Environmental Technology

The Environmental Technology A.A.S. Degree will give students the scientific background and hands-on instruction needed to pursue a technical career in fields related to environmental science. Graduates will possess basic skills applicable to careers in environmental site investigation, cleanup, and monitoring and wastewater/drinking water operations. As one of only four (4) NYSDEC-approved wastewater programs in the state, the A.A.S. degree offers a highly marketable skill set that includes a fast-track option for wastewater treatment plant operator certification. Students will train for a position in these high-growth career areas in state-of-the-art science laboratories situated on Clinton’s beautiful campus overlooking Lake Champlain. In addition to lab and classroom instruction, students will also receive practical exposure to the latest field technologies in a variety of outdoor settings and prepare for certification exams relevant to employment in the environmental industry (Hazardous Materials/Water Treatment Operator). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in these fields will grow much faster than the national average, adding nearly 33,000 new positions across the United States over the next 10 years. Regionally, an anticipated surge in retirements at wastewater treatment plants in NYS will require a workforce with the specialized skills to replace plant operators in towns and municipalities across the state. Opportunities are also available for transfer to a four-year Environmental Science program at another SUNY institution. The Environmental Technology program can be completed in only four semesters, or two years. Students who require developmental math and/ or English may take more than four semesters. In order to graduate, students must complete 60 credits and graduate with a grade point average of 2.0.