Let’s talk about Online Environmental Engineering Degree today. Oh yes! You can get an environmental engineering degree by studying online. Before we get into this, let us see what Environmental Engineering Degree entails.
What Is Environmental Engineering?
If you can’t decide between pursuing a degree in science or engineering, you might be able to find a way to do both by studying environmental engineering. In this field, engineers apply scientific and technical principles to protect the environment and human health.
As an engineer, you will have opportunities to tie your career closely with other fields like chemical engineering and civil engineering, industrial safety and process safety management, as well as biology and geology. You will be able to use your knowledge of environmental laws and regulations to help businesses adhere to these policies while also improving their operations.
In this guide we will explore all the information you need to know about the field of environmental engineering: what it is, how it relates to similar disciplines, where professionals work (and what they do), how much money they earn (and what kinds of jobs are available). We’ll also outline what education is required for entry-level positions in the field
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2. What Do Environmental Engineers Do?
What does an environmental engineer do? You will work with a variety of people. Environmental engineers collaborate with other environmental engineers and scientists, as well as other engineers, to solve problems. They work with communities and government agencies to help solve water pollution problems and improve the quality of the environment.
They analyze data to monitor environmental conditions and determine the causes of problems. They also design monitoring systems that collect data about the environment. For example, they may design sensors to measure water pollution in a city’s drinking water supply or check air pollution around industrial plants. Environmental engineers often test samples of air or water to find out what is causing pollution or other problems.
3. How to Become an Environmental Engineer
Aside from environmental engineers’ love of wetlands and the occasional chirp of a bird, what sets them apart? What are they doing that others aren’t? Well, if you want to join them, you’ll have to learn how. And while this may sound like an intimidating undertaking, it’s not as difficult or expensive as you might think. You can start by earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering.
Then, find ways to gain experience at an internship or through on-the-job training. Once employed, maintain your knowledge by pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science and engineering (ES&E). The latter will allow you to keep up with technology—especially as more jobs are expected to be moved out of offices and into the field. It will also allow you to learn about policy issues in your field―including key concerns like water quality and air quality that affect our daily lives—and become eligible for state licensure exams.
4. Career Outlook for Environmental Engineers
The job opportunities for environmental engineers are expected to continue growing. With more and more environmental disasters, contamination problems, and new regulations on the horizon, there will be a continued demand for the services of environmental engineers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow by 15 percent from 2014-2024, which is much faster than average growth compared to other occupations in the United States. While many job opportunities can be found in private consulting firms that deal with environmental issues, other options include working in government positions as well as positions in design firms and research companies that specialize in sustainability efforts or engineering technology.
According to data from PayScale, the average salary for an entry-level environmental engineer is $59,000 per year. This can increase substantially depending on your specific field within the larger umbrella of “environmental engineering,” but overall it’s a good salary for a profession focused on doing good things for our environment and working toward making a better future for our planet!
5. Environmental Engineering Salary and Growth Potential
As noted, environmental engineers have a median salary of $84,560. With a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, you can expect to earn an average salary of $65,000 at entry level, increasing over the years until it reaches the national average.
Factors in salaries include experience, credentials and location. A more experienced engineer will earn more than someone fresh out of college with only a bachelor’s degree. An engineer will also command higher pay if he or she has earned professional certification from organizations such as the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) or the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Engineers who work for large municipalities might receive union benefits that increase their salaries as well. Location is another factor; engineers working in California often make significantly more than those working in Georgia because of cost-of-living differences between states.
6. Environmental Engineering Education Requirements
While there is no clear path to becoming a professional engineer, many engineering degree programs involve rigorous and structured education. The curriculum varies greatly by program, but most programs require students to take classes in math, physics, chemistry and biology. In addition to the required coursework, it is important for graduates of these degree programs to obtain related work experience either as an undergraduate or graduate student. Completing an internship will give students the opportunity to practice their skills under the guidance of a professional engineer; internships can be found both in-person and online through organizations such as PEConnect (www.peconnect.org) and Professional Opportunities at Purdue (www.purdue.edu/~enr).
