Online Resilient Water Infrastructure Certificate

Earn An Online Resilient Water Infrastructure Certificate. Develop Best Practices for Managing Water Infrastructure.

Urbanization, environmental factors, and climate change have made infrastructure issues both more prevalent and more serious. Resilient water infrastructure refers to infrastructure that is devised and managed to withstand, resist, and recover from extreme weather events, such as flooding and drought; as well as other natural disasters. It may also be designed with the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions, such as population growth, higher demand, and possible water contamination.

Both the United States and the world need engineers trained not only to address the impact of climate change and other factors but also to create and maintain resilient water infrastructure.

Progress Quickly With Our Compact Curriculum.

The online resilient water infrastructure program equips students with skills and strategies for designing best management practices for infrastructure related to water, which includes dams, embankments, diversions, and cross drainage, levees, water distribution systems, and sewer systems.

They will formulate plans for low-impact development and for restoring rivers to a more natural state. They will also analyze the environmental and economic issues related to dams, embankments, diversions, and cross drainage; and put their skills to work assessing levees and flood risk management strategies.

To enroll in the Online Resilient Water Infrastructure Certificate, students must first have one of these prerequisites: CEE 3620 Water Resources Engineering (CEE 3620: 4 credits including the lab or equivalent) or Hydraulics and Hydrology (CEE 3650). To earn this 9-credit certificate, students will complete three courses.

When planning your program, always check the course registration page for the availability of classes.

Courses (Choose Three)

CEE 5507 - Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection

Application of basic principles in civil and environmental engineering to the analysis and design of water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, and their appurtenances. Analysis of research on some topic of the course.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Spring

CEE 5640 - Stormwater Management and LID

Design techniques for stormwater collection, conveyance, infiltration, and detention storage systems are discussed, both traditional stormwater management systems and newer approaches based on the philosophy of low impact development (LID) that seek not to alter the natural ecology of a site.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 3620

CEE 5650 - Hydraulic Structures

Application of basic principles fluid mechanics in civil and environmental engineering to the analysis and design of hydraulic structures. Analysis of research on some topic of the course.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 3620(C)

CEE 5665 - Stream Restoration

Basin mechanics of the transport of sediments in natural systems, including tractive forces and geomorphic functions.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 3620

This certificate is also available as an on-campus option.

Why Study Water Infrastructure at Michigan Tech?

When you earn your online certificate from MTU, you'll receive a quality education. In fact, Michigan Tech is ranked the #3 best accredited online college in Michigan (EDsmart, 2024).

You'll also get the following benefits:

A Rigorous, But Flexible Online Experience

You'll take the same, robust classes as do students in our in-person programs. However, you get to learn on your own terms, fitting this compact 9-credit certificate into your schedule.
Possibilities for New Career Pathways

When you earn this certificate, you will add value and specialized skills to your undergraduate degree. Use your education to open up new opportunities in your current job. Alternatively, this certificate might peak your interest in earning an online MS in Civil Engineering, with a Water Resources focus.
The Expertise of Esteemed Faculty

You'll take courses from respected professors and professional engineers (Brian A. Barkdoll, David E. Watkins, and Veronica Webster) who have advanced expertise in water resources, hydraulics, hydraulic structures, hydrology, probability analysis, field research, and other important areas.

Learn more about current projects from the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

CEGE Research

What Are Some Careers for Engineers With Water Infrastructure Expertise?

Depending on the depth and level of their education, engineers with water infrastructure expertise may be responsible for planning, designing, and constructing water infrastructure systems such as dams, water treatment plants, piping systems, and distribution networks.

They may also assess the safety and efficiency of existing water infrastructure as well as develop plans for improvement. Some, too, may be involved in monitoring water quality, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing technical advice for water conservation efforts.

Engineer in the foreground standing in front of a wastewater treatment plant.

Possible Career Paths

Civil Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
Hydraulic Engineer
Hydrologist
Irrigation Engineer
Wastewater Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Water Systems Engineer
Water Treatment Engineer

Get Started on Your Online Water Infrastructure Certificate.

Take the next steps on your educational journey. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program.