This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. Learn more
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.
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.
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
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 course work as they do in class.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Integrated Water Management.
Accreditation
Graduates are eligible for membership in the following professional associations:
- Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
- ECO Canada
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- 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*
Year 1: $10,722
Year 2: $10,722
Year 1 (International): $26,980
Year 2 (International): $26,980
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $25,924 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $27,739 (+fees TBD)
*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.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Shifting career gears: From engineering to water management
After a hiatus from engineering to spend time at home with her kids, Jennifer was looking to get back into the workforce. Only this time, she wanted to set herself apart within an entirely new field.
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
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 selection
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 outline
Looking 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
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $9,500 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $10,722 |
2 | $9,500 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $10,722 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $25,667 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $26,980 |
2 | $25,667 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $26,980 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program totals.
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $25,924 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2 | $27,739 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- 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.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
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, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 160: Safety Orientation.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
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