Environmental Engineering

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Lead Sustainable Innovation and Tackle Engineering Challenges

An online bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering empowers you to tackle pressing global challenges with innovative solutions. As a leader in climate-ready degrees, Unity prepares you to design systems that enhance air and water quality, manage waste, and combat climate change. This interdisciplinary degree emphasizes renewable energy, pollution remediation, and sustainable urban development. With a strong focus on practical applications, you’ll graduate ready to lead industries driving environmental innovation and help create a sustainable, healthier future for all.

CAREER OUTLOOK

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering?

47 K

Environmental Engineering jobs in the U.S., 2022*

$ 97 K

Environmental Engineering average pay, 2022*

+ 6 %

Projected growth for Environmental Engineering jobs through 2032 *

*Source: ONet Online/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

In the BS in Environmental Engineering Program You’ll Learn To:

Design sustainable engineering solutions for waste management, pollution prevention, and conserving natural resources using modern tools
Apply interdisciplinary principles from engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences to create and optimize systems that safeguard human and environmental health
Develop equitable and inclusive engineering solutions that address social, cultural, legal, and regulatory aspects of environmental challenges

Apply now

2 engineers standing next to a water treatment facility.

What You Will Study

Environmental Engineering
Course Examples

Environmental Regulatory Compliance for Engineers

This course covers environmental laws and regulations in engineering, focusing on air and water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials. You will learn compliance strategies, explore case studies, and discuss ethics and corporate responsibility.

People discuss a sustainable project at a table.

Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

This course covers thermodynamics and heat transfer principles, focusing on environmental process engineering applications like boilers, chillers, and heat pumps. Topics include energy conversion, refrigeration cycles, heat exchangers, and thermal system design.

Water and Wastewater Treatment

This course covers technologies and processes for treating water and wastewater in municipal and industrial settings. Topics include pollutant sources, physical separation, chemical and biological treatments, emerging contaminants, resource recovery, and sustainable design.

Two engineers take samples at a wastewater pond.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers in Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering is a dynamic field focused on designing and implementing sustainable systems to protect human health and the environment.

It encompasses water and air quality management, pollution remediation, waste management, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development, aiming to solve pressing environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions.

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering is a dynamic and interdisciplinary program aimed at preparing students to tackle the pressing environmental issues of our time. Rooted in the principles of engineering, environmental science, and sustainability, this program provides a comprehensive education in the design, development, and implementation of systems and solutions that protect and enhance human health and the natural environment.

Students will gain a deep understanding of the complex interplay between human activities and environmental ecosystems, learning to innovate in areas such as water and air quality management, water and wastewater treatment, pollution remediation, solid waste management, renewable energy systems, climate change life cycle analysis, climate change prevention and mitigation, and sustainable urban development.

Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.

Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.

Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:

24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years
30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years

General Education Core: 35 credits

Environmental Professional Core: 13 credits

Elective Courses: 3 credits

Program Core: 69 credits

CHEM 220 Organic Chemistry for Engineers
CHEM 225 Environmental Chemistry for Engineers
CIST 203 Robotics and Automation for Environmental Monitoring
DATA 301 Data Management in Python
DATA 302 Data Visualization Laboratory
ENGR 101 Introduction to Environmental Engineering
ENGR 301 Fluid Dynamics
ENGR 303 Water and Wastewater Treatment
ENGR 305 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
ENGR 307 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
ENGR 310 Environmental Regulatory Compliance for Engineers
ENGR 313 Environmental Impact Assessment for Engineers
ENGR 315 Environmental Modeling and Simulation
ENGR 410 Biomimicry for Environmental Engineers
ENGR 413 Air Pollution Control Engineering
ESCI 303 Hydrology, Wetlands, and Water Policy
ESCI 305 Environmental Remediation and Toxicology
MATH 225 Calculus II
MATH 325 Calculus III
MATH 430 Linear Algebra
MATH 435 Differential Equations
PHYS 201 Physics I
PHYS 202 Physics I Lab
PHYS 203 Physics II
PHYS 204 Physics II Lab

For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The environmental engineering degree requires 120 credits. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside institutions. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then apply online for free to get started.

Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.

Why Unity Distance Education?

High Educational Value

Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.

Sustainability Core

Committed to sustainable practices to prepare for a future of environmental awareness.

Personalized Guidance

Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.

Transfer-Friendly

Accepting up to 90 transfer credits to graduate sooner and save money.

Inspiring Faculty

Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the industry.

Future Success

Ranked #1 independent university in the U.S. by the Social Mobility Index.

Multiple Start Dates

With up to 8 terms a year, you can take a break without jeopardizing financial aid.

Learning Flexibility

Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want

Real Students, Real Impact

Unity student Ron standing by a waterfall and red barn.

Real Students, Real Impact

“I have found value in each course. I have been able to apply each course to real-world experiences.”

Ron C.
Unity Student

Read Ron’s Full Quote

Ron C.
Unity Student

“I have found value in each course. I have been able to apply each course to real-world experiences.”

