Online Doctorate Degree Programs in Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering programs aren't available online at the doctorate level due to the intensive research demands of the program; however, distance learners can find online programs offered at the master's level. Online master's degree programs explore and develop solutions to environmental problems through the practical application of biology and chemistry principles. Grads are eligible for engineering positions in manufacturing, scientific and technical industries.

Online Master of Science in Environmental Engineering

Distance learning graduate programs in environmental engineering combine coursework and in-depth research to investigate current environmental issues such as water pollution and treatment, waste reclamation and air pollution control. The curricula in distance and campus-based environmental engineering programs are identical, only the delivery format is different. Like campus-based programs, online programs feature thesis and non-thesis tracks. Assignments and coursework are uploaded and submitted using online learning platforms and interfaces. Lectures are viewed through interactive broadcasting and conferencing applications. Student and faculty interaction is fostered through email, discussion boards and instant messenger. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree to qualify for admittance to online master's degree programs.

Sample Curriculum in an Online Master of Science in Environmental Engineering

Online courses in a master's degree program in environmental engineering cover subjects such as chemistry, water resources, air pollution and process design. Distance learners may also take independent study courses and electives in the following areas:

Environmental engineering biosystems Stream and lake analysis Water chemistry Resources management Sustainable environment Special problems Multiphase contaminants Sustainable solutions System hydraulics

Employment Opportunities and Salary Outlooks for Environmental Engineers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental engineers held 54,300 of the 1.6 million engineering jobs in 2008 (www.bls.gov). Master's degree holders in environmental engineering are qualified for mid-level engineering

jobs in manufacturing, technical and scientific industries, as well as government agencies. Environmental engineers may also be self-employed consultants. The BLS expected job rates for environmental engineers to grow by 31% between 2008 and 2018. The growth was expected to stem from the need of companies to meet environmental regulations, as well as to prevent environmental hazards. According to BLS, environmental engineers earned median annual wages of $74,020 in May 2008.

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Environmental Careers
Environmental careers include positions in environmental advocacy, law, engineering, conservation and natural resource management. Those interested in working for the benefit of the environment may choose academic majors in environmental engineering, earth sciences, wildlife management, natural resources or outdoor recreation, among other choices.

Top Environmental Engineering Graduate Programs: List of Schools

Environmental engineering utilizes science and engineering concepts to provide the world with a healthier environment. In America, there are a variety of schools that offer environmental engineering programs that allow specialization in water, air, and other fields of study. Best Graduate Business Schools and Colleges

1. University of California - Berkeley

The University of California (UC) - Berkeley is located just minutes from historic downtown San Francisco. Berkeley's Civil and Environmental Engineering program is tied with Stanford University for first place on U.S. News and World Report's 2010 list of top environmental andenvironmental health programs in the country (www.usnews.com). Berkeley's College of Engineering offers a Master of Science degree program that provides students with a basic education in environmental engineering, science, and design. It also develops their skills for the professional world and puts them on track to earn a doctoral degree. UC Berkeley's Master of Engineering program entails an engineering project and additional coursework, while the Ph.D. program prepares students to become advanced engineers and scientists. The school's core curriculum focuses on air quality engineering, water quality engineering, environmental fluid mechanics, and hydrology. Overall, the environmental engineering program is meant to train students to deal with current and future environmental problems. Contact Information Address: 309 Sproul Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720

Phone Number:

(510) 642-7405

2. Stanford University in California

Stanford University was established in 1891 by former California Governor Leland Stanford. The school is ranked first on U.S. News and World Report's' 2010 list of top schools in the United States that specialize in environmental engineering and environmental health engineering. Stanford's environmental engineering and science program concentrates on the chemical and biological aspects of water quality engineering, environmental biotechnology, water and air contamination, human contact with pollutants, remediation and unsafe substance management, and environmental defense. The school offers Master of Science, Engineer, and Ph.D. programs in environmental engineering and science. The master's program does not require a thesis and is usually completed in less time than an average program. The engineer program runs slightly longer than the master's program, and consists of study and a thesis project. The Ph.D. program is designed for students who plan on entering careers in environmental engineering education or research. Contact Information Address 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305

Phone Number:

