Program Overview
Colorado State University's Environmental Engineering program equips students with the skills to design solutions for pollution prevention and ecosystem restoration. Through a blend of science, engineering, and hands-on experiences, graduates are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, regulatory agencies, and industries focused on sustainability. The program emphasizes water and air quality engineering, as well as technical electives in specialized areas, leading to diverse career opportunities in environmental protection and management.
Program Outline
The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in physical, chemical, and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering fundamentals.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to:
- Design pollution prevention equipment and systems.
- Design environmental monitoring systems.
- Implement government and industry environmental regulations.
- Design water and wastewater treatment systems.
- Restore ecosystem health.
Outline:
The program is structured across four years, with a total of 130 credit hours. The curriculum includes:
Freshman Year:
- Semester 1:
- CIVE 102: Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engr (3 credits)
- CO 150: College Composition (GT-CO2) (3 credits)
- Semester 2:
- CHEM 111: General Chemistry I (GT-SC2) (4 credits)
- CHEM 112: General Chemistry Lab I (GT-SC1) (1 credit)
- CIVE 103: Engineering Graphics and Computing (3 credits)
- MATH 161: Calculus for Physical Scientists II (GT-MA1) (4 credits)
- Select one group from the following: (4 credits)
- Group A: BZ 110: Principles of Animal Biology (GT-SC2) (3 credits) & BZ 111: Animal Biology Laboratory (GT-SC1) (3 credits)
- Group B: BZ 120: Principles of Plant Biology (GT-SC1) (3 credits)
- Group C: LIFE 102: Attributes of Living Systems (GT-SC1) (3 credits)
Sophomore Year:
- Semester 3:
- CHEM 113: General Chemistry II (3 credits)
- CHEM 114: General Chemistry Lab II (1 credit)
- CIVE 202: Numerical Modeling and Optimization (3 credits)
- CIVE 260: Engineering Mechanics-Statics (3 credits)
- MATH 261: Calculus for Physical Scientists III (4 credits)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (3 credits)
- Semester 4:
- CHEM 245: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
- CIVE 203: Engineering Systems and Decision Analysis (3 credits)
- CIVE 261: Engineering Mechanics-Dynamics (3 credits)
- CIVE 360: Mechanics of Solids (3 credits)
- MECH 237: Introduction to Thermal Sciences (3 credits)
Junior Year:
- Semester 5:
- CIVE 300: Fluid Mechanics (3 credits)
- CIVE 301: Fluid Mechanics Laboratory (1 credit)
- CIVE 355: Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering (3 credits)
- CIVE 356: Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory (1 credit)
- MATH 340: Intro to Ordinary Differential Equations (4 credits)
- Select one course from the following: (3 credits)
- AREC 202: Agricultural and Resource Economics (GT-SS1) (3 credits)
- ECON 202: Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1) (3 credits)
- Semester 6:
- CIVE 322: Basic Hydrology (3 credits)
- CIVE 339: Environmental Engineering Concepts (3 credits)
- CIVE 442: Air Quality Engineering (3 credits)
- MIP 300: General Microbiology (3 credits)
- Advanced Writing (3 credits)
- Arts and Humanities (3 credits)
- BZ 110/BZ 111 or BZ 120 or LIFE 102 must be completed by the end of Semester 6.
Senior Year:
- Semester 7:
- CIVE 401: Hydraulic Engineering (3 credits)
- CIVE 402: Senior Design Principles (4A, 4B) (3 credits)
- CIVE 439: Applications of Environmental Engr Concepts (3 credits)
- ERHS 446: Environmental Toxicology (3 credits)
- Engineering Technical Elective (See List on Requirements tab) (3 credits)
- Historical Perspectives (3 credits)
- Semester 8:
- CIVE 403: Senior Project Design (4C) (3 credits)
- CIVE 441: Water Quality Analysis and Treatment (3 credits)
- Technical Elective (See List on Requirements Tab) (3 credits)
- Engineering Technical Elective (See List on Requirements tab) (3 credits)
- Arts and Humanities (3 credits)
Engineering Technical Electives:
Students must select a minimum of 6 credits from a list of courses in various engineering and science disciplines, including:
- CIVE 305: Intermediate AutoCAD (3 credits)
- CIVE 330: Ecological Engineering (3 credits)
- CIVE 413: Environmental River Mechanics (3 credits)
- CIVE 423: Groundwater Engineering (3 credits)
- CIVE 437: Wastewater Treatment Facility Design (3 credits)
- CIVE 440: Nonpoint Source Pollution (3 credits)
- CIVE 455: Applications in Geotechnical Engineering (3 credits)
- CIVE 458: Environmental Geotechnics (3 credits)
- CIVE 502: Fluid Mechanics (3 credits)
- CIVE 511: Coastal Engineering (3 credits)
- CIVE 512: Irrigation Systems Design (3 credits)
- CIVE 513: Morphodynamic Modeling (3 credits)
- CIVE 514: Hydraulic Structures/Systems (3 credits)
- CIVE 519: Irrigation Water Management (3 credits)
- CIVE 520: Physical Hydrology (3 credits)
- CIVE 521: Hydrometry (3 credits)
- CIVE 524/WR 524: Modeling Watershed Hydrology (3 credits)
- CIVE 525: Water Engineering International Development (3 credits)
- CIVE 529: Environmental Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
- CIVE 530: Environ Engr at the Water-Energy-Health Nexus (3 credits)
- CIVE 531: Groundwater Hydrology (3 credits)
- CIVE 533/BIOM 533: Biomolecular Tools for Engineers (3 credits)
- CIVE 538: Aqueous Chemistry (3 credits)
- CIVE 540/CBE 540: Advanced Biological Wastewater Processing (3 credits)
- CIVE 541: Physical Chemical Water Treatment Processes (3 credits)
- CIVE 542: Water Quality Modeling (3 credits)
