What is Environmental Engineering?
Environmental engineers apply science and engineering principles to design systems that safeguard human health and welfare while minimizing the adverse effects of human activities on the environment. This field is critical in tackling global challenges, including climate change and sustainability. Environmental engineers work to ensure access to safe, palatable, and sufficient water supplies, develop systems to reduce emissions of pollutants and create sustainable solutions for treating air, water, and hazardous wastes. They predict the transport and impact of contaminants across all media—air, water, and land—within natural environments and manage the remediation of sites contaminated by improper disposal of hazardous materials. By applying engineering principles, environmental engineers protect public health while also promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.
The degree offers students the opportunity to build a career as an environmental engineer, equipping them with the fundamental knowledge needed to solve pressing environmental problems. In addition to core principles, the program emphasizes practical applications, allowing students to tackle real-world challenges related to pollution control, waste management, and the development of resilient, sustainable infrastructure. Graduates are prepared to contribute to the design of systems that address climate change, improve sustainability practices, and enhance environmental resilience, preparing them to lead in the development of long-term solutions for a more sustainable future.
Our B.S. undergraduate degree in civil engineering with a specialty in environmental engineering offers students a strong foundation in civil engineering while equipping them with the skills to address environmental challenges. Graduates are prepared for careers primarily in civil engineering, with additional expertise in environmental problem-solving.
In contrast, our B.S. in Environmental Engineering program is focused on applying science and engineering principles to protect human health and minimize environmental impacts. This degree prepares students for careers as environmental engineers by providing in-depth knowledge of engineered systems for water treatment, pollution control, waste management, sustainability, and remediation while emphasizing the practical application of these skills to real-world environmental issues.
Undergraduate Requirements for a Specialty in Environmental Engineering
To fulfill the common civil engineering program degree plan, undergraduate students declaring a specialty in environmental engineering must complete a technical elective plan. See the undergraduate advising page for more information.