Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hello everyone.</p>

<p>I’m not sure of this is the place to post this but I am hoping for some real world advice.</p>

<p>As a career, I would like to do something involving both the business and scientific aspects of environmental initiatives. Perhaps as an entrepreneur to help a start-up an environmental firm or an environmental consultant. Basically, as much as I do love science, 10 years from now, I definitely do not want to be stuck in a lab or anything similar. I want something more dynamic and “robust”.</p>

<p>Right now I’m thinking about either a double major in Environmental science and economics OR Environmental engineering and economics.</p>

<p>My questions are as follows:-</p>

<p>1) What exactly is the difference between Environmental science and Environmental engineering? What area does each concentrate upon?</p>

<p>2) Which one will make me more “competent” when it comes to my future plans? I’m not really worried about the course work as I do think that I can handle it, so I would like advice based upon the knowledge I’ll get in each major rather than which one is “easier” to do.</p>

<p>3) Is it safe to say that environmental engineering is environmental science + engineering? In other words, as an environmental engineer, I’ll get all the knowledge of an environmental science major and more (engineering)?</p>

<p>4)How much “designing” is involved in environmental engineering?</p>

<p>The main reason that I ask this question is because I’m applying to universities and there are some excellent LAC’s that I would love to attend but what worries me is that an environmental science degree when compared to an environmental engineering degree is “useless”? The word that I came across on some forum was that environmental science majors are “tree hugger” majors with no job prospects. Is that true?</p>

<p>Job prospects do sway my decision significantly as I’m an international student and would like to work in the USA for a few years before I move.</p>

2

<p>In environmental careers, getting a foot in the door, so to speak is just as important as your major. Look to get involved in local companies or non-profits and community initiatives while at college. Sometimes long term internships are, annoyingly, a way in. But these massively favour better off students (or their parents) who can afford not to work for another year.</p>

<p>As for your questions:</p>

<p>1) Environmental Science is the science behind the environment. Physics, geography, chemistry etc. </p>

<p>Environmental Engineering is problem solving of environmental issues. Creative thinking.</p>

<p>There is a bit of overlap. </p>

<p>2) The joy of your first ‘proper’ job is the realisation that college classes didn’t really prepare you for the workplace. Competency is something you’ll acquire with experience in the field. Making mistakes. Increasing responsibility. A willingness to continue learning. </p>

<p>3) Engineering is a bit of a misnomer for those of us outside the profession. Traditionally, it does mean the nuts and bolts and computing that you and I think of. </p>

<p>However, there are newer fields- systems engineering, financial engineering, information systems engineering which aren’t to do with ‘traditional’ engineering. They’re about creating new processes, new ways of doing things to solve problems. They may require elements of other engineering knowledge depending on the field but it’s more about constant improvement to reduce waste, increase productivity, make things safer for clients and the organisation. It’s always been done but just has a fancy new title.</p>

<p>4) There can be lots of traditional engineering or very little. </p>

<p>Just a suggestion: If you like the idea of a more traditional engineering role but where you can effect positive environmental change, have you considered civil engineering. You could make a more environment focused bias via your electives or a minor. How can that major road that a community desperately needs upgrading be built considering the needs of the scientifically important species that only grows locally? </p>

<p>It would be a stronger option for employment straight from college which will help your visa situation while also being transferable abroad. If you do consider it, look into how the American degree is accepted by the professional body in your home nation. It might be a smooth switch or you might need additional study or to complete an experience log in your first job back. Also, you will have reached a definite level of competency in the field to graduate. It won’t be very high but you’ll able to say ‘I know this and I can do this’ far more easily than the other two majors.</p>

<p>Just a thought.</p>

3

<p>Thanks a lot for taking time out to compose such a detailed and well written reply!</p>

<p>I actually don’t want to work as a traditional engineer. At least not for a long time. I pretty much want to use engineering practices in a more business based environment.</p>

<p>I have considered civil engineering with an environmental concentration! And applied to Duke University for this exact course. But I’m kind of second guessing myself. I wouldn’t want the course to be too heavily focused on designing complex machines, I’d rather study more about the science behind the environment but then I keep reading that an “environmental science” major is not very “employable” and that again scares me.</p>

<p>A possible fix to this could be that I do environmental engineering and take as many “environmental science” electives as possible, BUT, that would mean that I’ll have to drop my plans of the second economics major and I definitely don’t want to do that!</p>

<p>I’m also very interested in “industrial engineering” which is basically “systems engineering”, that is to find new ways to solve problems etc as you said. But it’s not available in many universities, and since I’m an international student who needs substantial financial aid, I am not able to apply to any university that offers that major. I’ll probably end up doing a masters in industrial engineering if everything goes according to plan :)</p>

4

<p>I really don’t know a lot about this program at Texas A&M but both this program and the engineering school in general are highly ranked. There are also many international students on campus so I thought you might want to look at these links. It may however be late in the year to be considering this if you are looking for September 2014 admission. I don’t know how quickly this program fills up but engineering in general fills quickly. Admissions into engineering has also changed some this year so if you are interested you should look at that for sure. Good Luck</p>

<p>[About</a> Us | College of Engineering](<a href=“http://engineering.tamu.edu/industrial/about]About”>About Us | Texas A&M University Engineering)
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[Texas</a> A&M Ranks Among Top 25 Nationally In Enrollment Of International Students | TAMUtimes](<a href=“http://tamutimes.tamu.edu/2011/11/14/texas-am-ranks-among-top-25-nationally-in-enrollment-of-international-students/#.UqFd-3fnbak]Texas”>http://tamutimes.tamu.edu/2011/11/14/texas-am-ranks-among-top-25-nationally-in-enrollment-of-international-students/#.UqFd-3fnbak)
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[Facts</a> & Figures | About Us | College of Engineering](<a href=“http://engineering.tamu.edu/about/facts]Facts”>Facts and Figures | Texas A&M University Engineering)</p>

5

<p>Doing and Industrial Engineering masters on top of an Environmental Science major plus your Economics would make an amazing combination (finances permitting). Again, trying to get some experience in IE while still an undergrad would also boost your employment options. </p>

<p>Indeed, with an Economics major as well- that’s an excellent grounding for a business job in its own right. You’ll be in a stronger position than the straight EScience route. </p>

<p>There’s always a bit of risk regarding any major we choose to do. No med school student is guaranteed graduation :slight_smile: You’ve got a solid plan and know what you want to do and where you want to work. You’ve got more figured out than many 40 year olds! If it feels right, go for it. You can always change your mind later.</p>

<p>P.S. Having a google for alternative titles for Industrial Engineering, there’s also operations management and management science- don’t know if that helps with the colleges you’re applying to.</p>

6

<p>@Spectrum2 – Thank you for the links! I will definitely check out the course at Texas A&M. It sounds promising.</p>

<p>@highland_poppy – Many thanks for another encouraging post. I think you’re right, there’s always a certain amount of risk involved. Planning to go to a totally new country and living alone is a risk and an adventure in itself!! I guess depending on where I get in, I will always have the chance to fine tune my “plan” with my college adviser!</p>