Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Program Objectives and Accreditation Information

EECE Department Mission Statement

The mission of the department is to teach energy, environmental and chemical engineering principles and their application in an inspiring learning environment; to prepare students for engineering careers by developing the skills of critical thinking, analysis and communication proficiency; and to instill a sense of professional ethics and societal responsibility.

Program Educational Objective

The Program Educational Objective for the BSEnvE degree program is that, within a few years of graduation, graduates will: 

1. Thrive in their professional practice or graduate education, leveraging their knowledge and skills to address complex challenges in environmental engineering or their chosen field.
2. Foster a lifelong commitment to learning, growth, and professional development, seeking opportunities to advance their expertise and contribute to their environmental engineering practice or chosen field.
3. Be dedicated to positively advancing society by promoting equity, diversity, sustainability, and ethical practices in their professional endeavors.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the BSEnvE program are expected to know or have:

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 & Graduation Data for BS in Environmental Engineering

Electives Requirements

The degree requirements include 15 units of environmental engineering electives. These units permit students to tailor their studies toward specific goals. Some of these 15 units may be taken in other engineering departments, and one is explicitly required to be from a set of natural science options. In collaboration with their advisers, students design a course of study (subject to certain requirements) for the environmental engineering and science electives.

Electives may be chosen from the list at the bottom of the page, subject to the following requirements:

• At least 3 units must satisfy the requirement of a natural science elective
• At least 3 units from EECE courses
• No more than six (6) units from Independent Study (EECE 300, 400, 500) or Senior Thesis (EECE 423)

Additionally, Engineering Mathematics B (ESE 319) is strongly recommended for students considering graduate studies.

Policies and Procedures for Independent Study and Senior Thesis

Independent Study (EECE 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500) is a great way for students to explore a topic of personal interest or obtain academic credit for pursuing research. In order to register for Independent Study, students should first find an Independent Study advisor (EECE faculty member). In partnership with their advisor, students should complete the Independent Study Petition (linked at the top of this page). Only advanced (300-or-higher) level Independent Study courses will count towards the chemical engineering electives requirement.

The Senior Thesis (EECE 423) is an excellent way for seniors to earn distinction for research they have been involved in, as well as earn elective credit towards their degree. EECE 423 is similar to an independent study, except it is expected to be done over the course of two semesters (both fall and spring of senior year) with various milestone deliverables due throughout the year. At the end of senior year, the student’s thesis will be evaluated by a committee. Like with Independent Study, a Senior Thesis can be done if research is being done outside the department (e.g., at the medical school). Administratively, an EECE faculty member will need to oversee the EECE 423 course grade, but the rest of the oversight can largely be done by the normal research advisor. More details, including the Senior Thesis Registration Form, are linked at the top of this page.

Engineering Topics can be assigned to these courses based on a review of the project scope and content. Independent Study or Senior Thesis units from other departments must be approved by the EECE Undergraduate Committee (through Dr. Janie Brennan) and will be subject to the overall cap of six units. Independent Study or Senior Thesis units cannot be used to fulfill the requirement for an advanced laboratory in engineering or the physical sciences.