Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering

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Environmental engineering applies engineering principles to protect human health and nature's ecosystems with the goal of enhancing the quality of life. Your job could encompass areas like pollution control, water supply, wastewater management, solid waste disposal, public health and sustainable design. Environmental engineers strive to minimize pollution, waste and energy consumption while safeguarding the environment and considering social, economic and political aspects.

The Nebraska Difference

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18:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

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Kiewit Hall

$115 million student-centric engineering hub

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Be a Complete Engineer®

Unleash your potential and cultivate core competencies

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Innovate. Excel. Engineer.

80% of students receive a job offer before graduation

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Program Features

Comprehensive Curriculum in Lincoln and Omaha 

The environmental engineering program offers a complete undergraduate curriculum in Lincoln and Omaha, preparing you for entry into the environmental engineering profession or advanced studies. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of subjects, including mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, earth science and engineering science. 

Focus on Problem-Solving and Solutions  

The program emphasizes the application of engineering principles to address complex environmental problems. Learn to devise innovative solutions in areas such as water and air pollution control, wastewater management, solid waste management, sustainable design, public health and water resources management. The program aims to equip you with the skills needed to minimize environmental impacts and protect ecosystems. 

Development of Professional and Personal Skills  

In addition to technical knowledge, the program recognizes the importance of non-technical competencies. It focuses on cultivating essential skills and attributes, including communication, teamwork, ethical and professional responsibility, leadership and adaptability. Develop into a well-rounded environmental engineer who can contribute to society, engage in professional organizations and pursue a successful career. 

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Notable Courses

Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering (ENVE 210)

Explore material and energy balances on environmental systems involving physical, chemical and biological processes with a focus on single phase systems.

Biological Principles of Environmental Engineering (ENVE 322)

Learn the basics of microbes: basic microbiological concepts, detection/enumeration/identification of microbes, microbial interactions, pollutants, waterborne pathogens, and wastewater treatment and disinfection.

Environmental Fate & Transport (ENVE 410)

Study fate and transport principles, such as interphase chemical equilibrium, the formulation and application of the advection-diffusion equation, and their specific environmental engineering applications.

Environmental Engineering Process Design (CIVE 420)

Design unit operations and processes associated with drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities, and other environmental treatment systems.

Sustainable Design (ENVE 430)

Discover sustainability concepts and sustainable engineering design processes for environmental engineers such as life cycle assessment, multi-criteria decision analysis and analysis of renewable energy systems.

Water Resources Development (CIVE 452)

Optimization and simulation techniques for evaluating alternatives in water resources developments. Water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power, drainage, water quality, distribution, irrigation and measurement.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Fuel conservation representative, Union Pacific, Omaha, Nebraska
  • Research student, New York University, New York City
  • Environmental engineering Intern, JEO Consulting, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Public works intern, The Village of Cary, Cary, Illinois
  • Student intern, Nebraska Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Research student, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Careers

  • Water resources engineer, Boulder Associates, Atlanta, Georgia
  • Environmental engineer, Burns and McDonnell, Kansas City, Missouri
  • Assistant engineer land development, Olsson Associates, Phoenix, Arizona
  • Environmental researcher, Ministry of Environment, Seoul, South Korea
  • Integrated water management specialist, State of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Environmental compliance assistant, Green Plains, Omaha, Nebraska

Graduate Schools

  • Master's in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California
  • Master's in Civil Engineering, Michigan State University
  • Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign
  • MBA, University of Connecticut

Outside the Classroom

At Nebraska, you’ll have many opportunities to discover your academic community and stretch your strengths

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Tackle big challenges in your classes and work with faculty on research dedicated to solving global problems and saving lives.
  • Engineering is a global profession. Increase your knowledge and marketability by participating in a study abroad opportunity.
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Career Preparedness

  • You’ll gain career-level experiences right from the start of your academic adventure to prepare you to enter the career or graduate school of your choice.
  • Participate in paid internships for valuable on-the-job experiences and to develop lifelong career connections.
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Community

  • With more than 50 clubs and organizations in the College of Engineering, you’ll build connections with other students and faculty through fun and hands-on experiences.
  • The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers additional diverse opportunities for involvement and ways to connect with other students.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Environmental Engineering major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Jeff Beavers
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
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