Environmental engineering is an engineering discipline that is dedicated to providing solutions that protect, restore and preserve our planet. It is a broad term because it contains elements from all 4 of the major engineering disciplines. Environmental engineers apply scientific and engineering principles to environmental issues such as wastewater management, pollution control, recycling, waste disposal and public health. Although this is not the most popular engineering discipline, its importance is not unrecognised. As engineers our focus should always be to carry out our solutions in a sustainable manner, environmental engineers help us do this by studying how technological advances affect the environment.
How do you become an Environmental Engineer?
Environmental engineering is not the most common degree and it is sometimes combined with civil engineering at undergraduate level. Nonetheless, if you would like to specialise in this career path it you will need to get the degree qualification. Another option is to study a major engineering discipline at undergraduate level then study environmental engineering as a postgraduate. This is a good option as you will have a solid foundation before you choose to specialise. It is also possible for you to become an environmental engineer by studying a major engineering discipline and working in the industry. Becoming an environmental engineer is not as dependent on having the qualification as other more popular engineering disciplines. The entry requirements for environmental engineering vary widely and depends on how highly rated the university is.
What are the career prospects for an Environmental Engineer?
The career prospects if you are a qualified environmental engineer is good because of the environmental issues the human race is facing are growing. You will certainly have a strong sense of purpose if you choose this career path. However, you may find it more difficult to find the specific role doing the specific work you would like to do if you choose this career path. As an environmental engineering professional, you are likely to be focussed on long term solutions to long term issues so you will not get the same amount of career satisfaction as other engineers. Till this day, many environmental issues like climate change are debated, so be aware that you may struggle to implement the changes you want to see.
What is an Environmental Engineering Degree like to Study?
This degree will have elements of mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and civil engineering. So you will get a good foundation of general engineering so you can use that knowledge to implement solutions that improve and maintain the environment. The degree is also likely to have modules dedicated to specific environmental issues such as are pollution, waste management and water management. You will have a mixture of coursework and assignments whilst studying this degree. You are also likely to have a design project in your final year related to an environmental issue of your choice.
Environmental Engineering Modules
- Water and Wastewater Treatment
- Air Pollution Control
- Chemistry for Environmental Engineers
- Containment Engineering
- Environmental Analysis
- Environmental Fluid Mechanics
- Hydroinformatics
- Mathematical and Statistical Modelling
- Microbiology for Environmental Engineering
- Solid Waste Management
- Urban Hydrology and Urban Drainage
- Water Supply and Distribution
Environmental Engineering Chartership
If you want to gain chartership you should consider is to become a Chartered Environmentalist as part of the Society for the Environment or the Institute for Civil Engineers (ICE).
If you are not sure if this is the right degree for you have a look at our career advice article for helping you pick the right engineering degree.