(650) 723-2300

List of Best Environmental Engineering Graduate Schools By Student Enrollment

Total Student School Name University of Minnesota Twin Cities University of Texas AustinCockrell) Enrollment Address 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 2100 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX 78712 Phone Number (612) 6255000 (512) 4717698 (814) 865-

51,140

49,984

Pennsylvania State University - University Park 44,406 University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign University of Wisconsin Madison Purdue University - West Lafayette University of Michigan Ann Arbor University of California -

201 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802 4700 601 E John Street, Champaign, IL 61820 7672 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706 1234 Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, IN 47907

(217) 244-

43,246

(608) 262-

41,620

(765) 4944600 (734) 763-

41,433

41,028 35,396

Ann Arbor, MI 48109 309 Sproul Hall, Berkeley, CA

5796 (510) 642-

Berkeley University of California Davis

94720

1405 (530) 752-

30,568

One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 1011 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242 103 South Building Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

(319) 3353500 (919) 9623236 (540) 231-

University of Iowa University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

29,152

28,567

Virginia Tech University

28,432

201 Otey Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061 6267

(607) 255Cornell University Johns Hopkins University (Whiting) Georgia Institute of Technology 20,273 Ithaca, NY 14853 2000 (410) 516-

19,758

3400 N Charles Street, Mason Hall, Baltimore, MD 21218 8000 225 North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332 2000 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305

(404) 894-

19,413

(650) 7232766 (412) 268-

Stanford University

17,833

Carnegie Mellon University 10,875 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 10,299

5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15123 2000 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 6100 S Main, Houston, TX 77005 1200 E California Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91125

(617) 2585434 (713) 3480000 (626) 3956811

Rice University (Brown) California Institute of Technology

5,357

2,126

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Master of Science (MS): Environmental Engineering Degree Overview

After earning a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, graduates can strive to solve real-world environmental problems and can develop ways to prevent new ones from arising. Employment can involve working in the field or providing consulting services to companies regarding the environmental impact of their industrial processes.

Master of Science in Environmental Engineering

A master's degree program in environmental engineering can train students to identify problems in infrastructure and business models that can adversely affect the environment. Students can investigate potential changes in design and implement them. They can participate in projects in subjects like water pollution control and waste disposal.

Education Prerequisites
Students must typically have a bachelor's degree before they enter a master's degree program. Candidates are generally expected to have majored in engineering at a university accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET, Inc.). Those students who majored in a physical science, natural science or in advanced mathematics may be considered for provisional admission, depending on the program.

Course Topics
It typically takes two years to fulfill degree requirements for these programs. Classroom learning can be paired with fieldwork, giving students hands-on experience in solving environmental problems. Coursework could include:

Biogeochemistry Wastewater microbiology Water quality analysis Energy analysis Modeling environmental systems Aquatic autotrophs Environmental toxicology Atmospheric pollution Solid waste treatment design Environmental hydrology

Popular Career Options

Upon completing a program, graduates are typically prepared for careers focused on improving the quality of the environment. They can find employment with the government, engineering consulting firms, industries, universities, international agencies or groups of public interest. Possible job titles could include:

Field engineer Environmental analyst Urban planner Structural engineer Environmental affairs consultant

Continuing Education
Graduates can further their learning and attain specialization qualifications by attending graduate certificate classes. Programs can include certificate courses in compatibility environmental studies, systems of renewable energy, processes in

environmental studies and water quality engineering. Graduates interested in an advanced degree can pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering or a doctorate in a sub-specialization of engineering, such as chemical or civil engineering.

Job Description of an Environmental Engineering Consultant

Environmental engineering consultants may have broad-based knowledge and experience or be specialized in a particular area of environmental studies like water conservation, air pollution or food contamination. Consultants may work in the field or a laboratory or office setting.

Job Description of an Environmental Engineering Consultant

Environmental engineering consultants use their expertise to advise corporations, organizations and government entities. Consultants may use different metrics, such as air, food, water or soil, in order to identify and evaluate problems. Additionally, these professionals may be experts in implementing environmental programs or ensuring compliance with government regulations.

Project Summary
Consultants typically begin a project by understanding the problem. This may include fieldwork, such as taking soil samples and monitoring drilling, as well as office work like performing laboratory tests and analyzing data. Consultants may also research specific inquiries like the potential effects of construction or the impact of offshore drilling on marine life. Once the analysis process is complete, consultants present technical assessments and provide solutions and methods for implementation.

