undergraduate
Environmental engineering
Best schools with environmental engineering
What is an environmental engineering major?
Environmental engineering students are trained to employ mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of systems for controlling contained living environments and for monitoring and controlling factors in the external natural environment, including pollution control, waste and hazardous material disposal, health and safety protection, conservation, life support, and requirements for protection of special materials and related work environments.
of students said great professors were a highlight of this major.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said complex concepts were a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do environmental engineering majors make?
median average salary
$81,500/yr
The national average salary for environmental engineering graduates in the United States is $81,500 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $167,700 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $35,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, environmental engineering graduates typically make between $60,000 and $117,200 per year.
How popular is environmental engineering as a major?
Each year, around 1,650 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and fewer than 5 students obtain an associate degree in environmental engineering. In 2021, 1,799 students received a bachelor's degree and fewer than 5 students received an associate degree. This is 2% more environmental engineering majors than there were in 2020. Environmental engineering is a relatively popular major compared to other engineering majors.
Advice from environmental engineering majors
Share your experienceKeep in mind those who pursue environmental engineering are the ones who build the future for both humanity and the natural world. Its challenging, but the desire to make change in ,addition to the intellectual interest of solving major and complex problems, will ultimately help you push through the tough courses.
Hang in there. Go to office hours and do as much as you need to to understand the concepts. You need you matter the fundamentals in order to succeed. The money isn’t good so you have to actually have a passion for what you do because you will be one of the worst paid engineers. Most companies are not actually dedicated to making a difference. Get as much experience under your belts as possible because in order to make decent money grad school is a most. If you have any doubts about what you do because mastering environmental concepts is not easy you should switch to Civil not only because the money is better but also because it’s much more easier. Nonetheless if you stick it out do it because you love environmental engineering and want to make a difference.
Don’t procrastinate, be proactive in your studies and homework. Treat your schoolwork with dedication each day as if it is a 9-5 job, and keep a planner so that you don’t miss assignments.
Use the ACE center and get to know your classmates and professors.