I really do not care about how prestigious the school is. What I am more concerned about is getting internships which will land me a job. I live in West Palm Beach, and there a good amount of Env Eng internships here, but they usually only want interns who are working on their B.S degree. I am paying my way through college and I do not live with my parents. I was thinking of going to UCF in Orlando, but I recently discovered that FAU, about 40 mins from me, has an env eng program. Should I just transfer there when I am done with my prerequisites, or should I take my *** to Orlando? I am actually getting ready to start an internship with the Environmental Resource Management doing clerical things, which means my name is going to get out there. When my plan was to go to Orlando, I was still planning on coming back to West Palm after I got my degree. I have heard good and bad things about FAU, and that really goes for all universities.
Is there anyone out there that went to FAU for Env Eng and is happy and is there anyone unhappy with their decision?
I truly and honestly am so sick and tired of working at jobs that I don t care about. I want to start working in my passion so that is why internships are so important to me. And since I plan to live in Palm Beach for at least 10 to 15 more years I would like to hear what other people think I should do.
HELP!!!
UCF has a much better established program in environmental engineering. You can do well at FAU, but if all other factors are equal, go to the better engineering school/program. (better=more Env eng specific classes, more professors, more research, better recruited, etc.)
While we’re on the subject. Have you thought about UF? As a transfer student, environmental engineering is one of the less competitive majors (number of students applying vs. number of slots open) at UF, so a decent GPA (something higher than a 2.5+) can get you accepted into the program. Cost is basically the same as UCF (and FAU), but the program is excellent.
http://www.essie.ufl.edu/student_resources/admissions/undergraduate/
I think I would cast the net widely and see what happens.
@Gator88NE yes UF was my first choice but I just don’t want to live in Gainesville. I think maybe I’ll just get my masters at UCF. But honestly if I get a good internship here in Palm Beach I will probably get hired after I graduate. I mean the point of school is to get a specialized job right?
@SouthFloridaMom9 I tried that already. I find mostly biased opinions that talk about prestig and making lots of money. Both of which I care not about. I just want to make enough to buy Organic and go on vacations twice a year while working in a career that makes a difference.
But that’s what I mean, OP - keep working your gen-eds and applying for internships (technically you are pursuing your BS if you are planning to go on after your AA which is basically the gen-eds in FL). Then see what comes in. If an internship with future potential happens in Palm Beach County - go to FAU! Makes sense to me.
If recruiting seems tepid or there’s not much in south Florida then I would definitely want to go the most ‘prestigious’ school where you get in, all other things being considered. But I have no objection to you going to FAU if the job piece comes together.
That being said, Gainesville is nice too. 
Can you do the pre reqs at PB State and then finish at FAU?
^^I don’t know why but that’s what I read into OP’s post (perhaps incorrectly).
I really like PB State in Palm Beach Gardens - pretty campus.
Forget about prestige and money.
Take a closer look at which professors will be teaching your classes, what’s the curriculum, how are the career development centers (and job placement), what design/build teams are available, and what environmental engineering/professional clubs and organizations are active on campus.
You’re only going to be living in Orlando or Gainesville for 2 or 3 years, then you’re moving to work your first job. Don’t get too hung up on location. And if that perfect job’s in Texas, off you go. South Florida can wait…
Getting an internship can be hard. Don’t limit your options to one location. You also may want to look into Co-ops.
As a transfer student, you’ll be focused on finishing your degree and making connections. You’ll spend a lot more time involved in engineering student groups, than hanging out at the beach or bar. In fact, by the time you are a senior, you’ll want to have take a leadership role in one or more of these groups. That means getting involved.
http://www.essie.ufl.edu/student_resources/student_groups/
The above link list UF groups. FAU and UCF also have student groups, which you should join if you attend those schools. The advantage UF has, is that it has more of these groups to choose from, and they are better funded.
Good Luck!
@SouthFloridaMom9 lol I see I misunderstood your initial comment. That’s what I was figuring, I just wanted to make sure I didn’t sound crazy. And definitely, … if I can’t find any good internships keeping me here I’m OUT! haha. & omg yes it is a very nice campus! They even have nature trails!
@ClarinetDad16 sure can, I’ve already started my prerequisites at PBSC. I only need call 2, 3, diff equ, and physics 1&2
@Gator88NE awesome thank you. Yes I definitely have to get involved anyway possible. & Texas, not a bad idea, my Padre lives there!
Wow I love this website. Thank you to everyone. The feedback is much appreciated =D>