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.
Carnegie Mellon University was founded in 1900 as a result of a merger between the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research and the Carnegie Institute of Technology. It is a prestigious university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with strong educational departments in computer science and engineering. Carnegie Mellon had a total enrollment of 15,818 students in fall 2021.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
The Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University offers two program options for students, including a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering program can learn about the behavior of the natural environment and constructed facilities.
The program offers hands-on projects that provide a solid technical foundation and the development of professional skills in mathematics, physical sciences, computers, and biology areas. Successful completion of this program requires a minimum of 384 units over 4 years.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition and fees: $832/unit
- Required Credits: 384 units
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 93%
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $75
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: High school counselor evaluation or teacher recommendation letter
Applying to Carnegie Mellon University
- Fill out the application online
- Pay the application fee
- Submit official high school transcript
- Submit secondary school counselor evaluation/ teacher recommendation letter
- Submit application essay
Cornell University consists of 14 colleges that provide over 4,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses. It is a private Ivy League research institution with really good undergraduate engineering programs and 5,600 enrolled students. It was established in 1865 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This program will teach and enable students to define, identify and solve difficult engineering questions using mathematical and scientific concepts.
With this degree, graduates can work as program managers, designers, researchers, planners, and operators of pollution control plants, as well as educators or consultants for private and public businesses in technical engineering.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Major Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $62,456/ year
- Required Credits: 125 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 95%
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Major Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $75
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: 4 units of English, 4 units of mathematics (including calculus), 3 units of science (biology, chemistry, and physics recommended)
Applying to Cornell University
- Set up an ApplyWeb account
- Submit application supporting materials
- Submit Cornell University supplemental information
- Submit official transcript
- Pay application fee or utilize the fee waiver
Founded in Atlanta in 1885, the Georgia Institute of Technology aims to improve the human condition through advanced science and technology. With a total enrollment of 26,839 students, it has emerged as a national leader in navigating the global transition from an industrial economy to an informed economy.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
Successful completion of the environmental engineering bachelor’s degree program from the Georgia Institute of Technology requires the completion of 129 credits. Environmental engineering students can select elective courses in focus areas such as environmental modeling, water resources, air pollution, biological processes, or sustainability.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $341.93/credit (in-state); $1,045.67/credit (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 129 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 91%
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.5
- Standardized Tests: SAT, ACT, or AP test scores
- Application Fee: $75
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: College and high school transcripts
Applying to Georgia Institute of Technology
- Create a Common App account before starting your application
- Send high school transcripts via Common App
- Send college transcripts electronically from the University Registrar
- Self-report standardized test scores on your Common Application or Dual Enrollment application
- Pay the application fee
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the top-ranked universities in the United States since it was founded in 1861. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is best known for its excellent engineering and physical education programs. There is a lot of competition for enrollment at this university, with 11,254 current students.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
The engineering ABET-accredited undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. The general department requirements for this course are in the area of engineering computation, data science, and programming. The core subjects of this program are in the area of environment, mechanics and materials, and systems. Students enrolled in this program need to choose one area and earn a total of 180 units to complete the course.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Overview
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Tuition: $27,755/term
- Required Credits: 180 units
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 69%
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT scores
- Application Fee: $75
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Teacher evaluations
Applying to Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Create a MyMIT account and start your application
- Complete the online application
- Submit your secondary school report and standardized test scores
- Submit teacher evaluations
- Set up an interview
Portland State University was founded in 1946 in Oregon as a post-secondary educational institution that evolved into a four-year college. Later on, in 1969, it was granted the title of university. There are 350 students enrolled in undergraduate academic programs in civil engineering and environmental engineering programs.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering program at Portland State University trains students to become engineers that preserve the natural environment and promote sustainable living. It is an accredited bachelor's degree, which can provide graduates with better opportunities in the industry.
It features courses such as Environmental Toxic Chemistry, Water Resources Engineering, and electives such as Soil and Groundwater Restoration and Environmental Chemistry. Graduates with this degree can work as environmental engineers, physical scientists, and engineering managers.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Overview
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition fees: $10,386/term (in-state); $29,286/term (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 187 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 49%
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.33
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $60
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Students from non-accredited or non-standard high schools need a minimum score of 1120 on math portions of the SAT or a 22 on the ACT
Applying to Portland State University
- Submit your application and pay the $60 application fee
- Submit official transcripts
- Submit test scores (optional)
- Submit your FAFSA
- Check your application status
Purdue University was named after the businessman John Purdue who established the college in 1869. It is known as one of the best engineering schools in Indiana. It offers a wide range of associate, bachelor, and certificate programs, with a total enrollment of 37,101 undergraduate students in 2021.
Bachelors of Science in Environmental and Ecological Engineering (BSEEE)
This bachelor's program emphasizes environmental and ecological engineering and employs an integrated systems viewpoint to provide cross-disciplinary problem-solving abilities. It requires a total of 128 credits made up of core and electives classes.
The curriculum of this program will teach students how to solve difficult engineering problems using scientific, engineering, and mathematical concepts. Graduates can pursue career opportunities in water and watershed stewardship, pollution prevention control, monitoring, industrial sustainability, sustainability, and research areas.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Ecological Engineering Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition and Fees: $4,996/semester (in-state); $14,397/semester (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 128 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 83%
Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Ecological Engineering Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.0
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $60
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to Purdue University - West Lafayette
- Complete and submit an online application
- Meet application deadlines
- Submit all the necessary materials
- Wait for confirmation
- Register for classes
Stanford University is among the best and largest universities in the world. It has leading research and teaching institutions and enrolls over 17,000 students. Stanford University was founded in 1885 by California senator Leland Stanford and his wife Jane.
