Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Our students learn how to address environmental challenges by developing creative solutions. Students gain a multidisciplinary education that combines civil, chemical, mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Environmental engineers play a vital role in maintaining the quality of both public health and the natural environment. Our students learn how to assess and develop engineering solutions to environmental problems affecting the biosphere, land, water and air quality. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to find solutions to clean up oil spills in oceans, deliver clean drinking water to developing communities, design more effective recycling systems, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from factories and vehicles. 

  • Learn to identify and solve complex engineering problems
  • Gain critical thinking skills to address issues ranging from hazardous waste disposal to air pollution and infectious diseases
  • Be prepared for careers and activities that provide benefits to communities

#9 public university for environmental / environmental health engineering

(U.S. News & World Report, 2020) 

Connect with many high-tech companies located right here in Boulder, many of which sponsor internships or mentorship programs

Top 20 public U.S. university for engineering

(U.S. News & World Report, 2020)

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of society and our environment by applying your knowledge of environmental engineering to opportunities locally and internationally.

 
$75,600

Median salary of CU Boulder environmental engineering students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Environmental engineer, research assistant, environmental analyst and civil engineer are common job opportunities for graduates

 

Environmental Protection Agency, Bridges to Prosperity, Acorn, Carollo Engineers, Denver Water and Engineers Without Borders employ our alumni

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, students must complete a minimum of 128 credit hours.

Students also further their expertise by choosing areas of specialization within the program: 

  • Air quality
  • Applied ecology
  • Chemical processing
  • Energy conversion
  • Environmental remediation
  • Global engineering
  • Water resources and treatment

And an additional degree option for environmental engineering students: 

  • Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s: A combined bachelor's (BS) and master's (MS) degree is offered for highly motivated undergraduate students. The BAM program allows students to take advanced courses at an accelerated pace, engage in an independent research project and obtain both degrees in five years.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.