Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 40.6%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $57215 and average student debt of $23244, the financial outlook for Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $57215, and with an average debt of $23244, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.41—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 3012 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. A common next step is a career as a Environmental Engineers, which is expected to see 4.0% growth. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (CIP 14.1401) is a critical engineering discipline that applies scientific and engineering principles to protect human health and preserve the natural environment. While an environmental scientist might study the effects of pollution, an environmental engineer designs the massive water treatment plants, air filtration systems, and waste-to-energy facilities that solve those problems. It is a path for "stewards of the planet" who want to use high-level math and technology to ensure clean water, air, and soil for future generations.
This field is ideal for "sustainability architects"—individuals who want to solve the global climate crisis through practical, large-scale infrastructure and innovative remediation technology.
What Is an Environmental Engineering Degree?
A degree in Environmental Engineering focuses on the management of the Earth’s resources and the mitigation of human impact. You will study how to engineer systems that remove toxins from industrial exhaust, how to restore contaminated "brownfield" sites into safe public spaces, and how to design city-wide water networks that are resilient to drought. It is a rigorous STEM major that integrates civil engineering, biology, and chemistry to create a "circular economy" where waste is minimized and resources are recovered.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Water Engineers" who design systems to provide safe drinking water to millions
- Develop experts in Air Quality Management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and urban smog
- Prepare professionals for Hazardous Waste Remediation—cleaning up chemical spills and nuclear waste sites
- Study Ecological Engineering, using natural systems like wetlands to treat wastewater
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that protecting the environment is an engineering challenge that requires understanding the complex cycles of nitrogen, carbon, and water across the globe.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Hydrology and Hydraulics—modeling how water moves through pipes and across landscapes
- Use "Environmental Modeling Software" to predict how a pollutant will spread through a river or the air
- Design Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes using chemical and biological filters
- Perform Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to determine the total environmental footprint of a product
- Utilize GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to map pollution sources and protected habitats
- Understand Environmental Law and Regulation—ensuring projects comply with the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a blend of hard engineering, microbiology, and earth science:
- Environmental Microbiology: Using "good" bacteria to break down oil spills or sewage.
- Atmospheric Chemistry: The study of how pollutants react in the air to form ozone or acid rain.
- Solid Waste Management: Engineering landfills and recycling systems that capture methane for energy.
- Fluid Mechanics: The physics of how liquids and gases flow through engineered and natural systems.
- Sustainable Energy Systems: Exploring the infrastructure needed for solar, wind, and geothermal power.
- Public Health Engineering: Designing systems to prevent the spread of waterborne and airborne diseases.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as professional engineers in government, private consulting, and industrial sectors.
Common job roles include:
- Environmental Consultant: Advising companies on how to lower their emissions and stay within legal limits.
- Water Project Engineer: Designing and overseeing the construction of massive desalination or filtration plants.
- Sustainability Manager: Leading a corporation’s efforts to achieve "Net Zero" carbon emissions.
- Remediation Engineer: Leading teams to clean up abandoned industrial sites or oil spills.
- Air Quality Engineer: Designing "scrubbers" and filtration systems for power plants and factories.
- Public Works Director: Managing the water, sewer, and trash infrastructure for a city or county.
Where Can You Work?
Environmental engineers work where human activity meets the natural world:
- Engineering Consulting Firms: Working on global projects for firms like AECOM, Tetra Tech, or Arcadis.
- Government Agencies: Working for the EPA, the Department of the Interior, or state environmental boards.
- Manufacturing and Energy Companies: Ensuring that oil, gas, and tech firms operate sustainably.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Designing clean water systems for developing nations.
- Municipal Utilities: Working at the heart of city water and waste management departments.
How Much Can You Earn?
As a specialized engineering branch, salaries are strong and the job market is growing as climate regulations become more strict.
- Environmental Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $92,000–$115,000.
- Water Resource Managers: Salaries typically range from $85,000 to $120,000.
- Senior Sustainability Consultants: Median annual salary of around $100,000–$140,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $68,000 and $82,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the broad scientific requirement. You must be a master of Physics and Calculus like a civil engineer, but you must also be an expert in Organic Chemistry and Microbiology. It is a "science-heavy" engineering major that requires you to understand how microscopic bacteria and macroscopic rivers interact. It also requires excellent communication skills, as you will often have to explain complex technical data to the public or government officials.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love Math and Science but want to use them specifically to save the planet
- Enjoy being both in the office (modeling) and in the field (taking samples and inspecting sites)
- Are concerned about climate change and want to build the "shield" that protects humanity
- Are interested in the intersection of biology, chemistry, and physical construction
- Want a career that has a direct, positive impact on public health and safety
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the highest levels of Chemistry, Biology, and Calculus available
- Learn GIS or AutoCAD basics; mapping and design are fundamental to the job
- Volunteer for local river cleanups or environmental conservation groups
- Participate in an "Envirothon" or science fair with a project focused on pollution or water
- Practice your Technical Writing; environmental engineers must write detailed reports and permit applications
The ability to apply the precision of engineering to the restoration and protection of the Earth's natural systems is the hallmark of a successful environmental engineering professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor