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Environmental Engineering ,BSE

Environmental Engineering, BSE

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Environmental Engineering

Air Quality, Hazardous Waste, Microbiology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, environmental engineering, water systems engineering

Program description

The BSE program in environmental engineering educates students to become tomorrow's engineers who solve complex environmental problems and design systems at the human, urban and planetary scales.

Environmental engineers are actively involved with the following topics and activities: air quality monitoring and air pollution control technology; analysis of the fate and transport of pollutants; application of sustainable design principles; design and operation of water and wastewater treatment systems; design of hazardous waste containment systems; design of solid waste management systems; remediation of contaminated soil, sediment and water; and water quality, water conservation and water reuse.

In recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of environmental engineering challenges, the degree program incorporates courses from humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. Environmental engineering courses build on strong foundations in chemistry, microbiology, geology, physics and mathematics. Courses cover fundamental engineering concepts applied to environmental processes and environmental engineering design. Applied learning experiences, including a required internship or research experience and a capstone design course, are also part of the program.

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Environmental Engineering Program Criteria.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
  • Math intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional requirements:

First-year admission:

  1. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies

Transfer admission requirements:

Transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours:

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for fewer than 24 transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies, and
  3. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score (or 1140 if taken prior to March 5, 2016) or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class

Transfer students with more than 24 transferable college credit hours:

Primary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for 24 or more transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies (if ASU Admission Services requires submission of a high school transcript)

Secondary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 2.75 for 24 or more transfer hours, and
  2. minimum GPA of 2.75 in all critical courses for Terms 1 and 2 (see major map for critical courses)

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

Admission requirements for many majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are higher than university admission standards.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Global Education programs allow students with an open mind to further their understanding of the impact that the industrial world has on the environment around the globe. With more than 300 programs available to them, students can tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets.

Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S., or online, students broaden their educational experience, build communication skills, are challenged to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network. Students' participation in study abroad demonstrates to employers that they can thrive in a global environment, helping them to stand out in a competitive industry.

Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships to program costs.

Career opportunities

Graduates from the environmental engineering program have career opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

Opportunities exist in the private sector in both the consulting and manufacturing industries. The consulting industry is growing as greater environmental awareness and emerging novel pollutants require continual refinement of regulations and environmental system design standards, and the manufacturing industry employs environmental engineers to aid in environmental compliance and eco-efficiency.

In the public sector, municipalities and regulatory agencies require a knowledgeable workforce that understands how public policy can improve human health and ecosystem services through environmental engineering processes.

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
4.1%
$159,920
6.1%
$96,530
3.7%
$100,660
3.7%
$100,660
5.0%
$89,940
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Professional licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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