Majors at the University of Connecticut
Environmental Engineering
The interdisciplinary environmental engineering program within the School of Engineering, offers training in addressing cross disciplinary environmental problems. In order to be successful in the program, it is important to have an understanding of all physical sciences (chemistry, geology, biology, plant science, physics, and mathematics). The training that is received through this program will provide the ability to work in any area of environmental protection. The goal of the degree is to foster those students who are committed to solving environmental issues, have excellent communication skills, and are life-long learners.
Academic Department
Nature of Work
Environmental Engineers contribute to solving environmental problems. They will continue to assess how human activity impacts the environment and work to minimize such impacts, as well as tending to the natural environment as the earth's life support system. The major areas of work include: air pollution control, industrial hygiene, radiation protection, hazardous waste, toxic materials control, wastewater and solid waste disposal, environmental remediation, and land management.
Sample Job Titles
- Environmental Engineer
- Site Manager
- Environmental Lawyer
- Design Engineer
- Toxicologist
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- Environmental Consultant
- Compliance Officer
- Enforcement Official
- Environmental Planner
- Waste Manager
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Potential Employers
Environmental Engineers can be found working for the local, state or federal government or for engineering firms that are responsible for consulting work for government agencies. In the state and local government agencies, it is also common to find the engineers employed in departments of water resources and transportation. They can also work in a wide variety of industries such as organic chemicals or metals extraction, which could possibly create a large amount of pollution.
Useful Skills
Some of the skills that are necessary include: understanding of all physical sciences (chemistry, geology, biology, plant science, physics, mathematics, etc.), as well as social sciences (social, political, economic). Excellent communication skills, global awareness, mathematical modeling skills, and knowledge of technology and regulatory issues are also valuable assets. It is also important to have a good background in the humanities, as the field of environmental engineering is intertwined with people, it is important to understand how people and societies function.
Getting Experience
In order to gain the experience necessary to be successful in the field of environmental engineering, it is important to take part in internship opportunities. The hands-on experience that combines the knowledge achieved through the classroom is essential to have prior to pursuing a career. Other good ways to explore information about the field is to talk to someone in the field, or take place in job shadowing opportunities at local environmental consulting firms to learn as much as you can prior to graduation.
Employment Opportunities
The opportunities in environmental engineering are very diverse. One can be a researcher, designer, planner, operator of a pollution control facility, professor, governmental regulatory agency official, or involved in professional society work. The opportunities will vastly continue to grow, as the number of candidates with engineering degrees is not rising, but the complexity of environmental issues facing the world today are continuing to grow.
Internet Links
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