Overview
Create solutions for global and local water issues with a career in water management. This program will prepare you for various roles such as water management specialist, water quality technician, watershed planner, flood planning technologist or junior hydrologist.
Get the training to become a water management expert and develop a strong understanding of the complex solutions and decisions required to balance the preservation of water-related ecosystems. Learn water management best practices to manage hazards, safeguard human health and well-being, and support economic activities. You’ll gain applied knowledge and market-sought skills developed through a final capstone project working directly with industry, as you specialize in either Water Environmental Technologies or Advanced Industry Applications. Your expertise will develop through a combination of classroom and hands-on learning including field school and virtual reality labs.
Some of the key skills or competencies developed in the Integrated Water Management program include:
- develop a water monitoring program
- conduct key field measurements in hydrology, hydrogeology, soils, and vegetation using commonly used and emerging equipment and technology
- water data acquisition, management, and analysis to inform design and decision-making
- perform hydrological and hydrogeological calculations to inform design such as surface flow, stormwater control or restoration measures
- fundamental applications of GIS, Excel, HEC-RAS, and historical imagery
- stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution
- project planning and management
- select appropriate water management strategies and applications using multi-criteria analysis and systems thinking
- support water-related permitting applications and reporting, such as wetland assessments and Water Act approvals
- comprehensive understanding of the social, cultural, health, safety, and environmental aspects of water management, including Indigenous water stewardship
- develop emergency response and recovery plans incorporating increasing risks of extreme events and climate change
- conduct an emergency response adhering to incident command structure protocols
- apply tools, approaches, and resources for both climate adaptation and mitigation to water management
What is integrated water management?
Integrated water management is the coordinated management of water in an integrative, cross-sectoral, participatory and adaptive manner. This is a widely adopted management approach endorsed by the United Nations and utilized globally. SAIT, in combination with a multi-stakeholder advisory group and Imperial, has created the Integrated Water Management diploma program to give students the tools and expertise they need to work on solutions for both local and global water issues.
This initiative is the first integrated water program diploma in Canada. Graduates will have transferable skills for working in a multitude of industries such as energy, government, non-profit, consulting, health, agriculture, education, food and beverage, manufacturing, transportation, engineering and construction.
As a graduate of the Integrated Water Management diploma program you will recognize the role of total water management in identifying local solutions for global water issues. You will demonstrate knowledge of the complex elements, interfaces, and approaches considered in supporting practical integrated water management. As a student, you will acquire specialized applied knowledge and market-sought skills developed through a work-integrated capstone research project in either Water Environmental Technologies or Advanced Industry Applications.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with an aptitude and interest in science and mathematics tend to excel in this program. This program promotes interdisciplinary perspectives and includes work across various energy sectors; diversity and different perspectives are encouraged. Students should be prepared to spend as many hours studying and completing coursework as they do in class.
Accreditation
Graduates are eligible for membership in the following professional associations:
- Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
- ECO Canada
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Integrated Water Management.
Learn more about our energy and environmental programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- water management specialist
- water quality technician
- watershed planner
- junior hydrologist
- engineering technical assistant
- water management specialist
- water quality technician
- watershed planner
- junior hydrologist
- engineering technical assistant
- field inspector
- junior planner/policy analyst
- environmental scientist
- flood planning technologist
Related careers include:
- natural resource management
- environmental water analyst
Tuition and fees per year*
Domestic
- Year 1: $10,833
- Year 2: $10,833
International
- Year 1: $27,527
- Year 2: $29,567
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Admission requirementsWhen can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for fall 2022 open on Oct. 6, 2021.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
Hands On: Aerobic water treatment control unit
This small-scale treatment plant gives water resource management students big-picture insights into automated processes they'll use in domestic and industrial labs to address local and global water challenges.
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications are open Oct. 6, 2021.
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1, OR 60% in English Language Arts 30-2
- At least 60% in Math 30-1, OR Pure Math 30
- At least 50% in Chemistry 20
- At least 50% in Physics 20
- At least 50% in Biology 20
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process:
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Integrated Water Management and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Courses
Program outlineLooking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Year one
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 256 | Professional Communications and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
| MNGT 204 | Health, Safety, and Society | 3.0 |
| MNGT 206 | People and Project Management | 3.0 |
| WATR 203 | Water Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| WATR 206 | Water Management | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DATA 200 | Data Management and Analytics | 3.0 |
| PROJ 210 | Applied Project Development I | 3.0 |
| TECH 200 | Developments in Technology | 3.0 |
| WATR 204 | Water and Environment | 3.0 |
| WATR 205 | Water, Governance, and Law | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total | 30.0 | |
Year two
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| INRY 301 | Industry and Environment Applications | 3.0 |
| PROJ 301 | Applied Project Development II | 3.0 |
| RSMG 300 | Risk Management | 3.0 |
| WATR 300 | Climate, Geopolitical and Economic Drivers of Water | 3.0 |
| WATR 302 | Innovation and Disruption in Water Systems | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PROJ 307 | Capstone Project | 6.0 |
| WATR 301 | Water Management Economics | 3.0 |
Elective (choose 1)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ENVS 306 | Water Environmental Technologies | 6.0 |
| INRY 300 | Advanced Industry Applications | 6.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9,500 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $10,833 |
| 2 | $9,500 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $10,833 |
International tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25,924 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $27,527 |
| 2 | $28,234 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $29,567 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
International students
- Health and Dental plan: $252
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
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.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 22/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $317
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $9,510 | $916 | $291 | $10,979 |
| 2 | 3 | $9,510 | $916 | $291 | $10,979 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $887.90
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $26,637 | $916 | $291 | $28,106 |
| 2 | 3 | $26,637 | $916 | $291 | $28,106 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
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.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Fall 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on Sept. 1 on campus. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
We are expecting to meet you at student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes that begin on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
You'll require a scientific calculator capable of performing linear regression.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.4343
Email: MacPhail.students@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
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