UW CEE has officially announced a new undergraduate program in environmental engineering that launches this fall. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering (BSEnvE) degree program was added due to student interest in the field and increasing demand for environmental engineers.

Environmental engineering is projected to grow at a faster rate than other occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings are expected to grow by 22 percent from 2010-2020, which is more than the 14 percent growth projection for all occupations and 11 percent growth for engineers.

By utilizing a combination of both scientific and engineering principles, environmental engineers work to protect the world and its people from negative environmental impacts caused by both natural and human activities. Environmental engineers enjoy careers in air pollution control, environmental sustainability, general environmental engineering, hazardous waste management, solid waste management and water supply and wastewater engineering.

The program will provide a solid foundation in both science and engineering, producing graduates who are deeply trained in the sciences as it pertains to engineering for the environment. The existing BSCE program will remain unchanged and is still appropriate for students interested in civil or environmental engineering from a big-picture perspective.

In the near future, the program may be the first ABET certified BSEnvE degree in the state of Washington. ABET establishes quality standards for courses, with detailed educational objectives and student outcomes. The new program will be eligible for ABET review in 2019, following the graduation of the program’s first senior class. The nearest ABET-certified BSEnvE programs are at Oregon State University and Portland State University.