Preparation
Environmental
engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail
oriented. They must have a strong grasp of mathematics, including
algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus; sciences, such as
biology, chemistry, and physics; and computer systems. Abilities
to work as part of a team and to communicate well also will be important
as environmental engineers' jobs become more diversified and require
interaction with specialists outside engineering. To hone these
skills, recommended coursework includes English, writing, social
studies, and humanities.
 Environmental
Engineering Programs
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all
entry-level engineering jobs. Accredited environmental engineering programs usually provide broad studies in the
physical, chemical, and biological sciences in addition to course work
in civil, mechanical, and/or chemical engineering. In some programs,
students may participate in an environmental engineering option within
civil engineering, chemical engineering, or other degree
programs. It is important to select a program that is accredited in
Environmental Engineering. Some graduate level programs are also
available in Environmental Engineering.
Programs include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs in which students gain practical experience while completing their education. At some colleges and universities, a student can enroll in a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor's and a master's degree.
A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as an instructor at some colleges and universities or to do research and development, and employers may prefer candidates to have a master's degree.
Students interested in becoming an environmental engineer should take high school courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and math, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
Admission
Requirements
Admissions
requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid
background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and
calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics), and courses in
English, social studies, humanities, and computer and information
technology. Bachelor's degree programs in engineering typically are
designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4
and 5 years to complete their studies. In a typical 4-year college
curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying mathematics, basic
sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In
the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a
concentration in one branch. For example, the last two years of an
environmental program might include courses in solid waste management,
treatment plant design, hydraulic design, and hazardous waste
management.
Co-ops
Internships and Coops
provide students with a great opportunity to gain real-world experience
while still in school. Click here for more
information.
Courses
of Study
Environmental Engineering is most closely related to civil and chemical
engineering. It requires knowledge in many fields of science, including
physics, chemistry, hydrology, geology, and biology. Undergraduate
students working toward a degree in Environmental Engineering will take
courses that cover these fields including microbiology, organic
chemistry, microbiology, hydrology, engineering geology and others.
Accredited
Programs
Those interested in a
career in Environmental Engineering should consider reviewing engineering programs that are
accredited by
ABET, Inc. If you choose to attend a program that is not ABET accredited, you should be sure that the university
is regionally accredited.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
|
|
