If you’re interested in helping the environment, pursuing one of the best environmental engineering bachelor’s degrees is a good place to start. With an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree, you’ll be completing an interdisciplinary degree program that offers many promising job opportunities and career pathways for your future.
In this article, you will be presented with information on various schools that offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, what courses are offered, and how to complete the program. Additionally, we have included a breakdown of environmental engineering bachelor’s degree jobs with salaries and job descriptions to help you decide if this field is right for you.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering?
Some of the best schools to get an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree from are Stanford University, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, University of California, Berkeley, Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
What Schools Offer the Best Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of California, Berkeley
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Cornell University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering?
The admission requirements for an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree are an application form, a high school diploma, transcripts from previous institutions, and standardized test scores. Some universities and colleges also require letters of recommendation.
Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Application form
- High school diploma
- High school and college transcripts
- SAT/ACT test scores
How to Get an Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
You get an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements. If you want to complete an undergraduate degree in environmental engineering, you will need to complete the required credit hours made up of core, elective, and general education credits. You’ll also need to maintain a minimum GPA.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering?
You need 125 credits for a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. Some programs require up to 180 credits for this kind of degree. Bachelor of Environmental Engineering course credits usually consists of core, elective, and general education subjects.
Core courses are mandatory courses that students must take in order to complete the requirements of the environmental engineering programs. Electives are courses that students can choose from areas in environmental engineering programs that interest them. General education courses are based on general subjects such as math, English, history, and science.
Environmental Engineering Degree Requirements
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
- 40-60 credit hours of core courses
- 40-60 credit hours of elective courses
- 40-60 credit hours of general education courses
Best Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Cornell University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Engineering | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Portland State University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Purdue University | Bachelors of Science in Environmental and Ecological Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems Engineering | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Pennsylvania State University | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| The University of California, Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Environmental Engineering: Top Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Many universities offer top environmental engineering bachelor’s degree programs. Below we’ve broken down some of the top schools by providing an overview of the degree program, the requirements, and the steps to apply.
What Is an Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
An environmental engineering bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate credential usually completed in the field of science. Bachelor’s degrees are broad and provide a vast knowledge of the environmental engineering discipline. Within four years, students can learn a broad range of topics, gain relevant skills, and develop a good understanding of the field.
There are many career opportunities with a bachelor’s degree, but many employers seek employees with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering. If this field interests you, it may be a good idea to continue your education and get into an environmental engineering graduate degree program.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering?
A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering is very important. Environmental engineering courses teach students subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, and technology. As students learn how to apply basic engineering principles to solve environmental problems and analyze data, they will gain experience working in academic positions, policy-making, or research positions.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Environmental Engineering?
You can get a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering. Both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) are academically equal and allow consecutive master’s studies.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Engineering In Environmental Engineering. A BE degree is more focused on engineering, whereas a BS degree is more broad and generic in nature. Further, BE studies are more practically focused, whereas BS studies are more theoretically based.
The fundamental distinction between a BE and BS degree is that they serve different purposes. Both of the degrees have a lot of similarities, but the education and competencies they provide upon completion differ. Bachelor of Science in Engineering degrees are more practically focused and provide more job opportunities than a Bachelor of Science.
What Is the Difference Between an Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree and an Environmental Engineering Certificate?
The differences between an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree and an environmental engineering certificate is the level of education, nature of the program, and program length. It’s important to know that as a bachelor’s degree is a higher credential than a certificate, you’ll more easily qualify for relevant positions with a bachelor’s degree. Generally, certificates are an excellent way to upskill or advance once you’ve entered the field, whereas bachelor’s degrees are often the standard for qualifying for positions within the field.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering?
It costs around $16,647 to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering. The total tuition and fees will depend on the school you apply to, the specific program, and whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. If the school you want to attend is out of your price range, you can apply for financial aid, which can significantly cut or fully cover the cost, depending on several factors.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to get an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree. In some cases, students can accelerate their programs by taking extra credits every semester. In these cases, students can finish within three years, although this is uncommon. On average, it will take 8 semesters at 15 credits per semester to fulfill all the requirements needed to obtain your bachelor’s degree.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering?
It is hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering. It’s important to remember that environmental engineering is an interdisciplinary field like mechanical, chemical, civil, and electrical engineering. Having prior a educational background and understanding of math and science can help ease the difficulties of an environmental engineering degree program.
Why Should You Get an Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
You should get an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree because it is one of the easier engineering fields to learn. Any engineering degree is demanding, but when it comes to environmental engineering degrees, you will learn about many fields and gain knowledge to move into a specialization afterward.
Further, a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering is a good first step, that will leave you with career opportunities at an entry-level such as civil engineer, land surveyor, and transport planner, immediately after graduation.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Environmental Engineering?
Some courses you will need to take for a bachelor’s degree program in environmental engineering include math, biology, physics, and chemistry. Other classes may include electives like water resources, civil and environmental engineering design, or oceanography.
Physics
Physics is a branch of science that focuses on energy and matter. Physics courses in environmental engineering programs explain mechanical topics and wave motion. For example, it teaches students about Newtonian mechanics, entropy, friction, and kinetic energy. It covers topics on conservation laws, energy quantization, and other subjects in mechanics and thermodynamics.
Water Resources
There are other electives like hydrology or resources systems that have a similar focus area to the water resource course. All of these courses teach environmental engineering students how engineering systems and ecological systems interact sustainably. They also cover topics like water and wastewater treatment or water hazards.
Math
Math courses are an essential part of environmental engineering bachelor’s degree programs. Students in math courses can learn how to use mathematical principles, calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. It is intended for developing the mathematical skills necessary to evaluate change and design mathematical models.
