Watershed Management
The Watershed Management program at Columbia College is a perfect stepping stone on the way to a successful career in watershed and water resources management. Between the skills and knowledge you gain from our courses, and with the surrounding region providing abundant locales for great field study (Hetch Hetchy system, Tuolumne and Stanislaus rivers, New Melones and Lyons reservoirs, Pinecrest and Don Pedro lakes, etc.), there are tremendous opportunities for unique job-related experience for a variety of careers in the field.
Core Watershed Management classes include:
- Introduction to Water Resource Management
- Soil Resources
- Introduction to Maps
- Natural Resource Conservation
Related Electives include:
- Introduction to Watershed Management
- Drinking Water Treatment
- Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants
- Water Use Efficiency
- Geographic Information Systems
Watershed Management Majors go into a variety of careers. Some examples are:
| At the Certificate Level: | At the Associate's Level: | At the Bachelor's Level or Beyond: |
| Water Treatment Operator I/II | First-line supervisor of plant operation workers | Environmental or Civil Engineer |
| Water Distribution Operator I/II | Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operator | Environmental science and protection technicians |
| Water Systems Assistant I/II | Environmental engineering technician | Environmental compliance specialist |
Please see a counselor for major preparation and general education that will best meet your specific goals.
| AA-T/AS-T = Associate of Arts/Science Degree for Transfer | Earned by completing requirements in the academic major, a transfer general education pattern, and a total of 60 transferable units that would be the typical first two years of a 4-year degree; provides a clear transfer pathway to CSU. |
| AA/AS = Associate of Arts/Science Degree | Earned by completing requirements in the academic major, a general education pattern, and a total of 60 degree-applicable units. |
| COA = Certificate of Achievement | Formally recognizes a student’s competence in a program of study and prepares students for employment in a career/technical field. Also available for completion of a General Education Pattern for transfer. Will appear on the student’s academic transcript. |
| SAC = Skills Attainment Certificate | Prepares students for employment with experience in specific career/technical fields. Do not appear on official transcripts. |
