Industry Communications: Winter 2021-22
By Phil Carter
Beginning fall of 2022, engineering students will have an opportunity to enroll in a brand new environmental engineering undergraduate degree program. The major will be offered on both of the college’s campuses – City Campus in Lincoln and Scott Campus in Omaha.
The degree program was forged out of the need to meet workforce demands for environmental engineers as well as for students who are passionate about the environment, enjoy solving problems and are looking to make a lasting environmental impact.
“The (Civil and Environmental Engineering) department is excited about this new major,” said Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, department chair. “The B.S. in environmental engineering will attract new students who are interested in environmentally focused engineering careers and who may have previously left the state for other institutions who offer this major.”
Environmental engineering at UNL will feature a strong foundation in the physical, chemical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering fundamentals. Upper-division courses will address engineering applications for the prevention and control of air, water, and land pollution, with required courses that include organic chemistry, biology, geology, statistics, hydrology, solid waste management, air pollution, water treatment, and sustainable design. The department currently offers a master’s degree in environmental engineering as well as an undergraduate minor in environmental engineering.
“This is an exciting time in environmental engineering as the profession evolves to help address critical global challenges, such as the need for clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities, responsible consumption and production, and climate action,” added Bruce Dvorak, professor of civil and environmental engineering and an authority on environmental sustainability strategies, including pollution prevention and environmental sustainability for industry. “Students in Nebraska’s first environmental engineering cohort will be prepared to be on the leading edge of the generation that must address these issues.”