High School

A bachelor's degree is mandatory to work in environmental engineering. At the high school level, the most important course work is in science (chemistry, biology, physics) and mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, and calculus). It's also good to develop written communication skills. Competition to get into the top engineering schools is tough, so it's important to do well on your ACT or SAT tests (although a growing number of colleges have become test-optional; in this instance, high school GPA and performance in Advanced Placement classes becomes even more important for students).

Postsecondary Training

Approximately 80 colleges offer environmental engineering degree programs that are accredited by ABET (http://www.abet.org). Additionally, the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists offers the Environmental Engineering & Science Resource Guidebook, which lists accredited environmental engineering programs. It can be accessed by visiting https://www.aaees.org/publications/resourceguidebook.php. Another possibility is to earn a civil engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or other traditional engineering degree with an environmental focus. You could also obtain a traditional engineering degree and learn the environmental knowledge on the job, or obtain a master’s degree in environmental engineering. Some schools offer programs in which students can enroll in a five-year program that leads to both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Students also typically complete at least one internship as part of their training. Some students also participate in engineering co-op programs, in which college credit is awarded for structured job experience.

Other Education or Training

Many professional associations provide continuing education opportunities to environmental engineers. For example, the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors offers workshops and other continuing education opportunities for its members. The National Association of Environmental Professionals provides webinars on science-related topics. The American Society for Engineering Education offers continuing education opportunities for engineers via its annual conference and other events. The National Society of Professional Engineers provides webinars for student members of the society. Recent webinars included Career Success in Engineering: A Guide for Students and New Professionals, Ethics and Professionalism for Students and Young Engineers, How to Get Your First Job, and Engineering Your Career with a High Quality Social Network Web Seminar. The Society of Women Engineers offers conference sessions, webinars, and other education resources on topics such as leadership, career development, and special issues for women in engineering. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Certification is voluntary and may be obtained through such organizations as the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice, and the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals.

If your work as an engineer affects public health, safety, or property, you must register with the state. To obtain registration, you must have a degree from an accredited engineering program. Right before you get your degree (or soon after), you must pass an engineer-in-training (EIT) exam covering fundamentals of science and engineering. A few years after you've started your career, you also must pass an exam covering engineering practice. The exams are offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (http://www.ncees.org).

Aspiring environmental engineers should participate in an internship or co-op during college to gain valuable experience. Participating in these programs will also allow you to build your professional network, which could lead to a job offer after graduation.

Environmental engineers must like solving problems and have a good background in science and math. They must be able to, in the words of one engineer, "just get in there and figure out what needs to be done." Engineers must be able to communicate verbally and in writing with a variety of people from both technical and nontechnical backgrounds. Other important traits for environmental engineers include creativity, patience, the ability to "think outside the box," strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and a willingness to continue to learn throughout their careers.