The most technical of the three paths
Environmental engineering combines scientific and engineering principles to improve and maintain the environment in order to protect human health, natural resources, and natural environments. It addresses emerging global challenges, such as the impact of climate change on communities and ecosystems.
Often associated with civil or industrial engineering, environmental engineering includes many scientific topics and disciplines, including chemistry, biology, geology, hydrology, microbiology, physics, and mathematics. Environmental engineers work across fields in government agencies, architecture and urban planning firms, and nonprofit environmental groups.
The field is crucial for developing a prosperous and more sustainable future that benefits both communities and ecosystems, with a focus on sustainable design and construction, proper waste management, and the development of environmental regulations and law.
Engineering-first
Sits within the engineering faculty, combining maths, physics, biology, chemistry, and design in one programme.
Tangible solutions
Environmental engineers create solutions that protect and improve the lives of people, plants, and animals and improve the quality of the environment.
Sustainability-focused
The field is crucial for developing a prosperous and more sustainable future that benefits both communities and ecosystems.
What you'll actually study
The curriculum is grounded in engineering and applied science, covering a range of specialisations. Environmental engineers may focus on a specific field such as water treatment and supply, recycling and waste disposal, air pollution management, or environmental impact assessment and mitigation. Expand each area to learn more.
The skills you graduate with
Students who enjoy and excel in maths, biology, chemistry, and creative problem-solving do well in environmental engineering. Environmental engineers rely on critical thinking and communication skills to develop sustainable solutions and explain plans and specifications to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Engineering design
Ability to design and improve systems that protect the environment and public health, including water and air treatment infrastructure.
Maths and science
Proficiency in chemistry, biology, geology, hydrology, microbiology, physics, and mathematics applied to real engineering problems.
Critical thinking
Environmental engineers rely heavily on critical thinking to develop sustainable solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Regulatory knowledge
Students learn to inspect facilities and ensure compliance with environmental regulations and help develop environmental regulations and law.
Cross-sector collaboration
Environmental engineers work across government agencies, architecture and urban planning firms, and nonprofit environmental groups.
Communication
Strong communication skills are essential for explaining plans and specifications to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Where this degree takes you
Careers in environmental engineering are important for keeping communities and environments safe and healthy. Environmental engineers are needed in government agencies, urban planning firms, public health organisations, natural and water resource management, sustainable architecture and construction, industrial design, environmental regulation, and public health.
The table below shows median annual salaries for key occupations, based on US Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024), as cited by Michigan Technological University:
| Occupation | Mean Annual Salary | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Engineers | 10,570 | 61,910 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | 8,640 | 34,830 |
| Civil Engineers | 07,050 | 60,990 |
| Hydrologists | 8,130 | 39,420 |
| Health and Safety Engineers | 13,770 | 66,670 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | 9,730 | 28,550 |
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024, as cited by Michigan Technological University.
Who tends to thrive here
Students who enjoy and excel in maths, biology, chemistry, and creative problem-solving do well in environmental engineering. The degree suits students who want to see tangible, real-world outputs from their work, designing and building systems that directly protect communities and the environment.
Environmental engineers may also serve as advisors for corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organisations regarding environmental issues, as well as help develop environmental regulations and law. Students who are more drawn to writing, policy, or social advocacy may find Environmental Studies a better fit, while those interested in scientific research and fieldwork may prefer Environmental Science.