Environmental engineering degree programs prepare students to design sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. Bachelor's degrees typically require four years and ABET accreditation for professional licensure. Master's programs (1-3 years) and PhDs (5-6 years) advance specialization in areas like water treatment, pollution control, and sustainability engineering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineers earn a median annual wage of about $104,000 with approximately 4% employment growth projected through 2034.
Why an Environmental Engineering Degree?
Environmental Engineering addresses critical challenges facing our planet. These professionals design systems to clean contaminated water, manage industrial waste, control air pollution, and create sustainable infrastructure. The field combines civil engineering principles with environmental science to address problems such as water scarcity, climate change adaptation, and waste management.
Career prospects in environmental engineering remain strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineers earned a median annual wage of about $104,000 in May 2024, with wages varying by experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions typically start in the $60,000-$70,000 range, while experienced professionals can earn $130,000 or more. Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow about 4% through 2034, driven by infrastructure needs, environmental regulation, and sustainability initiatives.
If you know you're looking to work in certain aspects of engineering rather than research science, it's essential to attend a school that is ABET-accredited. ABET is a non-profit and non-governmental accrediting agency for academic programs in engineering, computing, applied science, and engineering technology. You can verify your potential school's accreditation using this ABET search engine.
Careers in environmental engineering range from traditional Army Corps of Engineers positions to waste system designers, pollution control experts, and sustainability consultants. Employers include universities, various levels of government agencies, private engineering consulting firms, and major corporations. Related career paths include environmental toxicologist and environmental planner, each offering unique specializations within the broader field of environmental science.
ABET Accreditation: What You Need to Know
ABET accreditation isn't just a nice-to-have credential. It's essential for professional licensure in most states. The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and subsequent Professional Engineer (PE) licensure typically require graduation from an ABET-accredited program. Many employers, particularly government agencies and large engineering firms, require ABET-accredited degrees for hiring.
Accreditation ensures programs meet rigorous standards for curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, facilities, and student support. Programs undergo a comprehensive review every six years, demonstrating continuous improvement and alignment with industry needs. Non-accredited programs may offer lower tuition, but graduates face significant barriers to licensure and employment in many states.
Before enrolling in any environmental engineering program, verify its ABET accreditation status. The ABET online directory provides current accreditation information for all programs nationwide.
Undergraduate Degrees in Environmental Engineering
Many successful engineers have a Bachelor's degree in engineering. As engineering is a demanding college major, some students complete their undergraduate degrees and enter the workforce directly. A few years later, some return to school for graduate education, while others are satisfied working as field and laboratory technicians, waste treatment center operators, air pollution monitors, or instrumentation specialists.
Bachelor's programs typically require four years of full-time study. Coursework includes calculus, differential equations, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, chemistry, biology, and environmental systems design. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, field studies, and often capstone design projects, solving real-world environmental problems.
School Spotlights
Cornell University
Cornell University - The Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering and the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering offer a joint undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering. Students may enroll in EnvE as majors through the College of Engineering (CoE) or directly through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The Environmental Engineering program at Cornell University is ABET-accredited.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University - Students pursuing a B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering benefit from studying at an ABET-accredited institution and can use the university's specialized laboratories: Biodegradation and Bioremediation, Chemical Oxidation, Analytical Instrumentation, Composting, and Soil Erosion and Sediment Transport.
Choosing the Right Program Level
Your career goals should guide your decision about pursuing graduate education. A Bachelor's degree qualifies you for most entry-level positions in environmental engineering. You'll work on project teams, conduct field assessments, design system components, and support senior engineers on complex projects.
A Master's degree opens doors to specialized roles, project management positions, and higher salaries. Many engineers work for several years before returning to graduate school, allowing them to identify specific areas of interest and often securing employer funding for their education. Master's programs typically require 1-3 years, depending on whether you choose a thesis or non-thesis track.
PhD programs primarily serve those pursuing academic careers, high-level research positions, or executive roles in large organizations. Doctoral studies usually take 5-6 years and focus on original research that contributes new knowledge to the field. Consider a PhD if you're passionate about research, want to teach at the university level, or plan to lead major research initiatives in government or industry.
| Degree Level | Typical Duration | Career Outcomes | When to Pursue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (BS) | 4 years full-time | Entry-level engineer, project team member, field specialist, lab technician | First degree; foundation for all engineering careers |
| Master's (MS) | 1-3 years | Specialized engineer, project manager, senior consultant, research scientist | After 2-5 years of work experience, seeking specialization or advancement |
| Doctorate (PhD) | 5-6 years | University professor, senior researcher, executive positions, independent consultant | Passionate about research, want an academic career, leading large-scale initiatives |
Graduate Degrees in Environmental Engineering
Perhaps you know you want to earn more than entry-level salaries or have more responsibility and independence in your career than a Bachelor's degree provides. Your next decision is between a Master's and a PhD. A Master's degree usually takes 1-3 years, while a doctoral degree typically requires 5-6 years.
Master's degrees can be all coursework or coursework plus thesis. You may have significant supervision or work quite independently, depending on your chosen school, degree track, and personality. Programs vary in length, funding availability, and entrance requirements, but generally follow similar patterns for professional development.
Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering
School Spotlights
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) - Consistently recognized as a top engineering school, CMU offers degrees in Environmental Engineering at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Their Master's program requires an undergraduate engineering degree from an accredited school before admission. In some cases, students complete engineering prerequisites before acceptance. The Environmental Engineering degree prepares students for professional licensure in civil engineering. Program length depends on the type of program: course-based programs may be completed more quickly than research-based or professional training curricula. Students applying to the PhD program may complete a Master's degree first. Advisors with interests similar to the students are often paired together.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (M.S. EnvE) is jointly administered by the Departments of Civil Engineering and Biological Systems Engineering. Admission requires graduation from a fully ABET-accredited program with a 3.0/4.0 GPA, or a 2.75/4.0 for provisional status. Other students are reviewed individually before acceptance. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis route, but those accepting research funding must select the thesis route. All students complete a small core course load and can take classes from the Departments of Biological Systems Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Civil Engineering. About half of program graduates remain in Nebraska for work, while others obtain employment elsewhere.
PhD in Environmental Engineering Programs
Post-doctorate and career positions for PhDs in environmental engineering include university faculty positions and government agency research roles. Private industry may hire PhDs to create solutions to complex problems they've been contracted to solve. Environmental law teams may add engineers to review cases involving land and pollution management. Those interested in related degree programs should also explore environmental planning and design degrees, which offer complementary perspectives on sustainable development.
School Spotlights
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology offers degrees through a PhD in Environmental Engineering (EnvE). Program requirements follow those typical of science and engineering PhDs discussed above, with an additional requirement of a minor outside the department. Principal focus areas include environmental biotechnology, water quality and treatment, wastewater reclamation and reuse, hazardous and solid waste engineering, groundwater modeling and treatment, air quality monitoring, pollution control and modeling, environmental sciences, and industrial ecology. Courses in EnvE highlight engineering and scientific principles, system design, applications of environmental engineering operations and processes, and atmospheric and hydrological systems. Find additional information about Georgia Institute of Technology courses and staff.
UC Berkeley
At the University of California-Berkeley, students obtaining graduate degrees in Environmental Engineering focus on three areas: Air Quality Engineering (AQE), Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology (EFMH), and Water Quality Engineering (WQE). Several different programs at Berkeley offer courses to students: Berkeley Atmospheric Sciences Center, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Energy & Resources Group, Environmental Science, Policy & Management, Integrative Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Plant & Microbial Biology, and the School of Public Health. PhD students generally take 5-6 years to graduate. Coursework includes a primary and 2 minors (at least one outside the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering), as well as a thesis. Students must have graduate advisors and research advisors, who may be two different people. Students entering the PhD program should have an MS degree with a GPA of at least 3.5 in the subject area.
Learn about the history of environmental engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is environmental engineering hard?
Environmental engineering is challenging and requires strong skills in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. The curriculum typically includes calculus, differential equations, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. However, students with solid preparation in STEM subjects and genuine interest in environmental problem-solving generally succeed. Most accredited programs provide tutoring, study groups, and mentorship to support students through challenging coursework.
What's the difference between environmental engineering and environmental science?
Environmental engineering focuses on designing technical solutions to environmental problems, such as building water treatment systems, developing pollution control technologies, and creating sustainable infrastructure. Environmental science emphasizes understanding environmental systems, conducting research, and analyzing ecological impacts. Engineers typically need ABET-accredited programs for professional licensure, while scientists may pursue broader degree options in biology, chemistry, or geology withan environmental concentration.
Do I need a Master's degree to work as an environmental engineer?
No, a Bachelor's degree in environmental engineering is sufficient for most entry-level positions. However, a Master's degree opens opportunities for specialized roles, research positions, management tracks, and higher salaries. Many engineers work for several years before returning to graduate school, allowing employers to fund their education. PhDs are primarily for those pursuing academic careers, high-level research, or executive positions.
Can I get an environmental engineering degree online?
Some universities offer online Master's programs in environmental engineering, but entirely online Bachelor's programs are rare due to the required laboratory work and hands-on experience. Many programs offer hybrid formats combining online coursework with periodic on-campus lab sessions. When considering online programs, verify ABET accreditation status, as some employers and state licensing boards require degrees from accredited programs for professional engineer (PE) licensure.
How long does it take to become an environmental engineer?
A Bachelor's degree typically requires four years of full-time study. For professional engineer (PE) licensure in most states, you'll need four years of work experience under a licensed engineer after graduation. If pursuing graduate education, add 1-3 years for a Master's degree or 5-6 years for a PhD. Total timeline to become a fully licensed PE: approximately eight years (four years bachelor's plus four years experience plus passing FE and PE exams).
Key Takeaways
- ABET Accreditation Matters: For professional engineer (PE) licensure and many employment opportunities, graduates need degrees from ABET-accredited programs. Verify accreditation before enrolling, as non-accredited degrees create significant career barriers.
- Strong Career Prospects: Environmental engineers earn a median annual wage of about $104,000, with employment projected to grow approximately 4% through 2034 driven by water resource management, pollution control, and sustainability infrastructure needs.
- Multiple Degree Pathways: Bachelor's degrees prepare students for entry-level positions (four years), Master's programs advance specialization and earning potential (1-3 years), and PhDs lead to research and academic careers (5-6 years).
- Diverse Specializations: Focus areas include water quality engineering, air pollution control, waste management, sustainability systems, renewable energy, climate adaptation, and environmental remediation across public and private sectors.
- Interdisciplinary Foundation: Programs combine civil engineering principles with environmental science, requiring coursework in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and systems design to solve complex environmental challenges.
Ready to explore environmental engineering programs? Discover ABET-accredited degree options that align with your career goals and environmental interests.
Professional Environmental Engineering Associations
- Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- American Society for Engineering Education
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment projection figures for Environmental Engineers reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.