the graduates of this institution will do their best to apply their learning achievements to their fields of work.

Anyone over the age of 16 can apply for as long as they are not admitted to any university at the time of application. Their courses are designed to teach students to interpret water as an essential element for maintaining and treating water. Financial aid can also be provided to students through loans, scholarships, and grants.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,190 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Established in 1966, White Mountains Community College is a fully accredited school offering 42 certificate or associate degree programs including culinary arts, liberal arts, massage therapy, and accounting. The school is located in Berlin, New Hampshire and is committed to providing quality education to all voters.

The Associate in Science in Environmental Science program of WMCC is designed to teach their students how to properly care for nature and maintain the cleanliness of lakes, streams, and other bodies of water. Job occupations upon the completion of this program include Forest and Conservation Technicians, Fish and Game Wardens, Energy Brokers, and Solar Energy Installation Managers. Since the program encompasses a wide range of focuses related to the environment, it is an ideal program for those who desire to work in the environmental resource field.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Southern Crescent Technical College, a result of two pre-existing institutions that were joined, provides deep-rooted learnings to individuals through a diversified range of associate and certificate programs. Located in Griffin, Georgia, the school also offers programs that grant students a diploma upon completion.

To be enrolled in Southern Crescent Technical College’s Water Quality Technician major, applicants must be at least 16 years old and fulfill the assessment requirements. The program’s aim is to educate people who are seeking to work in the water industry. They will be required to take 4 courses, namely: Introduction to Water Treatment Processes, Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment with each course having 3 units.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Established in 1970, Lewis and Clark Community College is a diverse community of learners who are seeking for high quality education. With equality, freedom and human dignity, L&C provides services to more than 26,000 individuals every year, providing them with guidance on their path to success.

Environmental science is a technical discipline whose purpose is to combine hands-on and laboratory skills in chemistry and biology with general education courses to ensure that its students have a deep foundation in the basic skills required by water technicians. After the program is completed, students can obtain an associate degree in science or a certificate of proficiency. Employment opportunities for environmental technicians may appear in the private sector, government agencies and non-profit organizations.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Santa Barbara City College is an affordable community college that offers over 80 academic degree programs and 50 career technical programs. Located in Santa Barbara, California, does not only provide quality education but also entertainment and wholesome activities to their students in the form of sports that are open for both men and women.

Santa Barbara City College’s Water Technology Education can be completed after taking 24 to 27 class units. Students enrolled in this program will be taught to apply problem solving techniques to solve problems related to water/wastewater, identify the use of different equipment used in water systems, and learn how maintain water sanitation. To ensure that the individual needs of a student is administered, individuals may make an appointment with the SBCC academic counselor.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

Accredited by the Northwest Commission on College and Universities, Lower Columbia College is a two-year institution devoted to help low-income people and people of color achieve success. They academic transfer programs and career training programs to suit the needs of their enrollees, with programs in anthropology, political science, and criminal justice.

Lower Columbia College’s Recycling Technology courses are a response to the environment’s call for action on the different issues that affect the entire human race. This course will prepare students to be disciplined, to be aware of political, economic, and ecological dimensions, and to be skilled in finding solutions for the betterment of the environment by providing them with the basic knowledge on theories and cultivating skills. The community college also offers financial aid to their students through grants, scholarships, benefits, and more.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Green River Community College is a fully accredited college that not only offers transferable two-year degree programs, but also technical courses. To make their student’s college life even more enjoyable, they also offer sports such as basketball and volleyball for men and women.

The top ranked degree in Water and Wastewater Technology aims to provide individuals with skills and knowledge for entry-level employment in the tap water or wastewater treatment industry. Graduates of this program are expected to contribute to the solutions of water and wastewater issues in the United States, imbued with integrity and dependability. All courses in the program are supervised by the Washington Environmental Training Center.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Citrus College is a public two-year college offering degree, technical, and certificate programs in different areas of study including business, liberal arts, psychology, and sociology. The institution is located at Glendora, California and has more than 12,000 students each year.

It is currently expanding its facilities to maintain its goal of providing quality education to students. Citrus College’s Environmental Science and Water Quality Courses show environmental problems in a scientific lens. This course aims to explore the relationship between the environment and the social system through understanding and finding ways to solve environmental problems in classroom discussions and laboratory experiments. High school graduates who are interested in enrolling may do so if they pass the application process.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

43:1

College of the Canyons, established in 1967, is a two-year community college that educates on different fields of study such as paralegal studies, biotechnology, film and video production, and child development studies. Just recently, the institution received additional funding to improve their courses and expand their facilities to ensure they can meet the needs of students.

