1 answer
Cc
Student
Athens, Alabama
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get a job as an environmental engineer ?
What degree do I need?
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1 answer
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
494
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Cc,
Becoming an Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineering is a great career if you care about sustainability, which fits well with your earlier business idea. Here's what you should know:
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree (Minimum):
- Environmental Engineering is the most direct route.
- Civil Engineering with an environmental focus is also common.
- Environmental Science can work, but an engineering degree is preferred.
- The program usually takes 4 years full-time.
It's best if the degree is from an ABET-accredited program, which is important for quality and often needed for a professional license.
Key Coursework to Expect
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Air quality and pollution control
- Environmental cleanup
- Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
- Chemistry and microbiology
- Environmental law and policy
- GIS and environmental modeling
Professional Licensing (Optional but Helpful)
- PE License (Professional Engineer) requires passing the FE exam, gaining work experience (about 4 years), and then passing the PE exam.
- This license boosts job opportunities and potential earnings.
Beyond the Degree
- Internships at environmental firms, government agencies like the EPA, or corporations
- Certifications in areas like water treatment or air quality
- Build a strong base in math and sciences now in high school
Environmental engineers can work in various places—from government agencies to private consulting firms to corporations—making it a flexible career with good job prospects and a chance to make a real difference.
Becoming an Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineering is a great career if you care about sustainability, which fits well with your earlier business idea. Here's what you should know:
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree (Minimum):
- Environmental Engineering is the most direct route.
- Civil Engineering with an environmental focus is also common.
- Environmental Science can work, but an engineering degree is preferred.
- The program usually takes 4 years full-time.
It's best if the degree is from an ABET-accredited program, which is important for quality and often needed for a professional license.
Key Coursework to Expect
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Air quality and pollution control
- Environmental cleanup
- Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
- Chemistry and microbiology
- Environmental law and policy
- GIS and environmental modeling
Professional Licensing (Optional but Helpful)
- PE License (Professional Engineer) requires passing the FE exam, gaining work experience (about 4 years), and then passing the PE exam.
- This license boosts job opportunities and potential earnings.
Beyond the Degree
- Internships at environmental firms, government agencies like the EPA, or corporations
- Certifications in areas like water treatment or air quality
- Build a strong base in math and sciences now in high school
Environmental engineers can work in various places—from government agencies to private consulting firms to corporations—making it a flexible career with good job prospects and a chance to make a real difference.