Environmental engineers use biology and chemistry knowledge and principles to address environmental and ecological issues. These can be as varied as solving problems related to air pollution and waste disposal, to conducting hazardous waste management studies, to working to reduce automobile emissions and ozone depletion, to protecting wildlife. Online environmental engineering degree programs help people learn how to address all of these issues and more.
Online Education Options for Degrees in Environmental Engineering
People who pursue an online degree in environmental engineering can expect to study a wide range of topics, including science courses like biology, chemistry, geology, and life systems. Additionally, course work can be expanded to public policy and urban planning classes that are also applicable to an environmental engineering degree. Typically the minimum degree required to work in this field is a bachelor degree, so students should expect to complete a core curriculum and other prerequisites as well.
It’s important to note that while online degrees in environmental engineering are available, most people choose to supplement this educational pursuit with hands-on experience via an apprenticeship or internship.
Online education options in environmental engineering include the following:
- Online Master’s degree in Engineering Management
Degrees in Environmental Engineering Career and Salary Information
Employment opportunities for those in the environmental engineering field are expected to increase by a full quarter in the next several years, as it is the fastest-growing engineering sub category. As with many other occupations, a graduate degree in environmental engineering is preferred (and often required) by employers and will increase a person’s job chances as well as earning potential.
An environmental engineering degree salary can vary widely in the field based on the specialization (electrical, civil, etc.) and geographic location. Median annual wages based on years of experience break down as follows: 1-4 years, $46,488-$59,286 ($1921 annual bonus); 5-9 years, $55,159-$70,582 ($2045 annual bonus); 10-19 years, $67,119-$89,144 ($3899 annual bonus); 20+ years, $80,938-$106,428 ($3028 annual bonus).
The most popular states for employment in environmental engineering are California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington. In addition to jobs that are available in the public and private sectors, many people who pursue this career field are employed by the government, an area that is expected to add even more jobs in the coming years as environmental and ecological issues continue to be addressed on the national and international levels.