<p>I am a currently a junior searching for colleges. I want to be an engineer and specialize in environmental/clean energy. My ideal job would be working for an energy company making, designing or re-designing machines that produce energy and make them cleaner. </p>
<p>What are the advantages of majoring in environmental engineering since all types of engineers can be hired for these types of positions? What are the advantages of majoring in environmental engineering as opposed to a nuclear or chemical for environmental technology? If, for example, I majored in mechanical engineering, how easy would it be to choose a path related to environmental? It seems that majoring in environmental engineering would NOT be smart because that covers the very broad idea of it while companies want to hire specific types of engineers for jobs. Is this true? </p>
<p>I am looking at colleges with strong co-op programs but not necessarily top engineering, such as Northeastern and Drexel. I am doing this so I can be sure to get a strong job and it sounds like a lot of fun. Is finding a job in environmental tech rather easy? If so, this would make co-op less important to me.</p>
<p>If you want to do anything with machine design, you’ll need to major in mechanical engineering, or maybe chemical engineering depending on the program. Look for programs that emphasize research and courses in “Air Pollution Engineering” or something that sounds similar. </p>
<p>Environmental engineers are often thought of some new, green technology engineer, when that is not the case at all. EnvEs focus on water/wastewater treatment, site remediation, and things like that. If you want to go into EnvE, I’d recommend looking for schools with a dedicated EnvE major as opposed to just a Civil Engineering degree with environmental emphasis.</p>
<p>As for jobs in environmental tech; most engineering jobs are not environmental friendly, but rather the opposite. Politicians may spout rhetoric about the future of green jobs, but right now there just aren’t a lot out there. Also consider that like Biomedical Engineering, new students are wanting to get “green” engineering jobs when there simply is not a huge market for those types of positions yet.</p>
<p>Say, for example, I wanted to design and work with tidal power turbines that go underwater. What degree should I get for that?</p>
<p>Mechanical or EE. Don’t get a degree in environmental engineering. It doesn’t qualify you to be an actual engineer.</p>
<p>Don’t all energy producing machines turn a turbine? So ME or electrical engineer would work for any clean energy projects?</p>
<p>I agree; electrical or mechanical with some emphasis on energy would be ideal. Chemical would work if you decided you wanted to work on fuels.</p>
<p>Can you guys give me some example of what kind of jobs env engineers do and are specifically hired to do that other engineers are not hired for?</p>
<p>I dont think there are any specific jobs that an environmental engineer can perform that other traditional engineering degrees can not. Environmental engineering is really a specialization of other engineering degrees depending on the program. Really what you should do is a traditional engineering degree and specialize in environment/energy or if you want minor in environmental science…and on a side note IMO do coop job experience is important plus money is nice</p>
<p>What you are talking about has little to do with environmental engineering.</p>
<p>I’d recommend looking at the webpage for a company like Golder Associates to get a picture of what most environmental engineering entails.</p>