UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES in ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

At Cornell, there are several paths for studying engineering solutions to environmental problems, including opportunities in the Schools of Chemical Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.  However, the environmental engineering curriculum presented in this document is offered by the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering and the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.  These two academic units also have the most faculty active in environmental research. Traditionally, academic programs in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering emphasizes the study of water and wastewater treatment processes, contaminant fate and behavior in aquatic systems, the design and management of environmental and water resources systems, environmental fluid mechanics, hydraulics, and hydrology.  Academic programs in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering have emphasized non-point water quality management, analysis of the flow of chemicals into groundwater,  bio-conversion of agricultural and industrial wastes to energy, watershed engineering, environmental system analysis, and ecological engineering.   Research and teaching interests in the two units complement each other and often involve joint participation. 

The curriculum program is an effort by these two academic units to provide a broad-based environmental engineering education.  Admission is handled through either the College of Engineering for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, or through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for the Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering.  Upon successful completion of the described program, students enrolled in either unit will receive a Bachelor of Science degree.  The goal of the faculty is to provide undergraduate students with a strong preparation in biology, physical and engineering sciences, and mathematics needed to explore engineering solutions to environmental problems or to continue their education in this or related disciplines.  This training can lead to challenging and rewarding careers in environmental sciences and engineering.