Earn a Degree in Environmental Engineering
According to the University of Illinois at Champaign, earning a degree in environmental engineering means studying ways to ensure clean air, safe drinking water and sanitation. It also means "evaluating opportunities and designing systems for sustainable environmental resource management; designing infrastructure and developing technologies to enable climate change mitigation and adaptation" and helping people avoid man-made and environmental hazards."With this degree program students will study in a variety of STEM disciplines including chemistry, math, engineering, water technology, and public health engineering.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Environmental Engineering?
With a Degree in Environmental Engineering, students learn to identify, analyze, and design solutions to environmental concerns. Environmental Engineers are key components in areas such as:- Pollution
- Water quality
- Air quality
- Wastewater treatment
- Hazardous waste disposal
- Environmentally friendly technologies for industry
- Atmospheric research
- Addressing the underlying impacts of climate change
Is an Environmental Engineering Degree Hard?
Earning a Degree in Environmental Engineering is an interdisciplinary degree. Students can find any number of areas to specialize in that genuinely interest them. Graduates with a Degree in Environmental Engineering can find employment across many fields including:- Agricultural Sciences
- Engineering
- Technology
- Environmental Stewardship and Outreach
- Sustainability
- Hazardous waste management
- Clean manufacturing
- Air pollution mitigation
- Sustainable construction
- Alternative fuels
Certificate in Environmental Engineering
Students seeking a Certificate in Environmental Engineering will learn about compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. Students may also choose an area of focus, such as wastewater, clean air, water pollution, or hazardous waste. Students will have an introductory grasp of the field of Environmental Engineering to attain entry-level employment in the field or choose to continue their studies for a Bachelor’s Degree.Jobs with a Certificate in Environmental Engineering:
- Environmental Science Technician– Monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination. Median Annual Salary: $48,000.
- Environmental Engineering Technologist– Implement plans that environmental engineers develop. Median Annual Salary: $48,000.
Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering
With a Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, students are prepared to gain employment in environmental, STEM, or related industries. They will learn relevant scientific and engineering concepts and gain practical skills and knowledge in identifying, assessing, and designing solutions to environmental problems.Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering
- Legislator – An elected position responsible for development, introduction, and/or enactment of laws and statutes at the local, state, tribal, or federal level. Median Annual Salary: $30,000.
- Secondary Teacher – Teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.
- Environmental Specialist– Use knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Median Annual Salary: $76,000.
- Environmental Engineer– Use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. Median Annual Salary: $97,000.
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Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering
A Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering is an option for those choosing career paths such as research or postsecondary teaching. Popular collaborations with Environmental Engineering include:- Chemical Engineering
- Hydrology
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Mining
- Geological Engineering
- Environmental Science
Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering
- Postsecondary Teacher – Instruct students in Environmental Engineering courses beyond the high school level. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
- Survey Researcher – Design and conduct surveys and analyze data. Survey researchers work in research firms, polling organizations, nonprofits, corporations, colleges and universities, and government agencies. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
- Doctorate in Environmental Engineering
- Earning a Doctoral Degree in Environmental Engineering will allow a student the opportunity to become a well-respected expert in their field of specialty. PhD graduates very often have successful careers in writing, research, and teaching.
- Jobs with a Doctoral Degree in Environmental Engineering:
- Policy Analyst (Federal) – Analyze policy at the federal level, requiring significant expertise and experience. GS-15 Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
- Author – Develop written content for various types of media on the topic of Environmental Engineering. Median Annual Salary: $122,000.
Is an Environmental Engineering Degree Worth It?
Starting a degree in environmental engineering, students learn how to assess and develop engineering solutions to environmental problems of the biosphere, land, water, and air quality. Students can change the world for the better with skills and knowledge needed toTake advantage of educational entitlements such as the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program and students may earn a degree for zero money out-of-pocket.Don’t forget about the MyCAA program for eligible spouses; MyCAA provides funding for Associate Degree and Certificate programs.