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The mission of the dual degree program (5 year) in B.S. in Engineering (environmental engineering minor track) and B.S. Chemistry (environmental science track) is for students to develop the necessary knowledge and analytical skills for professional engineering practice and/or for successful graduate studies in the fields of engineering and science. An in-depth understanding of chemistry and biology will complement the students’ ability to practice engineering and make significant contributions to the field of environmental engineering. The dual degrees provide enough flexibility to address the unknown technical and logistical challenges that will confront graduates in a global society undergoing significant environmental challenges.

Employment of environmental engineers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. Much of the expected growth in engineering will be due to the emergence of this occupation as a widely recognized engineering specialty rather than as a secondary specialty. More environmental engineers will be needed to comply with environmental regulations and to develop methods of hazardous waste remediation. A shift in emphasis toward prevention of problems, rather than control of existing problems, as well as increased public health concerns will spur demand for environmental engineers. However, political factors determine the job outlook for environmental engineers more than that for other specialties. Looser environmental regulations would reduce job opportunities; stricter regulations would enhance opportunities. Even though employment of environmental engineers should be less affected by economic conditions than that of most other types of engineers, a significant economic downturn could reduce the emphasis on environmental protection, reducing employment opportunities. Environmental engineers need to keep abreast of a range of environmental issues to ensure their steady employment because their area of focus may change frequently, e.g. hazardous waste cleanup, prevention of water pollution.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineering graduates should have favorable job opportunities. Employment of environmental engineers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. More environmental engineers will be needed to comply with environmental regulations and to develop methods of cleaning up existing hazards. A shift in emphasis toward preventing problems rather than controlling those that already exist, as well as increasing public health concerns, also will spur demand for environmental engineers.

For additional information including application procedure contact
Dr. David Brookstein, Dean of Engineering & Textiles brooksteind@philau.edu