Environmental Engineering (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • In 2008, the average salary for an environmental engineer was nearly $78,000.
  • Clemson also has a nationally ranked environmental engineering graduate program, and we offer a five-year B.S./M.S. option.
  • In 2012, Forbes magazine ranked environmental engineering No. 5 on its list of top 15 most valuable college majors.
  • Clemson offers a technical and versatile curriculum led by world-class faculty.
ABOUT.

Our complex world faces many environmental challenges. We need a highly trained workforce and leaders ready to tackle our environmental problems to guide us toward a healthier and more sustainable future. As an environmental engineer, you can be part of the solution. Environmental engineers use biology, chemistry and the earth sciences to solve problems such as contaminated water supplies, hazardous wastes, toxic waste spills, historically contaminated sites and air pollution. At Clemson, we mold research and classwork into a diverse degree that’s the only one of its kind in South Carolina. The world’s need for environmental engineers is growing fast, and this profession has been continuously reported as one of the best jobs with great pay and growth prospects. A Clemson degree in environmental engineering will give you the skills necessary to join this rapidly growing field and tackle some of the major challenges facing society.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Freshmen who major in engineering at Clemson are initially admitted into our general engineering program, where you’ll have a year to explore many different engineering disciplines, meet faculty from each of our engineering departments and discover which major fits your personal interests and talents.

Once you dive into environmental engineering classes, you’ll cover the principles of biology, chemistry and earth sciences, and learn how to solve our environmental problems. Environmental engineering courses cover a wide range of topics including water and wastewater treatment, solid and hazardous waste management, air pollution control, sustainable solutions and risk assessment. Many electives are available to build strengths in areas such as energy and environment, environmental chemistry, natural systems, water quality modeling in natural systems and water quality in urban systems.

Senior year, students participate in a professional seminar course and in a capstone design project. Hands-on research is fundamental in all of our engineering disciplines, and it’s a time for you to learn which questions to ask and how to find the answers.

B.S. Environmental Engineering / M.S. Environmental Engineering and Science
Top undergraduates pursuing an environmental engineering degree have the option of working toward their master’s degree in environmental engineering and science while finishing their bachelor’s degree.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Within our vibrant research community, there are numerous projects and groups that you can get involved in.

Internships and Research Projects:

VIDEO (▶):
See what our students have to say about majoring in environmental engineering at Clemson.
AWWA CHAPTER:
Clemson’s chapter of the American Water Works Association has meetings, on-campus activities and field trips to keep students engaged with one another and the community.
RESEARCH:
Some major research focus areas are pollution prevention, environmental contaminants, and the characterization and management of Earth resources.
NO BORDERS:
Clemson’s student chapter of Engineers Without Borders develops sustainable solutions in the areas of clean water, power, sanitation and education for communities in developing countries.
CO-OP:
Put your classwork knowledge to work by spending alternate semesters working in industry and studying on campus as part of Clemson’s cooperative education program.
SOLID GREEN:
The mission of Clemson’s environmental sustainability campaign is to promote a “green” campus by coordinating and sponsoring events that further our commitment to the environment and sustainability.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

N/A%

Employed

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Grad School

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Seeking Employment

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Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Our environmental engineering undergraduate degree is only three years old; we graduate our first students in 2014. 

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Our environmental engineering undergraduate degree is only three years old; we graduate our first students in 2014. 

Common Career Areas**

  • Consulting
    • Industrial and Municipal Pollution Control
      • Pollution Prevention
        • Sustainable Environment
          • Water and Wastewater Utilities
            • EPA or State Regulatory Environmental Agencies
              • Management
                • Research and Development
                  • Laboratory
                    • Natural System Management
                      • Sustainable Engineering
                      *Because our environmental engineering undergrad degree is in its third year, we do not have graduation numbers.
                      **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
                      FIND OUT MORE.

                      Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

                      Christopher Porter, CES Undergraduate Recruitment Director
                      864-656-7870 — cporter@clemson.edu