How Do I Become an Environmental Engineer?

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering (Four Years)

Environmental engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree to practice. Prospective students should look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) or other reputable regional entities. ABET accreditation verifies that an engineering program meets established quality standards and best practices and is also required by many graduate programs, licensing boards, professional organizations, and employers.

One can earn ABET-accredited degrees online or on campus. Students enrolled in online environmental engineering programs can usually satisfy hands-on, practical requirements within their home communities.

Environmental engineering programs provide the education one needs to be licensed, earn certifications, and succeed in the field. Some, but not all engineering schools offer bachelor’s degrees in environmental engineering specifically. It is not uncommon for future professionals to attend programs in related fields such as civil, chemical, or general engineering before gaining specialized training in graduate school or on the job.

Students are encouraged to find programs incorporating “co-ops” (i.e., they award credit for structured work experience). Doing so can help students meet future licensing and employment requirements. Some colleges offer combined five-year bachelor’s and master’s degrees, an accelerated option for students which can be more cost-effective than pursuing the two degrees separately.

Admissions Requirements – Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Programs

Every environmental engineering program establishes its own admissions criteria; more rigorous programs usually have more rigorous requirements. Not surprisingly, highly competitive programs have steeper GPA and exam requirements and might even require an interview. Examples of typical admission requirements from real environmental engineering schools include:

• Successful completion of prerequisite high school courses (e.g., physics, chemistry, calculus, algebra, trigonometry)
• Minimum high school GPA of 3.0
• SAT and ACT scores
• Admissions essay or statement of purpose

Typical Courses – Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Programs

Bachelor’s programs in environmental engineering usually offer a range of classroom, lab, and field-based components. Students balance required general education and core engineering courses with specialized electives. Here are some typical courses in undergraduate environmental engineering programs:

• Introduction to Environmental Engineering
• Drafting and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Introduction to Engineering Fundamentals
• Fluid Mechanics
• Elements of Geology
• Engineering Economy
• Transport Processes
• Water Quality Control
• Chemical Engineering Process Design
• Green Engineering
• Sustainable Design

Step 3: Establish State Licensure (Timeline Varies)

Most environmental engineers cannot practice independently without being licensed. According to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), licensing requirements are set by individual states, which means they can vary. The Council advises candidates to check licensing requirements in the state where they intend to work. Readers can research state requirements through the NCEES.

Some states require environmental engineering students and recent graduates to earn special Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) licenses by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam for Engineers in Training

The FE exam verifies candidates have the foundational safety and engineering knowledge necessary to work in the field. The NCEES offers FE exams in several concentrations, including the FE – Environmental Engineering. According to the Council’s official website, this exam explores knowledge in the following areas:

• Math
• Probability and Statistics
• Ethics and Professional Practice
• Engineering Economics
• Fundamental Principles
• Environmental Chemistry
• Health Hazards and Risk Assessment
• Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics
• Thermodynamics
• Surface Water Resources and Hydrology
• Groundwater, Soils, and Sediments
• Water and Wastewater
• Air Quality and Control
• Solid and Hazardous Waste
• Energy and Environment

Undergraduate environmental engineering curricula are often designed with FE exam requirements in mind. Students can usually find this information online or by contacting the academic department overseeing the program.

Step 5: Become a Professional Engineer (PE) in Environmental Engineering (Optional, Four Years or More)

Like master’s degrees in environmental engineering, a PE license is a voluntary but valuable credential. The qualifying exam consists of 80 questions in environmental engineering, administered in a nine-hour session.

Professional Engineers typically enjoy higher earnings and advancement potential than non-credentialed peers. They can also practice independently and complete a wider variety of tasks. Among them:

• Serving the public directly
• Starting private firms
• Bidding on government contracts
• Managing major projects
• Mentoring EITs and EIs

PE Licensing Requirements

Environmental engineers must meet the following criteria to become licensed PEs:

• A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
• A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
• Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
• A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam

Step 6: Consider Board and Professional Environmental Engineering Certifications (Optional, Eight Years or More)

Board and professional certifications are additional voluntary, yet highly beneficial credentials. These certifications demonstrate that an environmental engineer is truly an expert in the field, whether at large or within one specialized area. The following are the most common types of advanced certifications.

ASCE Board Certification

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) board certification is a credential for highly skilled engineers. Because environmental engineering is considered a subfield of civil engineering, the ASCE offers board certification in many concentrations relevant to them.

Specializations

Environmental engineers can become certified in the following specializations:

• Coastal Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Navigation Engineering
• Ocean Engineering
• Ports Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering

Requirements

Eligible candidates must have master’s degrees, PE licenses, and eight years of post-licensure engineering experience. ASCE certifications are overseen by Civil Engineering Certification, Inc. and accredited by the Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).

AAEES Board Certification

The American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists also offers board certification specifically for environmental engineers. Candidates who meet the Academy’s requirements can call themselves Board Certified Environmental Engineers (BCEE). Environmental engineering is a very diverse field, however, so one typically becomes board-certified in one of the following concentrations:

Specializations

• Air Pollution Control
• Environmental Sustainability
• General Environmental Engineering
• Hazardous Waste Management and Site Remediation
• Industrial Hygiene Engineering
• Radiation Protection Engineering
• Solid Waste Management
• Water Supply/Wastewater Engineering

Requirements

A BCEE-designated environmental engineer is considered a true expert in whatever area in which he or she is certified. Such an advanced credential is only available to those with the education and experience necessary to sustain that role. Eligibility requirements include:

• A PE License
• Eight years of full-time environmental engineering experience in the (e.g., research, teaching, professional)
• Successful completion of a written exam and oral peer review

Other Professional Certifications – Environmental Engineering

Several environmental engineering organizations offer professional certifications, which usually target a particular skill or specialty. These certifications can give one an edge when competing for jobs or advancements. Examples of other relevant professional certifications and associated organizations include:

• Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP) – Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
• LEED AP Building Design + Construction – Green Business Certification Inc.
• Registered Environmental Professional – National Registry of Environmental Professionals
• Diplomate, Port Engineering – Academy of Coastal, Ocean, Port & Navigation Engineers
• Advanced Specialty Certification Environmental Planning – American Planning Association

Aspiring environmental engineers may be curious about potential earnings and projected growth of openings into the future. Fortunately for people seeking careers in this field, environmental engineering is both relatively lucrative and secure concerning future job opportunities.

Job Outlook for Environmental Engineers

Government efforts to improve water quality and efficiency, clean contaminated sites, and enforce environmental regulations drive demand for environmental engineers.

The BLS (2025) projected that environmental engineer employment would grow by 7 percent between 2023 and 2033. Prospects are generally best for candidates with master’s degrees.