Gaining Experience
Entry-level consultants generally begin as field agents or research analysts. As new hires gain experience, they may begin to take on more responsibility, including writing reports, managing projects and meeting with other specialists. Consultants may also use computer applications like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map water toxicity and over-fished areas as well as producing other environmental diagrams. GIS software may also be used with environmental statistics and computer modeling to forecast probable outcomes.

Career Outlook
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for environmental specialists are expected to grow by 28% between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). Mean annual wages were $67,360 in May 2009. Environmental engineering consultants in the computer systems and design industry earned $94,410, the highest among all sectors. Entry-level consultants typically have either a bachelor's or master's degree inenvironmental science or related field.

Consultants may be promoted to supervisory or managerial roles by completing a 2-year MBA in environmental management or sustainability.

Environmental Health Engineering College Program Information

Environmental health engineering, more commonly called environmental engineering, deals with measuring and minimizing human impact on the environment. Degrees in environmental engineering are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs in environmental engineering cover topics like air and water pollution, recycling, garbage disposal, public health and energy conservation. Students research past climate change and forecast future environmental issues. Much of the coursework emphasizes research and statistical methods used to understand environmental data.

Educational Prerequisites
Environmental engineering students must be competent in advanced math and science, including calculus, chemistry, physics and biology, so taking high school Advanced Placement (AP) classes in those subjects is helpful. Applicants are usually required to submit their scores on either the ACT or SAT Reasoning Test.

Program Coursework
Students in environmental engineering B.S. programs listen to classroom lectures and complete hands-on research projects to learn to quantify and lessen humankind's effect on the environment. Environmental engineering courses discuss the following topics:

Solid mechanics Fluid mechanics Thermal science Pollution control Organic chemistry

Popular Career Options

After graduating from an environmental engineering B.S. program, students can find entry-level work in the public or private sectors. Graduates often choose to work in one of the fields noted below:

Industrial hygiene Hazardous waste management Public health

Master of Science in Environmental Engineering

Students in environmental engineering Master of Science (M.S.) programs learn about controlling indoor and outdoor air quality, preventing and managing natural resource wastage, controlling erosion and creating effective urban infrastructures.

Students at the master's level often choose a specialty, such as groundwater and geo-environmental studies, wind and hydraulics engineering, atmospheric science or water resources. Most programs require students to present a thesis project before graduating.

Educational Prerequisites
Applicants to environmental engineering M.S. programs need to have excellent skills in reasoning, mathematics, science and research. Incoming students must have a bachelor's degree in a subject related to environmental studies or the natural sciences. Most applicants also have to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit at least one letter of recommendation.

Program Coursework
Curricula for environmental engineering M.S. programs emphasize how natural and human-made phenomena affect the environment. Students conduct research in their areas of specialty to learn how people can have a positive effect on their physical surroundings. Classes in the following subjects are offered:

Water resource management Geotechnical engineering Infrastructure design Climate change management Erosion prevention

Popular Career Options

While many master's degree students continue their education at the doctorate level, those who enter the workforce have a variety of career options. Graduates can work for the government, private agencies or independently in one of the following capacities:

Vehicle emissions research assistant Global warming research assistant Environmental health consultant

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Engineering

People who earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in environmental engineering learn advanced theories and research methodologies used to explain how the environment changes over time. Coursework often blends instruction from several fields, including the natural sciences, engineering, law and the humanities, to help students understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental health. Students usually have to write and orally explain a dissertation.

Educational Prerequisites
Environmental engineering Ph.D. program applicants usually need to submit their undergraduate transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Admissions officers usually seek well-rounded students who've completed extensive science and engineering coursework and have excellent communication and research skills.

