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Earn a Degree in Environmental Engineering

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
With a Degree in Environmental Engineering, students can find solutions that help our planet and the people. From cleaning up oil spills to delivering clean drinking water to designing more effective recycling systems and eco-friendly factories, environmental engineers are the superheroes of tomorrow!

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.

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:

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering

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 to

Take 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.

GI Bill-approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools with Environmental Engineering Degrees

Ready to start your Certificate or Degree in Environmental Engineering? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Loyola University Chicago

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Environmental Engineering. Loyola University Chicago participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Virginia Tech

Offers a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering. Virginia Tech is a Yellow Ribbon school.

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Offers several Environmental Engineering degrees including a Master of Science in Engineering-Civil and Environmental Engineering, a Dual Degree MBA/MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering. University of Nevada Las Vegas is a Yellow Ribbon school.

University of Colorado Boulder

Offers a variety of Environmental Engineering Degrees, including a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Engineering. The University of Colorado Boulder is a Yellow Ribbon school.

University of Arizona

Offers a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and  PhD in Environmental Engineering. The University of Arizona also offers an accelerated MS Degree in Environmental Engineering (to complete a BS and MS in just five years). The University of Arizona is a Yellow Ribbon School.

Moorpark College

Offers a Certificate in Environmental Engineering Technology.