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

Ph.D in Environmental Engineering

Brad Striebig
Global Expert in Environmental Engineering

More Info

Brad Striebig
Global Expert in Environmental Engineering

Dr. Striebig is the first Director of Environmental Engineering at Unity Environmental University. Dr Striebig is also a founding member and professor in the Department of Engineering at James Madison University. He has over 25 years of experience in environmental engineering and has served for several years as a Program Evaluator (PEV) for ABET. Dr. Striebig developed the Water program to improve water and health access in Benin in cooperation with Dr. Susan Norwood while at Gonzaga University. Dr. Striebig was also served as Head of the Environmental Technology Group at Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory.

Dr. Striebig holds a Ph.D in Environmental Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, a M.S. in Environmental Systems Engineering from Clemson University, and a B.S. in Civil Engineering, also from the Pennsylvania State University. He has published his engineering scholarship in nearly one hundred works in numerous journals and magazines. He is an co-author of several textbooks including the forthcoming Twelfth Edition of Environmental Chemistry (2027), Discovering Engineering Design in the 21st Century: An Activities-Based Approach (2024), Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Design: 2nd Edition. Cengage Publishing (2023), and Engineering Applications in Sustainable Design and Development (2016). His scholarship has been funded by the NSF, DOD, and numerous other state and private organizations. His professional photography work has also been published in books, magazines, and other publications. Dr. Striebig has received several awards, including the 2009 Bosscher Faculty Advisor Award for Outstanding Leadership from Engineers Without Borders-USA.

Dr. Striebig feels fortunate to have been a teacher, and in that role his students have taught him how to approach engineering from a humanistic perspective. He feels incredibly lucky to be able to work each year with dedicated students and faculty in the pursuit of living more sustainable lives.

Learn from Leaders

Ph.D. in Environmental Science

David Tsetse
Global Expert in Water and Environmental Management in Humanitarian and Development Contexts

More Info

David Tsetse
Global Expert in Water and Environmental Management in Humanitarian and Development Contexts

Dr. David Tsetse is an Adjunct Professor at Unity Environmental University. He received a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Leiden University in the Netherlands, MSc in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, MBA in Engineering Management from the University of Manchester in UK, and a BSc (Hons) in Geology from the University of Ghana. David is a Board Certified Environmental Scientist of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientist. Prior to joining the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Office of Water Quality, as Chief of Technical and Logistical Services, David spent over 24 years (with 16 years with United Nations Children Fund) leading and delivering water, and environmental programs in humanitarian and development contexts in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. His area of expertise is systems approach to water and environmental management with a focus on rural areas. David served as an Adjunct Professor at Purdue University Lafayette and Marian University in Indianapolis. He serves as an executive board director for several Non-Governmental Organizations and he is currently a member of the board of visitors for the College of Arts and Sciences, Marian University in Indianapolis. David is the author of the book titled: Environmental Management in Developing Countries: An Opportunity and Problem in Context (OPiC) Approach. David lives in Fishers, IN with his wife, Courage, and sons – Bernard, David, Emmanuel and Joel. He enjoys gardening, exercising, reading and spending time with his family. David is passionate about sharing his experience with students.

Learn from Leaders

MS in Environmental Engineering, BS in Chemistry

Alexandria Kindrick
Global Expert in Water/Wastewater Projects

Read More About Professor Kindrick

Alexandria Kindrick
Global Expert in Water/Wastewater Projects

Alexandria B. Kindrick, P.E., is a licensed environmental and civil engineer, currently serving as a senior project manager and business development professional in the water/wastewater industry for Tetra Tech in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the College of the Holy Cross and a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Oklahoma State University

With a strong commitment to environmental quality, Alexandria serves on the State of Oklahoma Environmental Quality Board, representing environmental non-profit organizations. She is also actively involved with the Water Environment Federation (WEF), where she serves as the Speaker of the House of Delegates and vice-chair of the Government Affairs Community. Additionally, Alexandria is a graduate of the Water Leadership Institute and has held various leadership roles within the Oklahoma Water Environment Association (WEA), including past president and past delegate.

In her spare time, Alexandria enjoys spending time with her husband, Bryan, and their three children, as well as managing their “zoo” of two dogs and two cats. She also works as a vacation consultant for WDWGetaways and serves as a team manager for the Next Level baseball organization.

Learn from Leaders

MS in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, BS in Chemical Engineering

Justin Kirby
Global Expert in Sustainability and Green Technology Solutions

More About Justin

Justin Kirby
Global Expert in Sustainability and Green Technology Solutions

Justin Kirby has a passion for nature and a knack for solving environmental challenges. Justin brings real-world expertise to Unity’s Environmental Process Engineering program. As a licensed Professional Engineer and seasoned sustainability pro, he’s tackled complex problems in heavy manufacturing and renewable energy across the US.

From air and water quality to waste management and green tech, Justin’s career is a testament to his commitment to environmental engineering. With degrees from top institutions like Arizona State and North Carolina State University, he’s ready to empower you to make a difference in the world. Join Justin at Unity and be part of the solution to build a more sustainable tomorrow!