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Should I take an environmental science class for my senior year in addition to an AP Physics class?

I'm a junior in high school who would like to become a civil engineer. I'm taking AP physics next year but I also want another class. Is environmental science a good choice?

civil-engineering environmental-science civil-engineer
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Ryan’s Answer

Hi Cy. You are a very impressive student!! You should be proud of your achievements. Yes, since Civil engineering is deeply connected to the environment, I think that Environmental Science will help you understand the real-world context of what engineers design. You’ll get exposure to things like water resources (flooding, watersheds, etc. ). soil, erosion, and land use; sustainability and environmental impact, and climate considerations in infrastructure.
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Allen’s Answer

Hey Cy,

I've got a degree in Physics and an interest in civil engineering, as well. I think that's a really cool path you are considering. Environmental Science would be a solid choice to supplement AP Physics for civil engineering. Understanding how the environment interacts with our plans is foundational to engineering. The class will likely not be focused on exactly what you are trying to do, but it will be up to you to think about how to apply what you learn. You might learn about how various environmental conditions can affect your designs, how to consider environmental impacts and remediation, and ethical considerations. Other high school classes you could consider would be higher-level math (statistics/calculus) or Chemistry. If your high school offers any machining/CNC classes, I would also recommend that. It's always useful to know what is involved in building the designs you come up with.

Allen recommends the following next steps:

Talk to your Environmental Science teacher and let them know what you are interested in. Ask how their class would help you prepare.
Look into what other science and math classes your high school offers, and ask your teachers what they would recommend.
Start playing some civil engineering video games (seriously). Check out Cities Skylines, Factorio, Satisfactory, or other city builder games!
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Andrea’s Answer

Sounds like you have a great plan for yourself! I love that. I also think, as a junior in high school the world - your world - is still changing and your actual path might surprise you. Maybe take a step back and think about what you're interested in - not just what might look good in applying to college or getting you further on the path to being a civil engineer. There is so little time in life to follow our passions...

So, if environmental science is interesting to you - go for it! But if you'd like to do something else, take more history, go further in a language or take ceramics - my favorite class! - then go for that. All of these experiences and classes add up to you being an interesting, curious, resilient person - and those are skills that will take you a long way.

I know it's hard to feel like you have time and room to follow your interests but I promise - you do!
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Laura’s Answer

As someone who has a masters degree in Physics, I believe environmental science is a great choice to support a civil engineering career path.

Physics will teach you the fundamental principles of how the world works in terms of the forces, the structures, and the mechanics. It also helps you develop your problem solving skills, something that all engineers need as a fundamental skill. Environmental science will provide you a more holistic view into the complex natural systems that you will naturally encounter in Civil Engineering. Use your Physics skills and problem solving abilities that you learn to think about environmental science challenges and opportunities. This will be a transferable skill as you begin your Civil Engineer studies in college.
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Apoorva’s Answer

Hi Cy! I'd encourage you to think about how the class fits with your future goals and your interests. Since you want to become a civil engineer, AP Physics feels like a well-aligned foundation for many engineering principles. Environmental science isn’t necessarily considered essential for civil engineering, but it can be useful if you’re interested in topics like sustainability or may want to have an environmental focus in your future career.

If environmental science is something you’re genuinely curious about and excited to learn, it could be a great complement to your coursework. However, if it feels more like a filler class and might impact your GPA because it’s not an area you connect with, it’s worth considering other electives that might better support your strengths or career interests.

Ultimately, weigh your workload, your enthusiasm for the subject, and how each option contributes to your goals.
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