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) through certification exam.
- ECO Canada as a Professional in-training.
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.
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Admission requirements
Admission dates
This program may not have an intake every semester. See available intakes above.
| Intake semester | Semester begins | Applications open | Domestic applications close* | International applications close |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | March 30, 2022 | Oct. 27, 2022 | Now closed |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | June 13, 2022 | Feb. 24, 2023 | Jan. 23, 2023 |
| Summer 2023 | July 4, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 | April 28, 2023 | June 20, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 | June 28, 2023 | May 23, 2023 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | March 29, 2023 | Oct. 26, 2023 | Sept. 28, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | June 12, 2023 | Feb. 23, 2024 | Jan. 22, 2024 |
*In some instances, domestic applications will be accepted after the application deadline. In that case, the program's intake status will remain open.
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, AND,
- At least 60% in Math 30-1, AND,
- At least 50% in Chemistry 20, OR at least 50% in Physics 20, OR at least 50% in Biology 20.
Applicants holding relevant science (mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, or geophysics) or engineering degrees or courses from a post-secondary school would also be accepted with approval from the program's academic chair. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
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 the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). 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.
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. We recommend you add the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
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 | Water Data Management and Analytics | 3.0 |
| PROJ-210 | Applied Water Project Development | 3.0 |
| TECH-200 | Water Data Collection and Technology | 3.0 |
| WATR-204 | Water and the 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 | Field School and Water Management Applications | 3.0 |
| PROJ-301 | Applied Water Project Development | 3.0 |
| RSMG-300 | Management of Water Risk | 3.0 |
| WATR-300 | Water and Climate Change | 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 | Advanced Environmental Water Applications | 6.0 |
| INRY-300 | Advanced Industrial Water 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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $317
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $9,510 | $916 | $553 | $10,979 |
| 2 | 3 | $9,510 | $916 | $553 | $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.
Orientation
Program orientation details will be announced shortly. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your campus orientation activities.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
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 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.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help 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.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
No textbooks are required for this program.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.4343
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Pablo Pina, Academic Chair
Email: pablo.pina@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.
