Major in Environmental Engineering - An Overview

A radical change in the environment all over the world has become a major concern in recent times. The environment is experiencing severe transformation. Environmental protection is an important issue for society today as scientific research provides evidence of increasing global warming, ozone depletion and higher levels of pollution.

Environmental engineering is the blend of science and engineering principles to improve natural environment. Environmental engineering involves the study of natural and man-made systems, using the principles of biology, chemistry, and physic. Environmental engineering teaches how to develop innovative strategies and technologies for a sustainable future through a strong interdisciplinary focus on developing solutions to environmental problems.

Environmental Engineering focus on developing sustainable practices to manage and assesses a project’s effect on the natural and built environment. Environmental engineers play a vital role in maintaining an ecological standard of modern living by designing and implementing systems to improve the environment. If you want to contribute towards the society positively and scientific methods appeal to you then here’s our Guide on Environmental Engineering Major.

Read to know more about it and how to start your preparation right from high school because admissions to Engineering schools are competitive.

Solid Waste: In this division, environmental engineers collect, transport, processes, manage, and monitor the solid waste materials to reduce their effect on health, the environment, or aesthetics.

Environmental impact assessment and mitigation: In this division, engineers and scientists use a systematic identification and evaluation process to assess the potential impacts of a proposed project , plans, programs, policies, or legislative actions upon the physical-chemical, biological, cultural, and socioeconomic components on environmental conditions.

Water supply and treatment: In this division, environmental engineers work to secure water supplies for potable and agricultural use.

Wastewater treatment: Engineers and scientists develop collection and treatment systems to carry the waste material away from where people live and produce the waste and discharge it into a river, lake, or ocean system.

Air Quality management: Environmental engineers apply scientific and engineering principles to the design of manufacturing and combustion processes to reduce air pollutant emissions to acceptable levels.

Environmental engineers specializing in basic sciences, ecology, economics, social sciences, and radiological science as well as civil, mechanical and electrical engineers have attractive career options. A qualified professional working for an environmental engineering firm is expected to design, construct and maintain waste management systems so that urban and rural areas are maintained tidy.

Job of environmental engineers is expected to widen up as owing to tremendous economic development the country is facing an eminent degree of environmental contamination and environmental engineers will have to check it. At many universities, Environmental Engineering programs follow either the Department of Civil Engineering or The Department of Chemical Engineering.  Environmental Engineering is a career that is fulfilling and the work is critical to the functioning of the economic system. All you need is right preparation and guidance right from high school. We at USAeducation.info have prepared a section on guidance required to choose majors from high school, college prep to take up a career as an Environmental Engineer.

If you are fervent about the environment and your surroundings with a scientific aptitude, then this is certainly the field to choose. Environmental engineering is for those who love nature where they are growing and seeing others also to grow. To have this career you need to be very passionate about environment. Likewise, if you are interested in applying science and math to real-world technology situations and care about the planet, then this could be a perfect career fit for you. A career in environmental engineering can be challenging as the candidate is expected to come up with revolutionary solutions and innovative ideas for various environmental issues.

Environmental engineers have umpteen employment opportunities which work towards maintaining a clean environment and sustainable growth. A career in Environmental engineering not only pays good money, but is also satisfying.

The median annual wage for environmental engineers is approximately USD 90K. Actual pay package vary depending on type of job you do.

Environmental engineering as a subject is a broad spectrum one. Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Environmental engineering has immense scope in government as well as corporate sectors. It is a diverse field and requires people from diverse background. Moreover, professionals from process engineering, environmental chemistry, water and sewage treatment, waste reduction management, pollution prevention, etc are required in large numbers. Job prospects for professionals with a qualification in environmental engineering are bright in research centers, NGOs and various governmental departments working towards green development.

In the last couple of years the prospects of Environmental engineering have grown manifolds offering a wider scope to all those who are interested to pursue a career in this field. Students studying environmental engineering are employed by businesses catering to the geological, chemical and the mining sector.

An environmental engineer is expected to specialize in fundamental sciences along with related aspects such as economics, ecology along with studies catering to social as well as radiological science. Engineers who have a background in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering too have career opportunities in the field of environmental engineering.

Different governmental as well as non-governmental organizations have a great demand for environmental engineers who're able to work towards designing and restructuring of various environmental policies. Site remediation, management of contaminated land, supervision of the developmental activities and ensuring health and environmental protection of people are some of the very important areas which the environmental     engineers are supposed to look into. Professionals who are specialized to work in the management of perilous and hazardous waste materials and having an adequate know how to deal with natural resources for the environmental development duly qualify to work in this field.

Environmental Technician: Responsible for research, collecting data, and assisting in the planning and execution of projects.

Environmental Engineers: They are the ones who resolve and help prevent environmental problems.

Environmental Managers: Responsible for administrative work in addition to supervising staff and engineering projects.

Environmental Sales Engineers: Responsible for selling equipment and/or services related to the environmental engineering field.

Environmental engineers are in exceptionally high demand. With only one world to live in, environmental engineers are helping us to make sure we treat it with care.