Environmental Engineering (ENVE)

Click here for program requirements as listed in Penn State's Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin.

The Environmental Engineering major helps graduates obtain the skills necessary to analyze, design, and manage air pollution control, water supply, wastewater treatment, solid waste handling, and hazardous waste systems. A thorough background in engineering fundamentals is provided by a broad core of courses in basic science and mathematics emphasizing sciences such as chemistry and microbiology.

A sequence of Environmental Engineering design courses distinguishes the undergraduate program. In the senior year, a majority of the Environmental Engineering courses such as Treatment Plant Design, Hydraulic Design, Solid Waste Management, and Hazardous Waste Management utilize a team approach to meet project design objectives. These courses also emphasize written and oral communication of engineering concepts and project results. There is a considerable emphasis on conservation, reuse, and pollution prevention as pollution control strategies in these courses.

Environmental Engineering students are qualified to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination leading to certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and, with appropriate experience after graduation, sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Examination leading to registration as a Professional Engineer. They are also qualified to pursue graduate education in Environmental Engineering. ENVE graduates are qualified to work at the entry level in a variety of jobs related to environmental protection and management in private industry and government.

For a B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering, a minimum of 131 credits is required.

Opportunities in Environmental Engineering

Career Opportunities

The Environmental Engineering program at Penn State Harrisburg provides a comprehensive education for students interested in pursuing a career in the environmental field. Graduates will be qualified to work at the entry level in a variety of jobs related to environmental protection and management in different career settings. Environmental engineers work in the private sector, government, and academia. Engineering consulting firms hire engineers to work with local governments on issues such as air and water pollution control and solid and hazardous waste management. Some manufacturing industries employ environmental engineers to help keep them in compliance with government regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency hires most environmental engineers who work for the federal government. The departments of Defense and Energy employ others. State agencies and metropolitan governments hire environmental engineers to help carry out federally mandated programs. Local health, water, sewer, and public works departments also hire engineers. Also, universities, testing laboratory interest groups, and research organizations employ environmental engineers to perform research and give advice on environmental issues. Advanced study is also an option and students are qualified to pursue graduate education in engineering-related majors.

Accreditation and Licensure

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone 410-347-7700, or visit the Web at www.abet.org.

Environmental Engineering students are qualified to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination leading to certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and, with appropriate experience after graduation, sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Examination leading to registration as a Professional Engineer.

Student Organizations

All students are encouraged to participate in the Society of Environmental Engineering, which can provide both student and professional links to a career in environmental engineering.

Job Titles

The following job titles are found for environmental engineers: Air Quality Engineer, Assistant Policy Specialist, Director of Public Safety, Environmental Engineer, Field Chemist, Health Risk Assessor, Hydrogeologist, Information Specialist, Process Engineer, Safety Engineer, Hazard Communication Researcher, Health Assessment Specialist, Environmental Health Research Scientist, Manager of Safety Design, Planner, Planning Director for Water Standards, Solid Waste Project Director, Waste Minimization, Water Resource Manager, and Wetlands Ecologist.

Job Outlook

Environmental Engineering represents a mature field with employment opportunities and growth potential. The "Engineering News Record" reports that in the year 2000, the top 200 environmental engineering firms in the U.S. had record high revenues of $24.3 billion. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not monitor the environmental engineering discipline separately, it and the Occupational Outlook Quarterly predict growth in employment for environmental engineers, and indicate that demand for environmental engineers will continue to exceed the number of graduates.

Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes

Detailed information on the Environmental Engineering program’s Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes is available at the Penn State Harrisburg Environmental Engineering Web site.