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What college should I commit to ?
My options are: Santa Clara University (civil engineering), Loyola Marymount (civil engineering), UCSC (electrical engineering), CU Boulder (environmental engineering), CSU Fullerton (electrical engineering), and CSU Long Beach (environmental engineering). I want to go into environmental technology long-term and have whichever program I do now prepare me well for a masters program. I would appreciate some input!
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Angelina !
You will have to make the choice of college to attend because you will be the one attending. No one can choose this for you. Keep in mind, even though Loyola Marymount is the actual greatest out of the others, it is way expensive to the tune of $61,867.00 per year. Only consider Marymount if money is no object.
California State Universities are great and so are University of California system colleges. When you read up on all these colleges, make note on how much their tuition is. I suggest going to You Tube to see if these colleges have a channel so you can watch videos of the college and campus. I realize that you're not around the corner from these campuses, so before you plan Orientations of them, check them out via video.
Now for your Major for your Bachelors Degree. You should obtain a Bachelors Degree in a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Technology and Management. That will be the major that most efficiently will prepare you for a Masters Program for Environmental Technology. You've only mentioned Engineering Majors. An engineering degree is a good degree, but if you want the compatible Bachelors Degree, you should consider doing the Bachelors in Science in Environmental Technology and Management, not Engineering. Sorry to re-direct you on the undergraduate degree, but there may be a simple way to figure this out. Research or go to the website of the University you were thinking about going to for your Masters Degree and read if they offer an Environmental Technology and Management Bachelors Program. Most colleges that offer a subject major for a Bachelors also offer it for the Masters, too, but you will have to check this out.
To prepare you for your Masters, you would need to take courses in environmental regulations, toxicology, renewable energy, and soil science which an undergraduate ETM Program would offer. You would also get training in applying scientific and mathematical principles to develop and implement solutions for environmental problems. You would learn about sustainability, air pollution control, groundwater hydrology, and microbiology as it applies to the specific career of environmental technology.
After becoming well informed by reading programs and verifying this information with your high school guidance counselor, it may be easier for you to make a choice. Ask if Engineering would give you the focused courses you'd need to smoothly transition to the Masters Program. The more information that you can gather from the actual colleges and your guidance counselor would help you in making the right decision.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best moving forward !
You will have to make the choice of college to attend because you will be the one attending. No one can choose this for you. Keep in mind, even though Loyola Marymount is the actual greatest out of the others, it is way expensive to the tune of $61,867.00 per year. Only consider Marymount if money is no object.
California State Universities are great and so are University of California system colleges. When you read up on all these colleges, make note on how much their tuition is. I suggest going to You Tube to see if these colleges have a channel so you can watch videos of the college and campus. I realize that you're not around the corner from these campuses, so before you plan Orientations of them, check them out via video.
Now for your Major for your Bachelors Degree. You should obtain a Bachelors Degree in a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Technology and Management. That will be the major that most efficiently will prepare you for a Masters Program for Environmental Technology. You've only mentioned Engineering Majors. An engineering degree is a good degree, but if you want the compatible Bachelors Degree, you should consider doing the Bachelors in Science in Environmental Technology and Management, not Engineering. Sorry to re-direct you on the undergraduate degree, but there may be a simple way to figure this out. Research or go to the website of the University you were thinking about going to for your Masters Degree and read if they offer an Environmental Technology and Management Bachelors Program. Most colleges that offer a subject major for a Bachelors also offer it for the Masters, too, but you will have to check this out.
To prepare you for your Masters, you would need to take courses in environmental regulations, toxicology, renewable energy, and soil science which an undergraduate ETM Program would offer. You would also get training in applying scientific and mathematical principles to develop and implement solutions for environmental problems. You would learn about sustainability, air pollution control, groundwater hydrology, and microbiology as it applies to the specific career of environmental technology.
After becoming well informed by reading programs and verifying this information with your high school guidance counselor, it may be easier for you to make a choice. Ask if Engineering would give you the focused courses you'd need to smoothly transition to the Masters Program. The more information that you can gather from the actual colleges and your guidance counselor would help you in making the right decision.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Angelina,
I would create a pro and cons list of what is important to you when choosing a school to compare your choices. The decision is ultimately up to you! Make sure it is a school you feel you are going to enjoy, be supported at and will fit your needs.
Since you mentioned plans to go on to your Master's, I will give this advice:
Try to get your undergrad as paid for as much as possible. When getting your Master's it is harder to find options that will pay for it. The tuition cost will also be higher.
I would strongly consider what option is going to cost you the least.
I tell my students to look at the starting salary of your career and try to not have your student loan debt cost more than what your starting salary is.
The average Environmental Technician salary in California is $74,587 as of April 01, 2025, but the salary range typically falls between $65,981 and $83,859.
I would try to not have your student loan debt be more than $65k.
Something to think about! I know this is a tough choice. Do your research, talk to admissions advisors, and professors at each campus. Do a campus visit. Go with your gut on what you think is best for you!
Best of luck!
I would create a pro and cons list of what is important to you when choosing a school to compare your choices. The decision is ultimately up to you! Make sure it is a school you feel you are going to enjoy, be supported at and will fit your needs.
Since you mentioned plans to go on to your Master's, I will give this advice:
Try to get your undergrad as paid for as much as possible. When getting your Master's it is harder to find options that will pay for it. The tuition cost will also be higher.
I would strongly consider what option is going to cost you the least.
I tell my students to look at the starting salary of your career and try to not have your student loan debt cost more than what your starting salary is.
The average Environmental Technician salary in California is $74,587 as of April 01, 2025, but the salary range typically falls between $65,981 and $83,859.
I would try to not have your student loan debt be more than $65k.
Something to think about! I know this is a tough choice. Do your research, talk to admissions advisors, and professors at each campus. Do a campus visit. Go with your gut on what you think is best for you!
Best of luck!