Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering degree program is designed to provide a synergistic foundation in the discipline of Environmental Engineering through broad educational experiences. The program seeks to enhance the understanding of the fundamental principles of mathematics, science, and engineering by providing students with experiences in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities.

What is Environmental Engineering?

Environmental engineers advance the science and technology of air quality, water quality, water resources, housing, and other built environments, greenspace development, and the protection of plants, animals, and their habitats. The program prepares students to address some of the greatest collective challenges of our time.

Careers in Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering graduates may acquire positions in industry, consultancy, utilities, regulatory agencies, nonprofits, governmental agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. They will work alongside sustainability coordinators, civil and mechanical engineers, architects, developers, and construction managers.

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Data, the employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Salary Ranges

The median annual wage for environmental engineers was $104,170 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $161,910.

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering degree program is designed to provide a synergetic foundation in the discipline of Environmental Engineering through broad educational experience. The program seeks to inoculate an understanding of the fundamental principles of science and engineering by providing students with experiences in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities and applied research opportunities.

Why Florida Poly?

At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education. Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.

The Internship Experience

At Florida Poly, internships aren't just encouraged—they're a fundamental part of the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry, frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates.

Capstone Design

Florida Poly's capstone design course is the pinnacle of each student's academic journey, consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields.

Alumni Making an Impact

Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries. These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the trajectory of technology.

Program Educational Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering degree program is designed to provide a synergistic foundation in the discipline of Environmental Engineering through broad educational experiences. The program seeks to enhance the understanding of the fundamental principles of mathematics, science, and engineering by providing students with experiences in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities. The program blends technical topics that focus on water, air, land, and environmental health with concepts critical to professional practice and responsibilities pertaining to environmental policy and regulations. The technical electives provide depth in technical topics including water chemistry, physicochemical processes, GIS applications, and life cycle assessment. Also supported in this program are opportunities to pursue professional licensure, roles in project management in public and private sector, and engagement in applied research.

Graduates are expected to be known for their accomplishments within a few years of graduation and they should demonstrate:

1. Professional Acumen: Graduates will apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills to successfully lead projects, collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and adapt to evolving industry standards throughout their careers.
2. Continuous Learning: Graduates will pursue ongoing skill development to solve environmental, economic, societal, and global problems in line with industry advancements.
3. Career Competency: Graduates will demonstrate career development as adaptive professionals, pursuing opportunities in professional licensure, advanced degrees, and serving as liaisons in industry.

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the environmental engineering degree program, students will attain the following outcomes to be ready to enter professional practice of engineering.

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that met specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informal judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Meet the Faculty

• Matt Bohm: Department Chair & Professor of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering. Acting Chair Environmental and Civil Engineering
• Malak Anshassi: Assistant Professor
• Sanjeeta N. Ghimire: Assistant Professor
• Derek Henderson: Assistant Professor
• Ajeet Kaushik: Assistant Professor
• Jun Kim: Assistant Professor
• Guven Kiymaz: Assistant Professor
• Lorraine Laguerre Van Sickle: Instructor
• Tracy Olin: Senior Instructor
• Vijaya Sista Venkata: Instructor
• Yudi Wu: Assistant Professor
• Xiaofan Xu: Assistant Professor

Get Involved Outside the Classroom

We have an active student organization community with more than 35 clubs that vary based on specific academic interests, professional development, and activities just for fun.

Events & Activities

Dive into the thrilling campus life at Florida Poly. From Florida PolyCon (a comic-con like event), Purple Fire Week, poolside grill-outs and movie nights, to an annual 5K Pie Run, an epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf gun war, and so much more. At Florida Poly, there is something for everyone and the small campus vibe makes it easy to get involved.

University Teams

Join Florida Poly's University Teams for next-level competition and camaraderie! Whether you're into esports, soccer, weightlifting, robotics, or lacrosse, there's a team for you. Pursue excellence alongside like-minded teammates and take your skills to the next level. With a diverse range of options, there's something for everyone to enjoy while striving for victory!

Student Clubs & Organizations

At Florida Poly, campus engagement is key to fostering lifelong connections, teamwork, and leadership. With over 35 student-run clubs, there's ample opportunity to explore passions and forge friendships beyond lectures and labs. Joining clubs empowers students to pursue interests, develop skills, and create lasting memories with like-minded peers, enriching the college experience and shaping futures.

Campus Recreation

Florida Poly's exceptional recreation facilities offer students, faculty, and staff opportunities for physical activity, fostering healthy lifestyle habits. Featuring a fully equipped weight room, junior Olympic swimming pool, basketball courts, beach volleyball, soccer fields, and disc golf, there's something for everyone to stay active and energized.