The civil and environmental engineering department offers undergraduate degree programs in architectural design, atmosphere and energy, civil engineering, and environmental systems engineering. It is an outstanding academic institution with an entrepreneurial student body that offers a great return on investment.
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Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems Engineering
This program prepares undergraduate students to incorporate environmentally sustainable techniques, designs, and practices into natural and man-made systems. Students in this program can gain educational experiences in environmentally sustainable strategies, green building, energy technology, and urban planning.
The environmental systems engineering program has three areas of focus, which include urban environments, freshwater environments, and coastal environments. This bachelor's program is not ABET-accredited, so if you like to become a licensed professional engineer then the civil engineering major program is a better option.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems Engineering Overview
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Tuition: $18,491/quarter
- Required Credits: 96 units
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: in-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 95%
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $90
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: School report, counselor letter of recommendation, letters of recommendation from teachers
Applying to Stanford University
- Coalition Application or Common Application
- Pay the $90 non-refundable application fee or submit a fee waiver request
- Submit school report and counselor letter of recommendation
- Send, official transcript(s) or academic results
- Send letters of recommendation from two teachers
Pennsylvania State University was founded in 1855. This institution is rated particularly high for its research programs. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 40,639 students at the University Park campus.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program has five main focus areas, including environmental engineering, geotechnical and materials engineering, structural engineering and mechanics, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering.
It is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET and requires the completion of a minimum of 120 credits for successful graduation. Graduates from this ABET-accredited engineering program can work as civil engineers in management or administration, while others can work in design, construction, or teaching.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition and Fees: $18,491/year
- Required Credits: 127 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 73%
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.60
- Standardized Tests: None
- Application Fee: $65
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to Pennsylvania State University
- Submit your Penn State application
- Submit required application materials
- Pay the application fee
- Check your application status in MyPennState
- Register for courses (once accepted)
University of California, Berkeley was founded in 1868. It is one of the top universities in the world with excellent mathematics and science departments. It is the founding member of the Association of American Universities with a total of 45,057 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Science
The Environmental Engineering Science program requires the completion of a minimum of 120 units for graduation. It is intended to teach students the engineering fundamentals with courses in the environmental and natural sciences.
With this degree, grads can advance their studies in law, public policy, environmental engineering, energy, and resources, as well as related fields in physics, materials science, and chemical engineering. Graduates may also be able to work in the fields of environmental legislation and public policy, waste management, and renewable energy.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Science Overview
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Tuition and Fee: $14,760/semester
- Required Credits: 120 units
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 92%
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Science Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0 GPA (if in 10th or 11th-grade); 3.4 for non-resident
- Standardized Tests: Not required
- Application Fee: $70
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to University of California - Berkeley
- Apply to Berkeley by filling out the UC application
- Submit your application
- Wait for confirmation
- Submit required documents
- Wait for response
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor was established in 1817 and now has 19 colleges that offer undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs. It is a well-known university for public research and is among the best in the nation with 44,718 enrolled students.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering is a four-year program with a total of 128 credits. Enrolling students can focus on several key areas, including water quality and health, ground systems, environmental fluid dynamics, environmental policy, and sustainable infrastructure.
This program is ABET-accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission, with graduates employed or pursuing higher education. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will have a solid foundation in environmental engineering and environmental systems engineering.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition and fees: $16,178/term (in-state); $53,232/term (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 128 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 93%
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT, AP or IB exam scores
- Application Fee: $75
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Math and chemistry placement exams
Applying to University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
- Apply via the Common Application
- Submit high school transcript and school report
- Submit teacher evaluation
- Submit SAT or ACT score
- Official college transcripts (for dual-enrollment and transfer students)
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.
Geological engineers look for mineral resources and analyze potential locations. They design how the metals or minerals can be mined in an economically and ecologically sound manner after an area has been located. This type of engineer often specializes in a single resource such as gold, coal, or a specific metal.
- Average Salary: $97,090
- Job Outlook: 4% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 400
- Highest-Paying States: Oklahoma, California, New Mexico, Alaska, and Colorado
Civil engineers are responsible for planning, developing, designing, and maintaining public or private infrastructure projects. They maintain systems such as tunnels, highways, dams, water supply, and sewage treatment systems. Civil engineers are usually in charge of massive construction projects, such as building, monitoring, and maintaining road networks.
- Average Salary: $88,050
- Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 25,000
- Highest-Paying States: California, Alaska, Delaware, Rhode Island, and New Jersey
Transportation planners establish transportation policies that take into account all modes of transportation, including safety, efficiency, and environmental issues. In most cases, they work with government agencies and ensure that transport projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Average Salary: $78,500
- Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 3,700
- Highest-Paying States: Washington DC, California, New York, Washington, and Nevada
Some of the main responsibilities of environmental scientists are to identify environmental hazards, such as pollution. They apply their natural science expertise to safeguard the environment, clean up contaminated regions, advise legislators, or collaborate with businesses to minimize waste.
- Average Salary: $76,530
- Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 9,400
- Highest-Paying States: Washington DC, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois
Land surveyors perform several activities, such as revising boundary lines and preparing development sites to avoid legal problems. They help design and develop electricity lines, townships, roads, canals, buildings, engineering constructions, and maps for construction planning and development.
- Average Salary: $61,600
- Job Outlook: 2% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 4,000
- Highest-Paying States: California, Alaska, Washington, New York, and New Jersey
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
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/environmental-engineering/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/jobs-for-environmental-engineering-majors/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-companies-for-environmental-engineers/
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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