Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Program

Frequently Asked Questions: For Prospective Students

• What is Environmental Engineering?

  Rapidly developing technology and an increasing population are creating growing concern for the impact of human activity on the environment. Environmental engineering is a discipline which addresses these concerns by seeking engineered solutions to environmental problems. These problems are frequently very complex and require multidisciplinary actions.

• What is a BS Degree in Environmental Engineering?

  The Bachelors of Science in Environmental Engineering Degree is offered through the Civil Engineering Department. The students study the major challenges confronting environmental engineers including

  • solid waste management,
  • air pollution,
  • water quality,
  • water supply,
  • wastewater treatment,
  • hazardous waste, and
  • public hygiene.

  The degree combines mathematics, physical and life sciences, and engineering sciences and design in presenting approaches to meeting these challenges.

  The Environmental Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Graduation from an ABET-accredited engineering degree program is the first step toward registration as a Professional Engineer.

• List of program objectives
  

• What are the career opportunities in Environmental Engineering?

  Career opportunities for environmental engineers include:

  • designing waste treatment facilities and equipment,
  • developing regulations and management strategies,
  • developing models predicting environmental impacts of human
  • activity, and
  • conducting research.
    
    

  Employment opportunities include working in industry, in government, in research organizations, and in consulting. Environmental engineers have opportunities for working with computers, conducting laboratory studies, and doing field sampling and evaluation. There are needs for environmental engineers in many segments of society around the world to find solutions to the many environmental problems facing us.

• What facilities are available?

  Program offices, laboratories, and classrooms are housed in Mann Hall and adjacent Riddick Laboratories. The laboratories include specialized education and research spaces and equipment for hydraulics, environmental engineering, and geotechnical engineering. Computing laboratories provide student access to state-of-the-art hardware and software which are integrated into the educational experience.