- CIVE 544: Water Resources Planning and Management (3 credits)
- CIVE 547/STAT 547: Statistics for Environmental Monitoring (3 credits)
- CIVE 549: Drainage and Wetland Engineering (3 credits)
- CIVE 558: Containment Systems for Waste Disposal (3 credits)
- CIVE 572: Analysis of Urban Water Systems (3 credits)
- CIVE 574: Civil Engineering Project Management (3 credits)
- CIVE 575: Sustainable Water and Waste Management (3 credits)
- CIVE 576: Engineering Applications of GIS and GPS (3 credits)
- ENGR 502: Engineering Project and Program Management (3 credits)
- ENGR 550/MATH 550: Numerical Methods in Science and Engineering (3 credits)
- SYSE 501: Foundations of Systems Engineering (3 credits)
Additional Technical Electives:
Students must select a minimum of 3 credits from a list of courses in related fields, including:
- AREC 340/ECON 340: Introduction-Economics of Natural Resources (3 credits)
- AREC 342: Water Law, Policy, and Institutions (3 credits)
- AREC 444/ECON 444: Economics of Energy Resources (3 credits)
- ATS 555: Air Pollution (3 credits)
- ATS 560: Air Pollution Measurement (2 credits)
- BZ 471: Stream Biology and Ecology (3 credits)
- BZ 472: Stream Biology and Ecology Laboratory (1 credit)
- ERHS 320: Environmental Health--Water Quality (3 credits)
- ERHS 448: Environmental Contaminants (3 credits)
- ESS 474: Limnology (3 credits)
- ESS 524: Foundations for Carbon/Greenhouse Gas Mgmt (3 credits)
- JTC 461: Writing About Science, Health, and Environment (3 credits)
- LIFE 320: Ecology (3 credits)
- MGT 305: Fundamentals of Management (3 credits)
- MGT 310: Human Resource Management (3 credits)
- MGT 320: Contemporary Management Principles/Practices (3 credits)
- NR 322: Intro.
- NR 323/GR 323: Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation (3 credits)
- PSY 517/IE 517: Perspectives in Global Health (3 credits)
- RS 478: Ecological Restoration (3 credits)
- SOCR 455: Microbiomes of Soil Systems (3 credits)
- SOCR 467: Soil and Environmental Chemistry (3 credits)
Careers:
Graduates of the Environmental Engineering program are well-prepared to address global environmental challenges, such as providing sustainable water and air resources for a growing population. They are qualified for entry-level positions in:
- Regulatory agencies
- Engineering consulting firms
- Environmental divisions of large corporations (particularly in the energy and manufacturing industries)
Example Job Titles:
- Hydraulic Engineer
- Water Resources Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Geoenvironmental Engineer
- Reclamation Engineer
- Stormwater Engineer
- Floodplain Manager
- Groundwater Engineer
- Hydrologist
- Urban/Regional Planner
- Water Infrastructure Engineer or Manager
- Contract Administrator
- Facilities Engineer or Manager
- Irrigation Engineer
- Ecological Engineer
- Educator
Other:
- Participation in student professional societies, campus organizations, internships, and volunteer activities is highly recommended for personal and professional development.
- The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step towards registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), an important credential for environmental engineers. Students are encouraged to take the FE exam before graduation.
- The Environmental Engineering major is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
- Graduate study in a specific area of interest is highly recommended to enhance technical capabilities.
Colorado State University
Overview:
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. CSU emphasizes a sense of community and a shared energy among students, faculty, and staff, all driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
CSU offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and discover new possibilities both inside and outside the classroom. The university boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and the broader Fort Collins community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Groundbreaking Research:
CSU is a leading research institution, with faculty and students actively engaged in cutting-edge projects across various disciplines.Transformative Student Body:
The university attracts a diverse and motivated student population, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.Beautiful Location:
Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, CSU offers stunning natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.Commitment to Impact:
CSU emphasizes the importance of making a positive difference in the world, encouraging students to pursue careers and research that address global challenges.Academic Programs:
CSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 70 majors across nearly 300 programs. The university is particularly known for its strengths in:
Engineering:
CSU's College of Engineering is highly regarded, with programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, among others.Agriculture and Natural Resources:
CSU is a leading institution in agricultural research and education, with strong programs in animal science, horticulture, and environmental science.Health Sciences:
CSU offers a variety of health-related programs, including nursing, public health, and biomedical sciences.Other:
CSU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and keynote speaker series. The university also has a strong alumni network and a vibrant community in Fort Collins.
Entry Requirements:
TO DECLARE MAJOR: Engineering is a controlled major: students are admitted into the major only if they meet established academic standards. Please see competitive major requirements or the advisor in the Department for more information.