Water system technology major at the College of the Canyons brings students to the study of water, water treatment and wastewater treatment processes, and water distribution. The curriculum of the program is tailored for people who are looking to work in the field of water or wastewater systems. Guided by the theories taught in class discussions and the skills acquired in laboratory activities, students will be able to work satisfactorily in the water industry after graduation.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Northern Maine Community College is a public two-year institution that offers an extensive variation of programs such as accounting, liberal studies, business administration, and nursing, along with academic transfer and vocational programs. Individuals interested in applying can do so for as long as they complete and review the school's application process.

NMCC’s Water Treatment Technology degree program equips their students the basic knowledge of scientific principles used in water treatment to help lessen the shortage of water treatment technicians in Maine and the United States. They will not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also hands-on experience in laboratory exercises. Due to the growing demand for qualified water treatment operators in Maine, graduates of this program will have opportunities in numerous water treatment organizations.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Santa Rosa Junior College is a two-year junior college that offers a BA and BS courses for students seeking to enter a four-year university, and more than 170 vocational certificate programs. SRJC prides itself on having a planetarium, an art gallery, a summer drama troupe and a campus of the Jesse Peter Native American Museum.

SRJC welcomes and serves their students with the greatest enthusiasm. The School of Water Resources Technology provides students with courses in employment in public and private water supply agencies, which include demonstrations, field trips and practical examples of actual situations. The program’s degree and certificate options include Wastewater Treatment Operations (AS), Water Treatment Certificate, and Water Utility Operations Certificate, among six others. They will be guided by experts who are experienced in the water and wastewater treatment industry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Mt. San Antonio College has grown to be one of California’s two biggest community colleges. With students and faculty members receiving awards for their excellence, Mt. SAC strives to offer online learning, associate degree programs, and transfer courses in an environment where diversity and respect for knowledge is embraces and acknowledged.

The school’s environmental research and water technology aim to prepare students to deal with various challenges in the environment through an in-depth understanding of the human interaction between the environment and the environment itself. Their curricula are designed so that students can gain knowledge not only through classroom discussions but also through laboratory and field instruction. Once the programs is completed, students are expected to be able to examine natural systems and humanity’s behavior toward the environment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Alpena Community College is a public two-year college that provides lifelong learning for individuals through academic transfer and vocational training programs. The institution is located at Alpena, Michigan, and offers courses including general knowledge, anthropology, business management, history, humanities and more.

The institute’s Environmental Science program’s curriculum is designed to cover the different aspects of environmental science including biology, physical geology, and general zoology. ACC also offers a highly regarded Bachelor of Science Degree in Water Resource Management. The curricula of these courses can be modified to suit individual needs and goals. Alpena Community College provides financial assistance programs to help students receive education through scholarships, student loans, grants, and sponsorships.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year institution offering 45 certificate programs, 38 associate degree programs, and 24 diploma programs. They are committed to providing students with lifelong learning services to improve their lives and help promote the country's economic development.

BRCC’s Environmental Safety Courses have Water & Wastewater Recertification Classes with the following course descriptions: Disinfection, Basic Pump Hydraulics & Operating Conditions, Pump Types Components and Repair, Utility Cave-in Protection & Competent Person Training, and Electrical Fundamental, Math Refresher Process Control. These courses can also be customized to suit the needs of a company. The institution also provides financial aid to their students to enable them to continue their education.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Empire Valley College was originally established in 1922 as the Central Junior College. It provides various academic and vocational courses related to history, liberal arts, dental assistants, nursing, and psychology. IVC is an open admissions college.

Anyone can sign up for as long as they meet the minimum requirements set by the institution. Water treatment system technology is a professional program related to the study of water theory and principles. It will help students understand and use their knowledge to make operational changes, adjustments, and assessments. They will be groomed to possess technical knowledge and manipulative skills in the trade of water/wastewater technology. Graduates of this program will receive a certificate of achievement and an associate degree in art or a BS degree.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

31:1

Folsom Lake College is a public community college established in 1993 to provide a wide range of programs and services to boost and improve the success of their students. Located in Dover, Delaware, FLC is committed to providing affordable education to the Folsom community, where students can continue to study business, mathematics, engineering, information technology, and others.

Folsom Lake College’s Wastewater Management degree was created to equip individuals with abilities to meet the competency areas of the field and enhance the abilities of those who are already employed and are seeking to advance in Certified Operator Grade Level. Upon completion of this program, students may apply as Recycled Water Operator, Equipment Maintenance Operator, Backflow Program Manager, and Meter Maintenance Technician, among a few others. The curriculum does not only include extensive class discussions, but also laboratory settings with field trips for hands-on experience.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Top Recycling Technology Degrees

Degree programs in water quality, treatment, and recycling technology are available from several colleges and universities.  Certificate and degree programs may be a viable path for you to consider for your career.  Technical colleges, community colleges, and trade schools of all sizes have created direct degree programs in this area of study.