Biology
Regular biology courses cover topics such as natural selection, evolution, organism development, cell structure, cell function, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Students within this course can also learn about biodiversity and ecological principles associated with individuals, communities, populations, and ecosystems.
Chemistry
Some chemistry courses cover topics in environmental chemistry or aquatic chemistry. But most common chemistry courses revolve around explaining chemical principles. Students in this course can also learn about molecular geometry, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, atomic structure, periodic properties, and ionic and covalent bonding.
Continuing Education Paths for Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Graduates in environmental engineering can continue their education with further engineering classes, a master’s program, a doctorate degree, or by obtaining a certificate. Some businesses prefer to recruit graduates with an ABET-accredited engineering bachelor’s degree.
Studying at an ABET-accredited program is a better option if you want to get certification in environmental engineering. To obtain a license, you will also need four years of relevant work experience, a passing score in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and a passing score in the Professional Engineering or (PE) exam.
Related Environmental Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Things to look for in the best environmental engineering bachelor’s degree programs are a high graduation rate, accreditation, a good school reputation, affordable costs, and specialization or concentration options. Other things to consider when choosing a degree in environmental engineering can include employment outcomes and continuing education or dual degree options.
Accreditation
As mentioned in the previous section, accreditation should be your priority. Picking an ABET-certified bachelor’s degree program will help you in the long run in acquiring an environmental engineering certification. Accreditation also gives you information on the overall quality of the education and program.
Graduation Rate
A graduation rate is important because it shows how many environmental engineering students have graduated from that university. The higher the graduation rate, the higher quality of the school and care for students and faculty.
The Reputation of the School
High reputation schools have high standards and attract highly competitive students. Being accepted into one means that you will be learning and working from the best in the field. Usually, the better the school’s reputation, the better the institution’s excellence and prospects for job opportunities.
Cost
The cost of tuition is always an important factor when looking at a school and program. Finding a school that offers the education you want with affordable tuition lowers the risk of a financial burden in the future. Many schools offer financial aid to assist students through programs, so check with an advisor to see if you qualify.
Availabilable Electives
Even though the environmental engineering field is broad, electives still play an important part in bachelor’s degree programs. Elective classes allow you the opportunity to learn in specialized areas and take classes in subjects unrelated to your field of study. Check to see if there are interesting elective classes.
What Is the Most Affordable Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable environmental engineering bachelor’s degree is the Bachelor of Environmental and Ecological Engineering program offered by Purdue University. The Purdue University program charges $9,992 per year for tuition. Because it is a four-year bachelor’s degree program, the total tuition cost would be $39,968.
Salary and Job Outlook for Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
After graduation, you’ll be ready to enter the workforce. Below, we’ve outlined some of the best environmental engineering bachelor’s degree jobs with their descriptions. Additionally, we included the employment rate, average salary, and highest-paying states for this degree type.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
It is hard to get a job with an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree. Although you will be ready for entry-level positions, many jobs in the engineering industry are quite competitive. You will need relevant hands-on experiences and technical skills to stand out. A master’s degree and significant work experience can give you a competitive advantage when finding a job.
What’s the Average Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree is $66,000, per year. Some of the most common jobs that you can get with this kind of degree are environmental engineer, civil engineer, and project engineer.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can do with an environmental engineering bachelor’s degree include transportation planner, civil engineer, and environmental engineer. You can also work as a land surveyor or chemical engineer.
Environmental Engineering Degree Jobs
- Land Surveyor
- Transportation Planner
- Environmental Scientist
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
Potential Careers With an Environmental Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering?
You can make between $37,360 and $162,720 per year with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering degree. From our list of the highest paying environmental engineering bachelor’s degree jobs, a surveyor is the lowest paid job and a geotechnical engineer is the highest paid job.
In the section below we list the highest-paying job opportunities for students with environmental engineering bachelor’s degrees. We’ve included job descriptions to help you make an informed choice on possible careers.
Highest-Paying Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Geotechnical Engineer | $97,090 |
| Civil Engineer | $88,050 |
| Transportation Planner | $78,500 |
| Environmental Scientist | $76,530 |
| Land Surveyor | $61,600 |
Best Jobs for Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Grads
Some of the best environmental engineering bachelor’s degree jobs are geotechnical engineer, civil engineer, and transportation planner. According to BLS, jobs in environmental engineering have a projected growth of four percent by 2030.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering is worth it. Although it may be a more demanding degree, it provides a large amount of knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of engineering. It opens up opportunities to pursue specializations in the field and the possibility to continue your education with a graduate degree program. Further, after you graduate, you will be ready to enter the workforce in entry-level positions. As you gain experience and skill in the field, you will be able to build a successful and lucrative career.
Additional Reading About Environmental Engineering
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Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Environmental engineers make the most money in Texas, California, Idaho, Tennessee, and Connecticut. Texas offers the highest annual mean salary with $122,170. Next is California at $115,160, Idaho at $112,950, Tennessee at $112,440 and Connecticut at $111,720.
Yes, environmental engineering is a good career. The average salary for environmental engineers is $96,820 a year, which is higher than the average salary in the United States. According to US News & World Report, environmental engineering is ranked in sixth place in the category of Best Engineering Jobs.
California, New York, Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania are among the highest employment states for environmental engineers. California has 5,350, New York has 2,670, Texas has 2,380, Colorado has 1,920 and Pennsylvania has 1,840 environmental engineers.
Key skills for environmental engineers are analytical, problem-solving, project management, and communication skills. They also need to be detail-oriented and to have knowledge of SAS and other software, like Autocad.
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