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Environmental Engineering Tech

The Environmental Engineering Technician (EET) Program at WDT prepares students for technical careers in the environmental engineering field by utilizing the most current environmental principles, theories, and technology for the sustainable use and responsible management of Earth’s resources.

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Degree Description

Western Dakota Technical College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Environmental Engineering. Students will gain experience in a broad range of environmental sampling and monitoring technologies and techniques to allow for entry into a wide variety of specialties within the field including careers related to recycling, waste disposal, public health, water and air pollution control, compliance, and construction materials testing. The coursework provides students with an excellent balance of theory and hands-on experience that will enable them to conduct environmental investigations under the supervision of professional Engineers, Geologists, Hydrologists, Water and Wastewater Operators, or Scientists. Graduates of the Environmental Engineering Program will work to improve environmental quality and prevent, mitigate, or remediate adverse environmental problems such as pollution.

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Application Process

1. Complete Western Dakota Technical College Admissions Application
2. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15 fee)
3. Schedule your Admissions Advising Session
4. Provide an official copy of a High School transcript or GED scores. If you graduated from an international high school, you must submit your transcript to Educational Credential Evaluators to determine U.S. equivalence.)
5. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations
6. Once you receive your acceptance letter, schedule a time to register for classes

The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading.  To waive the ACCUPLACER with SAT scores a student will need a 500 on the MATH subsection of ACT and a composite of 970 to waive Writing and Reading. To place into MATH 114 a student will need a 520 on the MATH subsection.  

Please call 605-718-2565 to make an appointment.

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Career Description

Environmental Engineering Technicians are pivotal to the protection of the quality and quantity of Earth’s natural resources. They apply theory and principles of engineering to operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental pollution.
Program graduates will have technical skills in the collection and analysis of water, soil, and air samples, measurement of streamflow and groundwater levels, and analysis of construction materials.

Graduates primarily perform outdoor fieldwork or laboratory work in a broad range of specializations. The work can be physically demanding, often requiring technicians to climb or hike long distances, carrying equipment to remote locations. The job often entails working under varying climatic conditions for extended periods. Technicians may be required to drive off-road vehicles, such as 4-wheelers and snowmobiles, or even ride horses, boats, or helicopters to access remote sampling sites.

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Virtual Tour Environmental Engineering Technician Lab

Take the Virtual Tour Now Next, schedule an on-campus tour and receive a FREE WDTC T-Shirt when you arrive.


General Education EMT

After Earning Your Degree

Environmental engineering technicians carry out the plans that environmental engineers develop. They test, operate, and, if necessary, modify equipment used to prevent or clean up environmental pollution. They may collect samples for testing, or they may work to mitigate sources of environmental pollution. Employment of environmental engineering technicians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment in this occupation is typically tied to projects created by environmental engineers. State and local governments are expected to focus their efforts and resources on efficient water use and wastewater treatment, and thus to increase demand for environmental engineering technicians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2022, the average wage in South Dakota was $40,690.

Meet Your Faculty

Western Dakota Technical College has a low student-to-faculty ratio, meaning more one-on-one learning. Individual attention from your professor can make your college experience more fulfilling.

  • Photo of Kelsey Murray.
    Kelsey Murray

  • David Van Cleave

  • Kammy Durham

Financial Aid

Continuing your education is crucial and Western Dakota Technical College wants to make sure that any student who wants to attend school, has the opportunity to do so. For this reason, WDTC is dedicated to administering the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV Financial Assistance Program fair and consistently to anyone who needs it.

Build Dakota Scholarships

The Build Dakota Scholarship at Western Dakota Technical College will pay all your tuition and fees and prepare you for a career that is in-demand and growing in South Dakota. Build Dakota Scholarships will be awarded to students entering high-need workforce programs at South Dakota’s technical institutes to fill the state’s technical careers with skilled professionals.


Student Housing

Finding affordable housing during school can be a challenge for students. Western Dakota Technical College currently does not have on-campus housing, but partners with a Rapid City VRBO to offer a limited number of apartments for full-time students in the fall and spring semesters.


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Child Care

Finding child care during school is a challenge for many students. Western Dakota Technical College currently does not offer on-campus child care, but here are some resources that may help you in your search.

Youth & Family Services is an organization dedicated to helping children in Western South Dakota. They offer a variety of services, including child care at multiple locations.

The Y of Rapid City offers child care and other services.

Disclaimer: Western Dakota Technical College provides these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply affiliation, endorsement or adoption by Western Dakota Technical College of any site or any information contained therein. When you leave wdt.edu, you should be aware that our terms and policies no longer govern. Western Dakota Technical College makes no claim or representation regarding, and accepts no responsibility for, the quality, content, nature or reliability of third-party websites or vendors.

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