r/EnvironmentalEngineer

Hey r/environmentalengineer, I'm currently a freshman in environmental engineering, but recently I've been considering switching to chemical engineering with a concentration in energy and the environment. I'm still interested in a lot of the applications of environmental engineering like water/wastewater treatment, environmental remediation, and waste management, but I've also been interested in areas like air pollution and renewable energy, which, from what I've seen, would be much harder to pursue with just a degree in environmental engineering. I still think the typical jobs of environmental engineers are super important, but I think I would get more fulfillment from a job that is more focused on preventing the problem rather than cleaning up other people's messes. For example, there's one professor in the department of chem e at my school who is focusing her research on green chemistry and the development of sustainable bioproducts, which I find really interesting. I also figured that I could more easily get a masters in enve if I really wanted to, and it would be easier to do that than trying to get a masters in chem e with a bachelors in enve. I guess I want to avoid pigeonholing myself if I have interests outside the scope of enve.

I still wonder though, how difficult would it be to become an environmental engineer with just a BS in chemical? A lot of the classes I would be taking as an enve major are directly related to waste/wastewater, remediation, and waste management, whereas there are not as many that are directly related for chem e.

Hello all,

I have a bachelor's in Biology and have been working in water and wastewater labs for the past 12 years. Recently I decided I wanted to move into an environmental engineering role dealing with water and wastewater. I'm in my late 30's and wondering how hard of a transition this would be. I believe school would be manageable even if I have been out for a decade. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hello everyone. I have recently been accepted into UC Davis and Uc Irvine for environmental engineering. My parents want me to go to Davis, but I lean more into the pollution and energy side of environmental engineering. I’ve checked both requirements to graduate with my degree, and it seems that Irvine has more classes that lean to the energy sector. Davis is also a really good school, it’s just that it seems like they teach it as a branch of civil engineering but just more classes about water and other subjects. What do you guys think I should do?

Note: I’m also really into mechanical engineering, so if I never enjoy studying environmental engineering, then I can just switch my major ( i’m also thinking of a double major of mechanical and environmental engineering). Thanks in advance for your response!

Hey everyone,

I wanted to ask something honestly, especially to environmental engineers in the US.

How hard is it actually to find a environmental engineering job right now?

How long did it take you to land your current job?

Hi, I'm an international student who got into UMass Amherst, Penn State, and ASU for environmental engineering.

I'm honestly leaning towards UMass, but Penn State's ranked considerably higher in every ranking system I've checked. I'm not so interested in ASU, but read good things about it's program. I'm really interested in the pollution and energy side of environmental engineering. It seems like UMass fits that the most, but it has the newest program with it's first cohort graduating in 2 years. I just don't want to end up in an environmental engineering program that actually just civil engineering or one that focuses on mining. Penn State's program seems to focus on mining and industries, but I think you can specialize in energy as well. Research opportunties, clubs, and projects are also very important to me.

Campus-wise I like UMass the most again. Penn State is good too, but it seems far from the airport. I also didn't get into the main campus. I got into Abington with the 2+2 program so that's another uncertainty to add cause it's not a 100% assurance I'll get into University Park later. ASU seems cool too cause it's near Tempe, but I'm not so much for the desert climate. I feel like safety wise Penn State and UMass are better too.

Any advice or thoughts on which university I should commit to and on the environmental engineering program, especially on the curriculum, classes, and opportunities?

hi everyone, im currently struggling to decide between majoring in environmental engineering or environmental science. i’m really interested in climate change, ecology and environmental issues. i want to find a good job that can actually make a difference. i’m good at math, not really in physics. i like the fact that e.e. would be a more concrete and practical major, but im scared of finding myself doing an office job rather than field work, that an e.s. would do.

thank you for everyone who will answer me! :)

26M I graduated with my BS in Computer Science, job market is horrid, the practices are starting to bore me and I just don't wanna pursue this anymore, I REALLY loved being in school, and I really enjoy engineering, and I've been looking through career paths, and Environmental Engineering has caught my eye.

What's the market like? Is it worth another 4 years of school? The pay seems pretty good from what I've researched. What would you recommend if you're in this field?

I'd prefer to live in Humboldt or LA County California for a job as well. or at least somewhere around the two/ i hear the markets fair between the two.

I have just completed my first environmental engineering, and I have been going back and forth with a decision.

I love environmental. I know that’s what I want to do. However, I have been told it may be better to get a bachelors in civil, then get an environmental masters. Also to do environmental based work. This would allow me more job security and a more stable career.

I really only want to do environmental though. So I don’t know if it’s better to swap over, or to stay where I am. Not a lot of the other subdivisions of civil interest me, but I fear I haven’t looked into them enough.

With that being said, I hoped to get some other perspectives on this, because I am at a bit of a loss on what to do. Civil bachelors with environmental masters, or environmental bachelors with additional masters?

