Environmental Engineering Major
Environmental Engineering is the use of engineering to protect and improve air, water, and land quality. It is a major within Engineering & Technology.
Environmental Engineering combines engineering principles with environmental science to solve problems related to air, water, and land quality. Students in this major learn to ask practical questions: How can we treat contaminated water? What's the best way to manage waste? How do we reduce air pollution from industrial sources? The work involves understanding how pollutants move through the environment, designing systems to prevent or clean up contamination, and finding ways to use resources more efficiently. It draws on chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to develop real-world solutions that protect public health and ecosystems.
Students drawn to environmental engineering typically care about environmental issues and enjoy hands-on problem-solving. They often have strong interests in science and math and want to apply those skills to practical challenges. The major usually begins with foundational courses in chemistry, biology, and engineering basics, then progresses to more specialized coursework in areas like water treatment, air quality, and waste management. As students advance, they engage in design projects, laboratory work, and case studies that apply these concepts to actual environmental challenges they might encounter in professional settings.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Environmental Engineering program commonly includes topics such as:
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Air quality
- Environmental chemistry
- Solid waste management
- Hydrology
- Sustainability
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Environmental Engineering is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Environmental Engineering background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Environmental engineer
- Water resources engineer
- Remediation engineer
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Environmental Engineering major?
Environmental Engineering is the use of engineering to protect and improve air, water, and land quality. It is part of engineering & technology, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Environmental Engineering majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as water and wastewater treatment, air quality, environmental chemistry, solid waste management, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Environmental Engineering major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as environmental engineer, water resources engineer, remediation engineer. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Environmental Engineering offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.