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Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Environmental Engineering

Majors Overview November 13, 2014

Those interested in utilizing technology to solve problems in areas of conservation and pollution avoidance should look into Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Environmental Engineering. Students may analyze and design solutions to improve the water, landmass, and air that negatively impacts the environment.

Those that graduate from these programs are usually given opportunities to work for air quality management, environmental rehabilitation, water treatment, and waste control.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Environmental Engineering

Students enrolled in environmental engineering bachelor’s degree programs are taught both how to prevent and correct the negative effects on the environment. They can practice strategies for habitat protection, resource conservation, and pollution control.

They can expect to become adept at analyzing environments and situations to help determine the most suitable technology to use in resolving environmental problems. They can apply concepts of thermodynamics and hydraulics in order to find methods to restore areas affected by pollution.

Theories of maintaining healthy air, land, and water can be explored by students while maintaining the needs of the population, including those of communities and businesses. They can obtain a firm grasp of the ways safety and ethics can impact the process of decision making. It usually takes four years for students to complete degree programs.

Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.

Coursework

It takes about 196 semester hours of coursework to complete degree programs in environmental engineering. Students enrolled in some programs are expected to participate in senior projects aiming to exhibit skills and knowledge in the field while working in real-world conditions. Apart from general education requirements, coursework may include these topic areas:

•Civil engineering
•Hydraulics
•Thermodynamics
•Water resources
•Environmental safety
•Waste management
•Air quality
•Computer systems
•Pollution control
•Physics

Career Choices

Those that graduate from the program can seek job opportunities with private industries and in government, which involve research as well as field work. They could choose from possible job titles such as the following:

•Air quality specialist
•Water resource engineer
•Field scientist
•Safety design administrator
•Director of waste management

Job and Wage Outlook

An average job growth rate of 22% has been predicted for environmental engineers over the 2010 – 2020 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $80,890.

Continuing Education Choices

Those that successfully complete the program can stay abreast of the technological advances in the field by enrolling in certificate programs in environmental engineering or in related fields, such as civil engineering or bioengineering. They can also pursue continuing education by earning a master’s degree in environmental engineering.

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