<p>I'm interested in becoming an environmental engineer because of my interest in both math and the environment. However, I don't know as much about is as I do other majors. I've noticed that most schools that offer environmental engineering as an undergrad major have it as part of a school of civil AND environmental engineering. Does this mean that an environmental engineering major has similar courses to a civil engineering major? Also, what EXACTLY does an environmental engineer do, what are the employment prospects?</p>
<p>I’m in this right now…well I’m actually only a freshman. They are with the civil department because they have a lot of the same courses(at my school during junior year). A lot of these are hydrology courses but a few are more common type civil courses(structural, ect.). From what I can tell, a lot of EVEG majors work with waste/wastewater treatment, pollution control, air quality, stuff like that. However I know a few EVEG’s who own their own companies. One deals with mainly gas stations and their safety regulations. When I get out I hope to work with safety regulations as well, but more along the lines of the coast(I’m from south Louisiana) and the oilfield.</p>
<p>Hope this little bit of knowledge I have helped.</p>
<p>Oh and also, I’ve heard there will be a LARGE increase in job opportunities…more than any other engineering discipline.</p>
<p>Yeah, I looked at the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and is said there would be a 31% increase in environmental engineering jobs over the next decade.</p>
<p>I’m interested in power generation and renewable energy resources…what engineering major do you think I could study as a possible double major in order to get into that field?</p>
<p>Environmental engineering does not touch upon energy at all. Power generation falls within electrical engineering.</p>
<p>“Yeah, I looked at the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and is said there would be a 31% increase in environmental engineering jobs over the next decade.”</p>
<p>ya i read that 5 years ago when i was decided to go into enve. I’ve since graduated and meh , quite a few of us, maybe more than half the class is unemployed.</p>
<p>This might be a stretch, but can mechanical engineers find themselves doing environmental engineering work?</p>
<p>Environmental Engineers usually deal with sewage and bio waste water mangement and stuff like that. They don’t deal with alternative energies.</p>
<p>I really want to do something involving the the future of the environment/sustainability/etc. If not environmental engineering, what major(s) should I really be looking at?</p>
<p>I would think mechanical.</p>
<p>Well alternative energy and helping the environment are incredibly general. You need to be more specific. Write now alot of work in alternative energy is in ts research stages. Biological engineers are helping to create algae that can be used as a fuel source. Civil engineers help to build hydroelectric dams. Mechanical engineers help to develop efficient wind mills and other engineers develop solar panels. There is no such thing as “alternative energy engineering”?</p>
<p>What about Environmental Science?</p>
<p>Possibly with an area of focused research…? I think most engineering disciplines would apply methods currently in use. The science (bio, chem, physics, possibly enviro) majors conduct research after grad school</p>
<p>So basically I can major in whatever I want and still be able to make an impact? You sound like my mom. :P</p>
<p>I’ve looked into environmental science, but I really want to do something that involves more math.</p>
<p>^Haha, me too actually … :)</p>
<p>I don’t know. It’s kinda weird that environmental engineers don’t work on developing alternative energy systems.</p>
<p>Renewable Energy Engineering is a program at the Oregon Institute of Technology.</p>
<p>Apologize I didn’t realize there was a renewable energy program. It must be fairly new.
Is it Abet accredited?</p>
<p>It was created in the past 3 years I believe. I’m not sure if it’s ABET accredited. That would, possibly, be the only drawback.</p>
<p>lumin-</p>
<p>Thats because thats not their job. Environmental engineers are responsible for reducing point source and nonpoint source pollution from places such as farms and factories, providing clean water, hazardous waste treatment etc.</p>
<p>Alchemist, this info is from a website link that you posted in another thread. I’m quite sure you’re familiar with it, but I’ll repost it here.</p>
<p>“Environmental engineers are concerned with local and worldwide environmental issues. Some may study and attempt to minimize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion” - [url=<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm]Engineers[/url”>http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm]Engineers[/url</a>]</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s unusual for some environmental engineers to engage in research. The average environmental engineer will probably be applying his knowledge to normal projects, but I’m pretty sure there are research - oriented environmental engineers out there. Based on what you’ve posted, I still think the degree is a good fit for you.
Engineering degrees seem to be well respected in general. You could always try to look for environmental research internships while you’re in college. This would get you a foot into the research world.
This is what I’m planning on doing, and my interests and career goals are similar to yours. Though, grad school is pretty much required for research…:)</p>
<p>There are environmental engineers who engage in research, just not research in alternative energy systems.</p>