Two ways to study Environmental Engineering as an undergraduate

What's the difference between the new Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and the Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Environmental Engineering and Science?

B.S. in Environmental Engineering

The B.S. in Environmental Engineering (EnvE) degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides rigorous and focused training at the intersection of the natural sciences and engineering fundamentals. The curricular program is distinguished by attributes including (i) the integration of atmospheric sciences with infrastructure planning and design, (ii) the development of computational skills including mathematical techniques to work with environmental and temporal datasets, (iii) the incorporation of engineering design experience distributed across the curriculum, and (iv) the provision of concentration areas and coursework in emerging areas of critical importance in the 21st century. 

Upon graduation with an EnvE degree, we anticipate that our graduates will either successfully enter the environmental engineering profession as practicing engineers and consultants with prominent companies and organizations in diverse areas that include public health engineering, one water, energy and environmental sustainability, climate and environmental sustainability, and water systems and sustainability or pursue graduate education and research at major research universities in environmental engineering and related fields.

B.S. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Environmental Engineering and Science

The B.S. in Civil Engineering degree with a focus on environmental engineering and science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides rigorous and focused training at the intersection of engineering design fundamentals and natural sciences. The curricular program is distinguished by attributes including (i) the integration of core environmental engineering content and complementary fields within civil engineering, (ii) the development of computational skills to solve civil and environmental engineering problems, and (iii) the incorporation of engineering design experience distributed across the curriculum.

Upon graduation with a civil engineering degree, we anticipate that our graduates will successfully enter the civil and environmental engineering professions as practicing engineers and consultants with prominent companies and organizations in diverse areas that include drinking water and wastewater treatment design, desalination, air quality and related fields.