Program Objectives and Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Additional information from the Whiting School of Engineering regarding our ABET Accreditation can be found here.

ABET Program Educational Objectives

Our graduates are expected to attain The BSEE Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) within a few years of graduation.   The objectives were reviewed and approved by our external advisory committee in January 2022.  The PEOs are stated as follows:

The Program in Environmental Engineering educates students to think critically, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively in the rigorous application of engineering and scientific principles for solving environmental problems. We emphasize the importance of intellectual growth, professional ethics, service to society, and environmental stewardship, equity, and justice. Our graduates are prepared to be successful

1. engineering professionals in private and governmental organizations, and
2. students in the best graduate programs.

The objectives may be found on the Departmental web page, the WSE ABET web page and the Undergraduate Advising Manual.

ABET Student Outcomes

Students graduating with a BS in Environmental Engineering will have demonstrated:

• (1) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• (2) an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• (3) an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• (4) an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
• (5) an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• (6) an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• (7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Enrollment

Degrees Awarded

Continuous Improvement

The Department of Environmental Health and Engineering strives to continuously improve its curriculum by using performance criteria to regularly assess its program educational objectives (what skills it expects its students to demonstrate). The environmental engineering program uses the results of each assessment to continuously improve upon its curriculum and thus ensure that it is meeting the needs of its students.
Job Opportunities and Outlook

Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.

State and local governments’ concerns about water are leading to efforts to increase the efficiency of water use. Such a focus differs from that of wastewater treatment, for which this occupation is traditionally known. Most employment growth is projected to be in professional, scientific, and technical services, as governments at the state, county, and local levels draw on this industry to help address these water concerns.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook states the following about the employment outlook for Environmental Engineers:

• Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations
• State and local government concerns regarding water availability and quality, should lead to efforts to increase the efficiency of water use.
• The requirement by the federal government to clean up contaminated sites is expected to help sustain demand for these engineers’ services. In addition, wastewater treatment is becoming a larger concern in areas of the country where new methods of drilling for shale gas require the use and disposal of massive volumes of water.
• Job prospects should be favorable because this occupation may experience a wave of retirements. A person can also improve his or her job prospects by obtaining a master’s degree in environmental engineering, an advanced degree that many employers prefer.
• The median annual wage for environmental engineers was $84,560 in May 2015.

SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Environmental Engineers, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm (visited March 31, 2017).
FE Exams

Our department is noted for our students’ exceptionally high pass rate of the “Fundamentals of Engineering” (FE) exam offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).