Environmental engineering deals with the development and improvement of infrastructure that prevents pollution and degradation of natural resources such as air, water, land, etc. It includes concepts from other disciplines such as chemistry, biology, ecology, hydrology and economics. Here are some of the subdisciplines of environmental Engineering: Water Quality Engineering, Air Quality Engineering, Hazardous Waste Management, Coastal Engineering, etc.

Environmental engineering is essential for maintaining public health and preventing the spread of diseases. It plays a direct role in the development of environmentally friendly stations and utilities, the cleaning of contaminated sites, the introduction of sustainable recycling systems and the reduction of hazardous waste. Courses will vary depending on the specialization, but typical environmental engineering courses include general chemistry, soil mechanics, materials science, sustainable development, engineering geology, civil engineering and others.

A degree in environmental engineering is ideal for people who understand and appreciate our connection to nature. A passion for engineering and mechanics really helps, but you also need to develop technical and analytical skills and become familiar with sustainable practices, standards and methods. The career of an environmental engineer includes work in the chemical industry, waste processing, fuel production, energy, in production or in government departments and professional organizations. They can work as: environmental engineer, air quality specialist, environmental scientist, environmental researcher, technical engineer, environmental sales engineer.

The 10 best colleges for obtaining an environmental engineer degree

1. University of California at Berkeley

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection at the University of California, Berkeley offers a secondary program in environmental engineering combined with a specialization in a related program such as civil engineering or biological sciences.

2. Stanford University

Undergraduate students can take a comprehensive programme in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Stanford University. The programme prepares students for future professional careers and allows them to focus on protecting the things that are essential to human life and sustainable development.

3. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor may specialize in civil engineering or environmental engineering. Students also have the opportunity to obtain a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. All programs prepare students for careers in engineering with an emphasis on water and atmospheric systems. 

4. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech's Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering program prepares students for careers related to the sustainability of land, air, and water resources, human health, and environmental restoration.

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A bachelor's degree in civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology prepares students to solve global problems such as food shortages and climate change, and explores ways in which artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide solutions to these problems. 

6. University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

The Grainger College of Engineering focuses its civil engineering and environmental engineering program on preparing students to address water, land, and air pollution issues by following the principles of sustainable design. 

7. University of Texas - Austin

The University of Texas at Austin focuses its environmental engineering program on mitigating the impact of the human race on the physical landscape of the earth. Students participating in the program will learn how useful they are as engineers in solving problems facing the environment. 

8. Cornell University

At this Ivy League private research institution, students enrolled in the Civil and Environmental Engineering program can choose a major in either civil or environmental engineering. The program focuses heavily on research and innovation in these areas and boasts world-class equipment and professors.

9. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has developed its civil engineering curriculum with students' personal goals in mind. Students can develop a curriculum according to their individual needs and hopes for a future career. 

10. Virginia Tech University

The Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia requires all undergraduate students to earn a degree in civil engineering that also covers important aspects of environmental engineering.

 These programs allow students to study environmental engineering in complex and flexible programs, following their chosen path and integrating engineering studies with other interests.