7. Online Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering
This program is designed for working professionals. Students who have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field may be eligible to complete this online master’s degree program in environmental engineering. The master’s degree program can be completed in two years and is geared towards students interested in advancing their careers or transitioning into environmental engineering.
Becoming an environmental engineer
A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field is necessary to become an environmental engineer. So, if this career path is one that interests you, be sure to keep your grades up so you can get into a respected engineering school.
Although the majority of environmental engineers work in offices, some may spend time outdoors at industrial plants, garbage disposal facilities and waste sites. They may also travel to worksites around the world because their services are needed everywhere people live and work. Some engineers visit hazardous waste sites or disaster areas–such as areas affected by oil spills, floods or earthquakes–to clean up and assess the damage caused by humans or natural disasters.
In 2018, the average annual salary for all civil engineers was $86,640; however, some levels of experience earn more than others:
- Entry level: $56,750
- Mid-career: $77,900
- Experienced: $98,000
- Late-career: $103,000
Top Schools Offering Online Environmental Engineering Degree
The following schools offer the best online environmental engineering degree:
Cornell University
Cornell University’s School of Engineering offers an online Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree that is designed for technical college students or those who already possess an associate’s degree. This program requires the completion of 123 credits and is available on a part-time basis only. The curriculum covers topics in engineering management, materials science, thermodynamics and software engineering.
The school also offers an online Master of Engineering (MEng) in Environmental Engineering, which takes about two to three years to complete. Full-time study allows students to complete the required 30 credits more quickly than part-time learners. In addition to coursework, students must pass a comprehensive exam, demonstrate proficiency with computer programs and complete a master’s project.
University of Wisconsin Madison
- Program Overview
The University of Wisconsin – Madison Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is offering an online master’s degree in environmental engineering. It is a 33-credit program that includes a capstone project. Courses include:
- Statistics for Engineers
- Data Analysis for Environmental Engineers
- Systems Design I: Fluid Mechanics and Transport Phenomena
- Curriculum
The coursework covers topics in hydrology, hazardous waste management, and hydraulic systems. Students may opt to focus their studies on water resources engineering or air pollution control and prevention. The program can be completed entirely online, with the exception of one weekend residency during the first semester of study. Students are required to take courses at a set pace and graduate in two years or less; there are seven start dates each year.
Tuition per credit hour: $631 (Wisconsin resident), $1,326 (out-of-state resident)
University of Washington Seattle
University of Washington Seattle
The University of Washington’s online Master of Science in Environmental Engineering is a full-fledged master’s program intended for students interested in pursuing a career as an environmental engineer. The program prepares students for professional practice by teaching them about the latest trends and technologies in the field. Students learn about issues facing modern civil engineers, such as sustainability, water quality management and climate change. The program does not lead to licensure as a professional engineer.
What Makes this Program Unique?
- The University of Washington is ranked one of the top 50 schools in America by U.S. News & World Report
- There are no campus visits required
- A free online course that introduces students to environmental engineering and previews some of the topics they will study during the master’s degree program is offered
- Most classes are asynchronous, with lectures available on demand and deadlines set by each instructor
- In addition to completing classes, students take part in group projects with their classmates that typically last 10 weeks
Clemson University
Clemson University offers one of the best and most affordable online environmental engineering degrees. Located in South Carolina, this is a well-regarded school with a great program that has been accredited by ABET. Students can choose to pursue their degree on campus or online, and they can get quite a bit done if they enroll at Clemson full time. Of course, the university’s competitive tuition rates are also worth mentioning; in-state students pay just $26,827 per year for tuition and fees combined. This equates to nearly $10,000 of savings over out-of-state students who are looking for an online environmental engineering degree.
These online environmental engineering degrees can open up new career possibilities.
Online course offerings often provide students with flexibility, allowing them to earn a degree while continuing to work. For these reasons and more, online education can be a great way for aspiring environmental engineers to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Some schools even offer internships for their students as part of their online programs, providing practical experience.
