Students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering. The undergraduate curriculum is founded on a sound background in basic sciences (chemistry, physics, biology) and mathematics (calculus, differential equations), and strengthened with engineering science fundamentals (engineering mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer). Upper division coursework in environmental engineering includes analysis and design of water and wastewater treatment systems, hazardous substance management and regulations, air pollution control technologies, and fate and transport of chemicals in the environment. All students participate in a capstone-design experience meant to foster interaction and communication between different engineering disciplines while applying environmental engineering principles to a real-world problem.

Like all undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering, the Environmental Engineering undergraduate program consists of pre-engineering and professional-engineering components. Admission to the pre-engineering program (first and second years) requires no separate application beyond that for admission to OSU. Admission to the professional program (beginning of the third year) is competitive. To be eligible, you must have completed 80 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or better. Moreover, all required pre-engineering courses must have been completed with a “C” or better, with a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or better for the required pre-engineering courses.

Among the many unique opportunities open to OSU environmental engineering students is the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP). The program offers students a high quality, paid industrial experience and related academic activities while pursuing a degree at OSU. We also encourage students to seek registration as a professional engineer. This process begins by successfully passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE exam), which is normally held in April and late October.

More information about the environmental engineering program for undergraduate students can be found on the School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering Advising Page.

 

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Educational Objectives

The ENVE undergraduate program aims to educate students such tha they will:

• Be prepared for either immediate employment in the field of Environmental engineering or continuation into a graduate program with a specialty of Environmental engineering
• Be proficient at mathematics, basic sciences and engineering sciences relevant to environmental engineering, including fundamental concepts, experimental techniques, methods of analysis, and computational applications
• Be able to formulate and solve problems, synthesize and evaluate information, and will be prepared for modern environmental engineering design
• Be able to communicate effecively and work collaboratively in diverse teams
• Have knowledge of contemporary societal issuses and the challenge of meeting social, environmental, and economic contstraints within a global community.

Program Outcomes

The graduates of the OSU Environmental Engineering Program must demonstrate that they have:

• an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
• an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
• an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic contstraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety manufacturability, and sustainability.
• an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
• an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
• an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
• an ability to communicate effectively;
• the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
• a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
• a knowledge of contemporary issues;
• an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice;
• an ability to include non-engineering considerations in problem solving;
• a knowledge and application of project planning, monitoring, and managing practices and tools;
• an ability to assess imperfect or incomplete data conditions, risks and alternatives, and make sound problem-solving decisions;
• an exposure to current industry design practices and overall project delivery considerations

Environmental engineers manage our environment for the benefit of humanity and nature. They provide engineering solutions to problems with our land, air and water resources. In many respects, an environmental engineer is similar to a traditional civil engineer, but with more emphasis on chemistry and environmental processes, and less emphasis in areas such as structures and transportation.

In both public and private practice, environmental engineers work in interdisciplinary teams to manage environmental problems through application of scientific, engineering, and social skills. These include issues of air pollution and control, water supply and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, solid and hazardous waste disposal, control of hazardous substances, pollution in surface and groundwaters, public health, and the ecological health of our environment.

The environmental engineering degree program at OSU is one of only several in the nation and the only such separate degree program in the Pacific Northwest. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides unique skills for application to environmental problems. Research results developed by our active faculty are fed back directly into the classroom to maintain state-of-the-art training.

The environmental engineering program is an interdisciplinary degree program with a broad basis in the physical, chemical, and biological sciences in addition to course work in environmental, civil, and chemical engineering. Students may also elect an environmental engineering option within the civil engineering, chemical engineering, or environmental science degree programs. A minor in environmental engineering is available to all undergraduate students and includes 29 quarter credits of environmental engineering and related course work.

Civil and environmental engineers are employed by several groups: public agencies (departments of public works, county engineering offices, departments of transportation, federal and state agencies); engineering consulting firms; industries; utilities; construction firms; the military; the Peace Corps, etc. Environmental engineers often work for public agencies charged with environmental protection, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or state departments of environmental protection.

Some BS graduates elect to continue their training in graduate school. About 40% of our graduates attain a master's degree or higher. The department itself offers both the MS and Ph.D. degrees and graduates about 45 MS and Ph.D. students each year.

Our undergraduate curriculum includes coursework in:

• water and wastewater treatment (ENVE 421, 422),
• solid and hazardous wastes (ENVE 451), and
• air pollution (ENVE 321, ENVE 425).

The ABET accredited undergraduate environmental engineering program totals 192 credit hours and fulfills the requirements of the Baccalaureate Core.

Environmental engineers spend a great deal of time in the field and with faculty researchers for realistic training. In addition, the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP) were created to provide structured internships. Opportunities exist within MECOP for two six-month internships in environmental engineering, with both private and public employers. This requires an extra two terms in which to graduate.

The advising guide for Environmental Engineering can be found on the School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering advising page. The Academic Regulations and Procedures are found in the Schedule of Classes and the Oregon State University Bulletin: General Catalog. It is intended to aid students in planning and completing programs leading to a degree in Environmental Engineering (ENVE). The guide provides information regarding the undergraduate curriculum, professional practice, advising, admissions policies, and other vital information pertaining to the undergraduate program.

Links

AIChE Student Chapter for Environmental Engineers

Hydrophiles, OSU Student Chapter of the American Water Resources Association

OSU Subsurface Biosphere Inititiative