PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog
Integrated Water Management
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Dive into a career that shapes the future of water conservation with our Integrated Water Management diploma program.
Designed for those aspiring to work in roles like water management specialist, watershed planner or hydrologist, this program provides a comprehensive education in water ecosystem preservation, hazard management and supporting economic activities through water stewardship.
You’ll develop a deep understanding of practical and theoretical water management through coursework and a hands-on capstone project in collaboration with industry professionals.
You will also have an opportunity to participate in an optional four-month paid or unpaid work placement program, giving you real-world experience, a taste of your future career and networking opportunities.
You can specialize in water environmental technologies or advanced industry applications and enhance your expertise with field schools and virtual reality simulations.
In this program, you will:
- learn to craft water monitoring initiatives and conduct field measurements using advanced technology
- manage water data to inform strategic decision-making and environmental designs
- utilize tools such as GIS and HEC-RAS for analysis and planning
- engage stakeholders and resolve conflicts in water-related projects
- design adaptive strategies for water management that consider social, cultural and environmental impacts, including Indigenous perspectives on water resources and stewardship
- prepare for and manage water-related emergencies in the context of climate change.
The program adopts an integrated approach, promoting cross-sectoral and participatory water management - endorsed by the United Nations - and prepares you to address water challenges locally and globally.
As Canada’s first diploma program of this kind, you’ll graduate with versatile skills applicable across various industries, ready to take on critical water resource management roles worldwide.
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Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those working in water management tend to be innovative, objective and directive.
You need:
- imagination and creativity
- analytical ability and critical thinking skills
- problem-solving skills
- oral communication skills
- an ability to write clear and informative engineering reports
- an ability to work alone and as a team.
You should enjoy preparing, reviewing and analyzing data, developing innovative approaches to problems, using instruments and equipment to perform tasks precisely, consulting with people and working outdoors.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
This program has a mandatory capstone course and an optional co-op work placement.
For the capstone course, which takes place in your final semester, you’ll work on a four-month water-related project with an industry partner.
For the co-op work term, which you can participate in after your second semester, you’ll have the option to participate in a four-, eight-, or 12-month work placement. During this placement, you’ll perform the regular duties of a water professional in a workplace environment such as consulting, industry, government, university or non-profit. This work term is not required to graduate from the program.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
This program has been accredited by the Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada) based on conformance with the national accreditation standard for post-secondary environmental programs.
This accreditation has been granted through the Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission (CEAC), an independent body that oversees ECO Canada’s post-secondary accreditation program.
Graduates are also eligible for membership in the following professional associations:
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) (by passing the certification exam)
ECO Canada as an Environmental Professional in Training
Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC)
Graduates are eligible for membership in the following professional associations:
- Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) after passing the certification exam
- ECO Canada as an environmental professional in-training.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Integrated Water Management diploma.
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Public and environmental health and safety professionals (21120)
- Occupational health and safety specialists (22232)
- Civil engineers (21300)
- Geoscientists and oceanographers (21102)
- Water and waste treatment plant operators (92101)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
- at least 60% in Math 30-1, and
- at least 50% in Chemistry 20, Physics 20, or Biology 20.
Applicants holding relevant science (mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, or geophysics) or engineering degrees or courses from an accredited post-secondary will also be considered with approval from the Academic Chair. Other related combinations of education and experience will be considered.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Integrated Water Management diploma requires 60 credits (18 courses) to complete.
The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.
Elective courses
Choose one of the following courses.
Suggested schedule of study
Co-op work term (optional)
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
This program primarily uses open-source books, and most required supplies are provided. Thus, books and supplies are approximately $200 per year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
PPE is required in various labs. You’ll need a lab coat and CSA-approved safety glasses (with UVEX and side shields) to enter the chemistry labs.
Energy program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our MacPhail School of Energy.
Phone: 403.284.8451
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Water fundamentals - describe fundamental concepts of integrated water management.
- Policies and regulations - demonstrate how policies, frameworks, and regulatory processes influence decision-making in water management.
- Water cycle monitoring - explain water quality, quantity, availability, and how they inform decision-making across sectors.
- Plan development - support the development of an integrated water management plan.
- Water management influences - identify influences on water management, including economic, environmental, health, human interaction, climate change, extreme events, policy, and others.
- Processes and forecasting - incorporate interdisciplinary science in determining and forecasting how water moves through a watershed and a water management system.
- Watershed risks - rredict risks to watershed resiliency (economic, social, climate).
- Data - manage data acquisition, organization, formatting, and reporting
- Infrastructure - plan, install, operate, and maintain field equipment for hydrometric monitoring and related environmental variables.
- Global drivers - differentiate global climate, geopolitical, and economic drivers of water management.
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