I (26M) graduated in 2024 with my BS in environmental engineering. First job was for a GC doing water infrastructure for 1.5 years. Hated the endless meetings, people managing, and constant deadlines. Switched to design 4 months ago and it’s like the deadlines are on steroids. I spend most nights working till 1am and I still feel behind on work. I am severely burnt out.

I’m looking for career options in this field that aren’t project based and the work actually ends when you physically leave the workplace. I just want to do my work, go home and actually have time for myself and my family. Ideally I’d like something less interpersonal relationships focused. Ive thought about something in water quality/treatment since I did do volunteering and coursework related to that in college. I’m open to any ideas.

I have my bachelor's in mechanical engineering.

I spent 4 years in product development and now I want to transition into water or environmental. I'm not planning to get a masters until I know I enjoy the field so I'm looking for shorter, cheaper certificates or courses to help me get a job. I have been applying and haven't gotten a single interview.

One certificate I'm looking at is the water treatment certificate by the American society of civil engineers. Are there any others that I could put on a resume?

I am planning to pursue an EIT if I enjoy the field.

Thanks!

I'm a highschool graduate currently researching environmental and chemical engineering. I enjoy maths, physics and biology so these two attract me most. My goal is to work in sustainable and renewable energy or related to it. Should I take environmental or chemical? I feel environmental eng would suit better but chemical eng seems more versatile and interesting.

Hello, thought I would reach out to see if there are any incoming new graduates still applying for positions. My company is hiring in the energy sector i.e. power and would not mind sending in referrals (plus a bonus for me lol) for anyone interested. This company has positions in transmission, transportation, and water as well. Let me know.

Hello everyone!

I (24M) have a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and am considering pivoting to Environmental Engineering. I'm thinking reading books on the topic would be a good way to determine if this career pivot is something I really want to do. What are some books you folks would recommend to me as someone with environmental knowledge but no engineering knowledge?

Hello,

I recently received my environmental PE license and was quite proud and happy to do so. A lot of my excitement was quickly removed when my employer only gave a one time bonus of $1,000 and made no mention of a raise (I work for a large consultant firm that I won't name). I've heard differing things from people about what to expect for bonuses or recognition for receiving a PE license, ranging from immediate 10% raise to one time $5,000 bonus. I'm just curious if anyone can share what they received or would expect for receiving an Environmental PE license.

I graduate highschool soon! I want to go to college for something that helps the environment, helps reverse climate change, cleans up pollution, shit like that. Is that what Environmental Engineering really is or should I be looking elsewhere? It's what I've read but I want to get opinions from people who are environmental engineers or in college for it.

Hi, I’m currently a first year environmental engineering student and need some advice on whether this is the major for me.

Although first year for all engineering majors are general at my university, I am having doubts on whether I should pursue this degree. I am interested in geography and the world and can tolerate maths and sciences, but after much reading on this sub, I am not as interested as I was when I applied for this degree. I thought there would be a lot of field work and not as much office work as most other engineering disciplines. I recently got an internship at a local water treatment plant for the summer and planning on learning what I can about this line of work so I can make the decision on whether it’s for me. I’ve thought about switching my major to Mechanical engineering or to environmental sciences but I am worried about A: increased difficulty for mechanical engineering and whether I can push through it. And B: job opportunities in environmental science. I always get asked ”What problems do you want to solve in the future?” but I don’t know. I don’t even know if engineering is for me, it just seems like a safe option.

What kinds of problems do you guys solve in your average days and what made you want to pursue this major? Also any input on how I should make my decision.

P.S My first post on Reddit, all responses are much appreciated.

Im a highschool junior and im heavily intrested in what I think this feild looks like. Im specifically intrested in reclamation and ecological engineering. I live in montana, and want to help the environment and make decent money. Id also like to spend time in places like the forest and mountains while I work but ive come to notice that most jobs have a direct ratio of office time to money made. From what I can tell id have heavy feild work in the first 4 years as I work to get my license. After this id go to a more half n half schedule leaning towards the office. When id become a senior engineer id have alot less time in the feild but should be making up to around 150k.

Bassically what does the field work and time actually look like?

is this an enjoyable job?

Is the money expectation reasonable?

Does anyone have experience from my state?

Is there a different or similar feild more towards what im looking for?

Hello, I am an environmental engineering major and I am very ahead on credits but am unable to graduate early due to prerequisite line-ups. Due to this, I am thinking of picking up a minor that would help my qualifications/marketability as an environmental engineer. One thought I had was biology, specially taking classes on microbiology to learn about bacteria and viruses with their water treatment applications. Any other thoughts or ideas?

Hey everyone, I’m a first year environmental engineering student and I have less than one month left to start my 2nd term of college. I was wondering how can I make the best use of this time and I was wondering are there any certifications that I could get to boost my resume, anything which can help is appreciated, thanks!