Water utility science and water quality programs prepare students for employment in wastewater and water quality fields.  Degree programs in water quality and wastewater treatment include Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) tracks.  In addition, several certificate programs exist to help students upskill or enter the field in a variety of positions.  To help you better understand the academic options in greater detail, we have created summaries of the most popular programs below.

Water Quality and Recycling Technology Certificates

Certificate programs are intended to provide students with key skills and knowledge in specific areas of study.  The water quality and recycling technology certificate programs are no different as students and working professionals will need to keep up with changes in the industry.  Students can also use certificate programs as a means to prepare for entry-level jobs in the field.

Certificates can be earned in as few as six months up to two years depending on the course requirements and the number of classes you are able to take at a given time.  Examples of certificate programs in this field include:

  • Distribution and Collection Systems Certificate
  • Mathematics in Water Quality Certificate
  • Laboratory Analysis Certificate
  • Advanced Water Treatment Certification
  • Introduction to Water Treatment Certificate
  • Introduction to Wastewater Treatment Certificate
  • Advanced Wastewater Treatment Certification

Water Quality and Recycling Technology Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in recycling technology and water quality can be earned in about 2-years at most colleges.  AAS degree programs blend general education classes with core science courses to provide students with a well-rounded educational experience.  General education courses can include a combination of the following: history, creative writing, philosophy, statistics, English composition, psychology, and economics.

The core science classes will typically include biology, chemistry, physics and degree-specific courses such as:

  • Water Quality Management
  • Fundamentals of Recycling
  • Recycling Systems
  • Calculations for Water Quality Managers
  • Water Quality Analysis
  • Biological Water Quality Analysis
  • Wastewater Design and Analysis
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Water Disinfection Techniques
  • Hydraulics in Water Quality
  • Safety in Recycling and Water Facilities
  • Water Quality Systems

Water Quality and Recycling Technology Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degrees in water quality and recycling are conferred as a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in most cases.  Much like an associate’s degree, the bachelor degree will include a variety of general education courses along with core curriculum.  By combining the two types of course work, students will develop a greater sense of self along with an integrative set of thinking skills.

The bachelor degree track will typically take students about four years to complete.  A bachelor’s degree is the most popular degree conferred with nearly a third of working adults holding this degree.  Core classes may include a cross-section of lower level courses plus upper level classes in contamination, toxicity, water management, design, bacteriology, distribution, waste collection, recycling management, and hydrology in addition to the following types of courses:

Advanced Recycling Methodologies Water Distribution Test Preparation
Advanced Water Treatment Water Distribution
Water Quality Recycling Management
Recycling and Sustainability Advanced Wastewater Treatment
Water Mathematics and Hydraulics Collection Systems
Wastewater Treatment Advanced Water Distribution
Cross Connection Control Specialist Electrical Wiring and Controls
Water Conservation Practitioner Pumps and Pumping
Water Reclamation and Reuse Water Treatment Fundamentals
Treatment Test Preparation Water Resource Management

 

Educational Requirements in Water Quality

In terms of educational requirements, Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment, and Recycling Technology degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Employment & Water Treatment Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment, and Recycling Technology, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue.  The options range from chemist, materials scientist, environmental scientist, geoscientist, mathematician, hydrologist, physicist, power plant operator, stationary engineer, postsecondary teacher, and astronomer in the public or private domain to name a few possible career tracks.

Where Do Water Quality and Recycling Techs Work?

Graduates from a degree program or certificate track can expect to launch a career with a variety of county, state, or city agencies.  Employment in a public works entity outpaces private industry but both are tenable vocational paths.

Job titles may include any number of the following after graduation: recycling technician, wastewater treatment plant operator, recycling manager, drinking water treatment plant operator, recycling engineer, state regulator, environmental laboratory technician, ultra-pure water technician, industrial pre-treatment coordinator, engineering consultants, surface water management, federal regulator, and recycling consultant.

Job Growth, Salary, and Related Treatment Fields

The job growth in the Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment, and Recycling Technology domain are at and above average.  For example, the rate of job growth for Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment, and Recycling Technology is expected to rise 6% through 2024 and for postsecondary teachers a 13% growth rate is expected during the same period.

Given the nature of the Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment, and Recycling Technology degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include training, research, policy, field work, managing, leading, and directing.

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com