Environmental Engineering
What is Environmental Engineering About?
Environmental engineers integrate principles of engineering, mathematics, earth science, soil science, life science, and materials science with emphasis on the design and development of solutions to environmental challenges, such as improvement of water, air pollution control, safe disposal of wastes, and the stewardship of our natural resources.
Career Outlook
Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 5% from 2018 to 2028. As current U.S. infrastructure experiences growing obsolescence, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects to rebuild, repair, and upgrade drinking water systems, wastewater treatment systems, solid and hazardous waste management facilities, renewable energy facilities, groundwater and soil remediation, air pollutant emissions, and other critical infrastructure to protect the public health and the environment.
Applicants who gain experience by participating in internships while in college will have better opportunities, and those who enter the occupation with a graduate degree will likely have the best prospects. Opportunities for environmental engineers should be good because of the need to replace workers who will be retiring. For more information go to https://www.bls.gov/OOH/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm.
Curriculum
The program of study leading to a bachelor of science degree in environmental engineering (BSEV) reflects the breadth of the profession (120 credits). The curriculum prepares graduates to formulate material and energy balances; analyze the fate and transport of substances in and between air, water, and soil phases; conduct laboratory experiments and analyze and interpret the resulting data in air, water, land, and environmental health; design environmental engineering systems that include considerations of risk, uncertainty, sustainability, life-cycle principles, and environmental impacts; and apply advanced principles and practice relevant to the program objectives. The curriculum also prepares graduates to understand concepts of professional practice, project management, and the roles and responsibilities pertaining to environmental policy and regulations.
Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Degree Program Information
- Admission Requirements
- Degree requirements
- Meet all general degree requirements of the University
- Complete the curriculum for the B.S. in Environmental Engineering degree
- Take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination (the first of two exams necessary for professional licensure; send email to cege@fau.edu for details)
- Flight Plans
- Undergraduate Mission, Objectives and Student Outcomes
- Enrollment and Graduation Data
- Student Learning Outcomes Assessment (pdf)
Visit the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is recognized in the United States as the sole agency responsible for accreditation of educational programs leading to degrees in engineering. The first statement of the Engineers' Council for Professional Development (ECPD, now ABET) relating to accreditation of engineering educational programs was proposed by the Committee on Engineering Schools and approved by the Council in 1933. The original statement, with subsequent amendments, was the basis for accreditation until 2000. The statement presented here is required of programs beginning in 2001. These criteria are called Engineering Criteria 2000 (EC2000).
Engineering education programs may be accredited at the basic or the advanced level; however, a program may be accredited at only one level in a particular curriculum at a particular institution. All accredited engineering programs must include "engineering" in the program title. To be considered for accreditation, engineering programs must prepare graduates for the practice of engineering at a professional level.
The ABET accreditation process is a voluntary system of accreditation that:
- assures that graduates of an accredited program are prepared adequately to enter and continue the practice of engineering
- stimulates the improvement of engineering education
- encourages new and innovative approaches to engineering education
- identifies these programs to the public.
The undergraduate Environmental Engineering degree program will undergo its initial accreditation visit in Fall 2020.
