The innovative Water Environmental Technology online program provides real-world experience with either a one- or two-year program. The two-year A.A.S. degree includes technical study in water/wastewater procedures complemented by math, science, social science, and humanities classes, as well as an internship.
Keep in mind: if you plan to earn your degree online, you must be ready for college-level math. Not all developmental math courses are available online.
Program graduates work in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as the collection systems and distribution systems that serve them.
Kirkwood is the affordable option! We offer more than $3 million in scholarships every year.
Students in this program may be eligible to have half their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.
Program graduates are able to:
All Water Environmental Technology students are required to attend a program conference. Before acceptance into the program, you'll be required to attend a program conference where you'll get more information about the program and be able to ask any questions you may have.
Schedule your program conference appointment by emailing Kim Fensterman at kim.fensterman@kirkwood.edu.
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 18 | 14 | 3 | 14 | 19 | 68 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,978 | $3,094 | $663 | $3,094 | $4,199 | $15,028 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $250 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $810.75 | $615.25 | $0 | $423.25 | $588 | $2,437.25 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $500 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $5,338.75 | $3,759.25 | $713 | $3,567.25 | $4,837 | $18,215.25 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 15 | 13 | 6 | 34 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,315 | $2,873 | $1,326 | $7,514 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $150 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $402 | $690.75 | $50 | $1,142.75 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $500 | $0 | $0 | $500 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,267 | $3,613.75 | $1,426 | $9,306.75 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 13 | 16 | 6 | 35 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,315 | $3,536 | $1,326 | $7,735 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $150 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $564.75 | $644 | $50 | $1,258.75 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $500 | $0 | $0 | $500 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,987.75 | $4,230 | $1,426 | $9,643.75 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 15 | 13 | 6 | 34 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,315 | $2,873 | $1,326 | $7,514 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $150 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $685.25 | $183.50 | $50 | $918.75 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $500 | $0 | $0 | $500 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,550.25 | $3,106.50 | $1,426 | $9,082.75 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
To get into the Water Environmental Technology program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
What career could this lead to?
Wastewater Specialist Diploma*
Water Environmental Technology Diploma*
Water Treatment Specialist Diploma*
All operators are required by law to be certified. Kirkwood’s program provides training and educational experiences that prepare students for certification examinations. Work experience requirements must be met before you are eligible to take an examination for certification. View the state listing guide to identify which Kirkwood program fulfills state guidelines for professional licensure and certification.
Students may transfer credits from this program to the University of Northern Iowa toward a bachelor's degree in technology management or the University of Iowa toward a bachelor's degree in applied studies.
Our mission in the Water Environmental Technology Program (WET) is to provide quality training and educational programs to graduate quality, qualified employees to aid the management and operating staff of municipal, commercial, and industrial facilities in meeting state and federal licensing and certification requirements.