Hocking College's Water & Wastewater Management Program to be Offered Online

Beginning in May 2019, classes in the Hocking College’s Water & Wastewater Management program will be available to take online. Students who make the decision to enroll in this program will have the opportunity to get an Associate of Technical Study in Natural Resources: Major in Water and Wastewater Management degree in only two years.

What Do Water & Wastewater Operators Do?

During a typical work day, water treatment employees perform many tasks, including:

• Utilizing tools to maintain every piece of equipment in the plant
• Ensuring that the facility is operating properly
• Adjusting processes and chemical dosages as needed
• Maintaining system infrastructure
• Reading detailed maps, charts, and graphs
• Collecting & analyzing water samples
• Maintaining accurate records of each day’s event
• Working both indoors and outdoors
• Keeping their work environment safe

What Will I Learn in Hocking College's Program?

The Water and Wastewater Management program at Hocking College is unique in that it's currently the only one of its kind being offered in Southeast Ohio. With smaller class sizes, students will get more one-on-one time with instructors. Classes such as Environmental Ethics, Environmental Science, and Environmental Geology will teach students how different aspects of the environment relate to the water and wastewater treatment industries. This program also includes specialized training in how to keep drinking water and wastewater systems fully operational year round. 

Students who complete this program may also earn operating experience with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), equivalent to a four-year bachelor's degree. OEPA certified operators may also earn contact hours if requested.

What Are the Advantages of Taking Online Classes?

Some advantages of taking online classes versus in person includes:

• You’ll have multiple ways to make contact with your instructors
• You won't have to commute to campus
• It's eco-friendly
• Your schedule will be more flexible
• You can fill your responsibilities from the comfort of your own home
• You can learn at your own pace

What Kind of Educational Background Do You Need?

Having a background in the following areas is helpful to anyone planning to go into the drinking water and wastewater industries:

• Algebra and Geometry
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Basic Computer Experience
• Mechanics and electrical courses

Where Can I Get More Information on This Program?

For more information about this program, contact the program manager, Kelly Barron-Holcomb, directly at barron-holcombk@hocking.edu or (740)-753-6275.