If you think it’s important to protect our water-air-soil environment, make our cities more sustainable, and build resilience in the face of climate change, then you should definitely be thinking about environmental engineering. This program is designed for people who are strong in science and math, and want to be good problem solvers in balancing the needs of society and nature. From protecting lakes and rivers to managing the impact of natural disasters, you’ll be on the way to making a clear difference for communities around the world.
You'll typically start with foundational classes and labs in chemistry, physics and calculus, then quickly move on to specific courses in the major such as sustainability and environmental engineering fundamentals. In your junior and senior years, you’ll get more in-depth training in topics such as modeling pollutant movement, treating contaminated water and air, and environmental monitoring. You'll also be able to choose lots of electives, so you can follow your interests and check out topics like hydraulic engineering and brownfield restoration—or take classes in a related technical field.
From research labs on campus to rainforests in Costa Rica, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get (far) outside the classroom.
Providing clean water to hundreds of thousands of people. Consulting on green infrastructure projects. Joining environmental regulatory agencies. These are just a few of the ways our graduates have used their degrees to make an impact.
Environmental engineers typically work for private consulting firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations and research labs around the world. Leading organizations that recruit UB grads include:
While many of our students work in the environmental field, some of them apply their skills and knowledge to a career in business, law, public health and other areas.
Scholars. Leaders. Mentors. Teachers. At UB, you will find exceptional people who will inspire and guide you. Our faculty members have been named as SUNY Distinguished Professors and have won numerous awards for their teaching, including the President Emeritus and Mrs. Martin Meyerson Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring, and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Our faculty are typically active members (and often hold leadership positions) in many top professional organizations, including the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors, American Water Works Association, American Society of Civil Engineers and the Air & Waste Management Association.
In addition, they have been recognized and honored by leading national and international organizations, including the National Science Foundation, American Chemical Society and National Groundwater Association.