Program Coursework
Most Ph.D. students meet with an academic adviser to choose an area of emphasis within the field. Once students complete a core curriculum of environmental engineering topics, they take a series of specialized courses to prepare for their dissertation. Students often learn about the subjects noted below:

Green construction Environmental impacts of urban infrastructures Environmental informatics Industrial ecology Environmental policymaking

Popular Career Options

People who earn a Ph.D. in environmental science are qualified for many consulting, teaching and research positions. The careers mentioned in the following list are popular choices:

Environmental lobbyist Climate change researcher University professor

How to Become an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

Environmental health and safety specialists protect the well-being of the public and the environment by ensuring that environmental regulations and workplace safety standards are met. Bachelor's degree programs in environmental health and safety prepare students for work in this field. Professional certification is available, and numerous universities offer master's degree programs for those who seek advancement.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that most employers require a bachelor's degree in the field or in a related discipline, such as biology, engineering or chemistry (www.bls.gov). Many universities offer bachelor's degree programs in environmental health and safety. Students in these programs typically complete classes in math, physics, chemistry and biology. Coursework for the major may cover industrial waste management, environmental law compliance, ergonomics, occupational safety, toxicology, industrial hygiene, construction safety and organizational leadership. Most programs include an internship or cooperative learning experience, and students may be required to complete a senior capstone project.

Step 2: Get Experience

The majority of environmental health and safety specialists are employed by regional, state and federal government agencies, according to the California

Employment Development Department (www.calmis.ca.gov). Many of these specialists focus on public health or environmental law. They may test drinking water, enforce product safety standards, clean up contaminated resources and inspect public spaces for health hazards. They also ensure that environmental regulations are met. Some environmental health and safety specialists, known as industrial hygienists, protect workers from exposure to asbestos, lead, pesticides, diseases and noise. Under federal law, training approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is required for specialists who assess asbestos and certain pesticides (www.epa.gov). Other specialists improve the ergonomics of a workspace to prevent employee injury and improve comfort. Health physicists help protect populations and environments from the effects of radiation.

Step 3: Consider Certifications

In April 2011, a search for available jobs on Monster.com showed that some employers prefer environmental health and safety specialists to have a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential. The Board of Certified Safety Professionals, which offers the CSP, requires a 4-year degree in any discipline or a 2-year degree related to environmental health and safety (www.bcsp.org). Additionally, a minimum of three years of work experience is required in the environmental health and safety field. CSP candidates must pass two exams on safety principles and practices, in order to earn the credential. Other specialty certifications are available from various professional boards and organizations. For example, individuals who monitor radiation can voluntarily become certified health physicists. Those who monitor air quality in industrial settings might obtain certification as an industrial hygienist.

Step 4: Pursue a Master's Degree

According to the BLS, a graduate degree and extensive work experience are typically required for advanced positions. Relevant master's degree programs are available in environmental health and safety, industrial hygiene and health physics. Students in industrial hygiene programs learn how to recognize work-related hazards to prevent employee illness and injury. Health physics programs teach students how to prevent radiation exposure. Environmental health and safety programs emphasize environmental protection and occupational safety.

Salary and Career Info for a Masters in Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineers devise ways to control, prevent or clean pollution and contamination in the environment. Individuals holding a master's degree in environmental engineering are prepared to work for private companies and governmental agencies as researchers, consultants or managers. Environmental engineers are expected to experience high demand and favorable job opportunities in upcoming years; read on for more information.

Career Information for Individuals with a Master's in Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineers are professionals who design technical and scientific solutions to provide and sustain clean water, air and land. Outside of an office setting, they may work on sites where contamination or pollution has occurred and develop solutions for clean-up and maintenance. In the process, they often provide assistance with environmental regulations compliance. Master's degree holders can maintain positions as public health advocates, researchers, consultants, managers or government officials.

Licensure Information
Engineers who provide services directly to the public are required to be licensed by a state. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) oversees the licensure exam, the passage of which leads to professional engineer (PE) status. State requirements for taking the exam vary, but common requirements include holding a degree from an accredited engineering program and having a minimum number of years of work experience.

Certification Information
Board certification is a peer-recommended process offered through the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. Requirements to become a board certified environmental engineer include having a minimum of eight years of professional experience and completing written and oral exams. A graduate degree can be counted towards the required years of professional work. Certification exams test on ethics, professional judgment and technical expertise in a specialized area.

Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (www.bls.gov), the median annual salary for environment engineers was $77,040 as of May 2009. Industries with the highest employment of environmental engineers include architectural and engineering firms, consulting services and the government. Average yearly salaries in these industries ranged from $66,470-$96,410. Professional organizations, rail transportation agencies and computer design firms were reported as among the five top-paying industries for environmental engineers, with annual income ranging from $90,170 to over $97,000.