Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Specialist
Program Features
At-a-Glance
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to work in the wastewater treatment industry.
Our certificate program provides students with the skills and knowledge to:
- Effectively and safely operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants
- Prevent public health hazards from waterborne pathogens
- Monitor wastewater treatment processes using sampling and laboratory techniques
- Protect public health and the environment by producing treated water that is safe, clean, and ready for discharge to the environment or for reuse
- Effectively and safely operate facilities to process wastewater for reuse and energy recovery
Overview
In the United States, we expect the water we use to be safely managed and treated. The people responsible for providing these invaluable services are wastewater treatment plant operators.
To be employed by a wastewater treatment plant, operators must be licensed or certified by their states. To be eligible to take a state certification exam, operators must provide proof of having earned continuing education units in their chosen field. Our Wastewater Treatment certificate program may be used to satisfy this requirement.
Wastewater treatment operators play an important role in protecting and enhancing water resources, public health, and the environment.
Audience
- Prospective wastewater treatment plant operators seeking a career in the wastewater treatment industry
- Experienced operators seeking higher responsibilities or promotions
- Engineers and other professionals working in the water treatment industry
Format
Our Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate program consists of three 90-hour courses for a total of 18 units of academic credit. All program courses are offered exclusively using a distance learning format, providing optimum flexibility for the adult learner.
The certificate program is composed of three courses:
- CE 38A Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants I
(6 Academic credits) - CE 38B Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants II
(6 Academic credits) - CE 39 Advanced Waste Treatment
(6 Academic credits)
Students must complete all three courses to earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement. Those who do not wish to earn a certificate are encouraged to enroll in one or more courses individually for professional development, preparation for certification exams, or to earn continuing education units toward re-licensing.
Courses are offered continuously, and students may enroll and begin a course at any time. Courses are self-paced, and exams may be taken online.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisite courses. The courses in this program must be taken in the following order: CE 38A, CE 38B, CE 39.
Course Offerings
CE 38A Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants I
This introductory course provides an overview of the need for wastewater treatment, the importance of wastewater treatment for protecting public health and the environment, and the theory and operation of wastewater treatment plant processes. Emphasis will be placed on developing knowledge and skills needed by an operator working in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Unit processes covered in this course include preliminary treatment, sedimentation and floatation, biological treatment processes, and disinfection.
CE 38B Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants II
This secondary course builds on the knowledge base developed in the introductory course and introduces advanced information on the theory and operation of municipal wastewater treatment plant processes. In addition, units on residuals processing, effluent discharge, and plant safety and maintenance are presented. Emphasis will be placed on developing advanced knowledge and skills needed by an operator working in a municipal wastewater treatment plant, including computer applications, safety, laboratory procedures, and treatment plant administration.
CE 39 Advanced Waste Treatment
This course is designed to train operators in advanced wastewater treatment processes. Treatment processes covered in include nitrogen and phosphorus removal, enhanced biological nutrient removal, wastewater reclamation and reuse, and instrumentation and control systems. Additionally, high purity oxygen plant operation and maintenance, odor control, and residual solids management are covered in this advanced course.
Costs
Fees are subject to change.
The cost for each course is $912 and includes university enrollment, exam materials, grading, administration of a final exam (online) and six units of academic credit. There are no refunds for this program.
There is an additional cost for a textbook/manual for each course. Please contact the Office of Water Programs for the exact cost and to purchase these materials.
How to Enroll
Call 916-278-6984 to register
If you live outside of California, see if Sacramento State has secured authorization or exemption to enroll students from your state in its online programs.