<p>Hey CC people, I haven't seen much talk about environmental engineering here. What is everyone's thoughts on it? Is it a worthwhile field to get into?</p>
<p>There are various kinds of Environmental Engineering. (I learned that the hard way.) What are your interests? </p>
<p>Colorado mom, can you elaborate on what you mean by that. My S is starting his soph year in Civil Engineering and has declared his focus to be environmental. He has also said that Colorado is the place to be for this field. I am interested in what you mean by "various kinds: and what you learned the “hard” way.
Thanks!</p>
<p>I guess at what was meant by “various kinds”. </p>
<p>My wife is an environmental engineer. She works for a large company whose processes involve chemicals that are considered hazardous to dispose of. She must track them according to EPA and state regulations and arrange for proper disposal. She also handles permitting of equipment and personnel who use these chemicals. This kind of environmental engineering is very heavily chemistry based… She, as is somewhat typical, also handles the plant safety concerns (beyond just environmental).</p>
<p>Another kind of environmental engineer would be more of a civil engineering type job (and this where I would think your S fits). You deal with the construction of waste treatment plants, sewer (both waste and storm) and the like. Possibly the operation of those plants as well.</p>
<p>Another “environmental” field that may or may not have “engineering” in the title would deal with more of the natural environment. A park ranger or scientist might be another way of thinking about it.</p>
<p>An environmental engineer like my wife has many companies that she can work for. Consulting is also an option. There are probably more jobs in this area than the other two although the civil type is probably a close second. Both of these will depend on the area you live in and whether there are companies with the need of the first or ongoing projects like the second. The park ranger/scientist type would be much harder to find work in and the pay would most likely be less.</p>
<p>spectrum2 - Your son is already at college, so he could probably explain the options in his program better. . But I’ll share my general story anyway in case helpful to others. (With today’s online research ability, students are unlikely to make my novice mistake… which phew, turned out ok anyway.) </p>
<p>I selected a major and college 1980s, when fewer people even thought about the environment. I was captivated by a movie we saw (in German class, believe it or not) about Climatologists. They studied the interaction of weather, pollution etc. The movie also showed projects to minimize apshalt in cities and other methods to reduce heat buildup. The high school GC directed me toward “environmental engineering”. </p>
<p>When I got to college, I realized that the the Civil/Environmental course for environment dealt mostly with water treatment plants and such (makes sense now). What I wanted to do regarding pollution/weather would have involved Chemical Engineering. That was not my cup of tea, so Mech Eng is where I landed. I had a yearn for problem solving, and that is a common thread for all the specialties. </p>
<p>H Puck: Thank you for elaborating on the types of environmental engineering. My S today mentioned another direction that he considered but then decided was too inflexible for him, nuclear engineering. </p>
<p>Colorado Mom: Thank you for clarifying, your first comment had me a little worried. Kids definitely have lots msore information than we had. I also entered my major based on erroneous assumptions but it turned out okay. My also mentioned thinking about chemical engineering but also decided it wasn’t his “cup of tea”. </p>
<p>He seems to know where he wants to go. Thank you both for helping me to understand the options out there and helping me to have a more informed discussion with him :).</p>
<p>spectrum2 - It’s nice your son is talking with you and having advantage of a parent sounding board. You may find some more interesting info in the helpful FAQ thread
<a href=“READ BEFORE POSTING! The (Engineering + FAQ) = Thread - Engineering Majors - College Confidential Forums”>READ BEFORE POSTING! The (Engineering + FAQ) = Thread - Engineering Majors - College Confidential Forums;
<p>Also encourage your to take advantage of the college placement office. They may have some insights. too. Regardless of the major, he’ll want to be talking to the about internship and/or co-op opportunities. Pre-graduation experience seems important these days. </p>
<p>Thanks! Coop is very much on his radar. He is hoping to be able to do this when he starts his Junior year next spring.</p>