In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we know many students are facing tough challenges. Georgia Military College is here for you, and we are doing everything we can to ensure no one is left behind. We have plans to provide extensions and support for those affected with the goal of completing the term. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we’ll be flexible and supportive as we move forward. As Quarter 1 ends, we remain committed to your success, so please check here regularly for updates as we monitor recovery efforts. For those who cannot make it to campus, GMC will make every effort to work with you individually. Additionally, we are closely monitoring the development and potential impact of Hurricane Milton. At this time, the storm’s path is being tracked carefully, and there is no immediate cause for alarm in our area. However, we want to ensure that you are prepared and informed in case the situation changes. Your safety is our top priority, and we will communicate any necessary actions promptly on our website, through email, text, and social media as necessary. Learn More

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Associate Degree

Environmental Science & Water Resources Technology

An affordable path to prepare for a career in water resources.

Talk to an Enrollment Coach

2024 Schedule

The Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Science & Water Resources Technology prepares students for a career in water and/or wastewater treatment plant operation. Students will learn concepts associated with maintaining and operating machinery and equipment used in facilities for the treatment of water supplies in urban areas and/or for wastewater treatment that is released back into the environment. Academic skills emphasizing math, science, and human relations are stressed to prepare students to meet challenges common in the workplace.

Click Here for the Course Catalog information

Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Hydrologists
Hydrologists work in offices and in the field. In offices, hydrologists spend much of their time using computers to analyze data and model their findings. In the field, hydrologists may have to wade into lakes and streams to collect samples or to read and inspect monitoring equipment.
Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.

What You Will Learn

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Students will analyze water quality using appropriate calculations and measurements.

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Students will describe the proper treatment of water relevant to the environmental science technology field, including the mechanical, technical, and scientific knowledge used in water treatment.

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Students will translate the appropriate municipal, state, and federal environmental standards in eh assessment and treatment of water.

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Students will discuss industry standards for public service including professional, ethical, and leadership behaviors.

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Students will describe safety measure used in water treatment, storage, and laboratory testing.

In-Class or Online

Whether you want to attend classes online, or at our historic Milledgeville campus, or at any of our eleven satellite locations, we have a convenient option just for you.

Leadership. Character. Civility.

Attending GMC is about more than just earning a degree. We prepare our graduates to stand out in the world by teaching leadership skills, character education, and ethics. GMC grads have the grit and determination to be successful in an ever-changing job market.

Why pay more for the same degree?

Thanks to our Transfer Agreements, GMC students can take their college credits with them to dozens of other colleges and universities. Why pay more for core curriculum when you take the same accredited courses at GMC for less, and then transfer to the four-year college of your choice? Here’s a cost comparison:

“I will finally be graduating with my Bachelors of Supervision and Management this month. I would not have been able to achieve this milestone without the guidance of those at GMC. I will forever be grateful for all the things I have learned during my time here.”

— Rebecca Dempsey, Graduate

Recent Grads

“I knew that this was the school that I needed to take my academic journey to the next level! Throughout my time here at Georgia Military College, I had by far some of the best experiences! GMC opened so many doors for me during my time here and molded me into a person of more defined character”

– Shemar Bryant

“I am a mom of 3 kids all under the age of 10. So on top of being a mom and wife, I also work at a children’s hospital in the PICU. I am a wife to an army veteran , who also serves in the National guard, so a lot of the time I am doing the mom thing alone . I went to Georgia Military college to get my pre reqs for nursing school done. It hasn’t been easy, and the teachers have always had my best interest and wanted me to succeed. There hasn’t been one time where I had a teacher who didn’t care. I am currently applying for nursing schools in my area to get my RN BSN. If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose Georgia Military College.”

– Courtney Morton

“I enrolled with Georgia Military College in the winter 2021 term after graduating from high school in the fall of 2020. GMC has really furthered my education especially in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy. Without the help of GMC officials and staff, I do not think I would be able to graduate as early as I am today. After graduating from GMC on May 28th, I plan to enroll in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program (PTA) at Albany State University (ASU) to earn my PTA license. In conclusion, Georgia Military College has really excelled me to greater heights educationally and socially.”

– Kemuel Terry

Concentration Courses

Hiring Partners

GMC is fortunate to have partnerships with a wide range of businesses who hire our graduates. Here are a few of our partners:

Start when you're ready
Choose an upcoming start date:

Jan 08, 2025

Mar 17, 2025

Jun 02, 2025

Aug 11, 2025

Jan 08, 2025

Mar 17, 2025

Jun 02, 2025

Aug 11, 2025

Register by: Jan 07, 2025
Register by: Mar 14, 2025
Register by: May 30, 2025
Register by: Aug 08, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

About This Program


Earning an AAS degree in Environmental Science & Water Resources Technology will better prepare students for the Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam and employment opportunities. With a career in the water sector, you can continue your public service by working to provide and ensure safe, sanitary water for your community. Go to work each day knowing that you are making a positive impact through serving others and ensuring public health.

Degree Program Coordinator


Taylor Upole, tupole@gmc.edu

Program Benefits


Pass the Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam

One significant benefit of completing this degree program is the increased likelihood of passing the Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam. Students who complete this program will be well-prepared to tackle this exam and advance their careers in the field of water and wastewater treatment plant operation.

Cost for the Degree


Average Cost for this Degree:
$8,280

Why choose GMC?

Explore GMC’s flexible course formats to craft the college experience that works best for you.

2017

Best Community Colleges in Georgia - Universities.com
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9th

Best Community College - CNN Money
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7th

Fastest Growing Community College - Community College Week
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Top 25

Best Community Colleges - CollegeAtlas.Org
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Academic Excellence.
Since 1879.

We’ve been educating bright minds for well over a century. That’s why a degree from GMC means more than just a great education. It means success.