SITE SEARCH
Breaking News
Online Degree Rankings
Best Buy Online Degrees
Best Buy Online Degrees
An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
 
Best Student Satisfaction
Best Student Satisfaction
Enrolled in an online degree program? Alumni of an online college? Visit your college or degree program in our directory and "grade" – rate and rank – its performance. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life ratings of thousands of online college programs.
 
Best Public Perception
Best Public Perception
Not all online colleges rate the same in the eyes of the public or potential employers. How does the public rate your online degree? Do they rank it high – or rate it low? Help rate and rank all the choices. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life reputation of thousands of online colleges.
 
Newsletter
Most Popular Articles
Career Center
CAREER CENTER HOME
 
Engineering & Electronics
Environmental Engineer
Outlook & Growth
This career is expected to grow 25 percent—much faster than average—through 2016.
More environmental engineers will be needed to comply with environmental regulations and to develop methods of cleaning up existing hazards. A shift in emphasis toward preventing problems rather than controlling those that already exist, as well as increasing public health concerns resulting from population growth, also are expected to spur demand for environmental engineers.
Salary & Wages
In 2006, environmental engineers earned an average salary greater than $70,000. The lowest 10 percent earned $43,000. The highest 10 percent earned more than $106,000.
What is an Environmental Engineer?
Environmental engineers develop solutions to environmental problems using the principles of biology and chemistry. They are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal and public health issues.
Environmental engineers conduct hazardous-waste management studies in which they evaluate the significance of the hazard, advise on treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps. They design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems. They conduct research on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects, analyze scientific data and perform quality-control checks.
Environmental engineers are concerned with local and worldwide environmental issues. They study and attempt to minimize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions and ozone depletion. They may also be involved in the protection of wildlife.
Many environmental engineers work as consultants, helping their clients to comply with regulations, to prevent environmental damage and to clean up hazardous sites.
Education & Degree Path
To become an environmental engineer, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering—preferably civil, chemical, mechanical or environmental. About 1,830 programs at colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in engineering accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Most programs are four years; sometimes students need five years to complete a four-year curriculum.
Ultimately, a master's in engineering can help you advance in your field and/or to get a job in an academic setting like a university.
Job opportunities also exist for environmental engineering technicians. Technicians may have certificates or associate or bachelor's degrees in environmental science or general science. Many technicians work in areas such as pollution testing and control for government agencies or private industry.
Licensing: All 50 states and the District of Columbia require licensure for engineers who offer their services directly to the public. Engineers who are licensed are called professional engineers (PE). This licensure generally requires a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, four years of relevant work experience and successful completion of a state examination.
Entering the Field: Entry to this field usually requires a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, but a college graduate with a degree in environmental sciences, natural sciences or mathematics may qualify to work as a member of an environmental engineering team.
Pay grades are lower for technicians than for those who hold ABET-accredited bachelor’s of science degrees in engineering.
Career Changers: Anyone with an interest in or background in the sciences and math can qualify for entry-level work as an environmental engineering technician. The quickest educational path would be to earn a certificate in environmental sciences and to seek employment in a specific area such as water pollution testing or soil sampling.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental science takes less time than earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a specialty in environmental engineering, but those with formal engineering degrees will experience higher salaries and greater advancement opportunities, especially in urban areas.

Find online degrees for Engineering & Electronics now. >>

Career Links

Source for salary and growth data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on careers in environmental engineering, salaries, and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Engineers
  
Ask GetEducated!
Q I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them? —Roberta, Gary, IN
A The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
Read More
Q I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher? —Willis, Houston, Texas
A If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
Read More
 
Featured Programs
Champlain College
Champlain College’s 42-credit, unique MSL program educates non-lawyer working professionals about the law. This regionally accredited program delivered by our experienced faculty of attorneys was designed to help you build a greater understanding of the law. This distinct degree will help you become an objective thinker and equip you with the tools you need to appraise and evaluate real-life legal situations. Navigate the law with confidence! Contact us at 1.866.441.0427 Ext. 3517.
Learn more
Colorado Technical University Online
CTU Online brings innovative, career-relevant degrees completely online, so students can learn anywhere, any time, on any computer with Internet-access. Degrees are offered in Business and IT at the Bachelor's and Master's levels. Students can earn multiple CTU Academic Certificates in each degree program without taking additional classes or adding tuition cost. Colorado Technical University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
Learn more
Military Resource Center
For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.

Jobs and Careers in Online and Distance Education
Online and distance schools need teachers.
The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.

Sponsors
 
GETV

Secure your career with an online MBA.

Facts from GetEducated's National Survey of Online MBAs. Who offers the cheapest online MBA? Do you need an AACSB-accredited distance MBA? Online MBA rankings and ratings. Everything you need to know to compare 390 accredited online MBAs from 168 online business schools.

Visit our Online MBA Career Center today

Learn more about in-demand and high-paying healthcare jobs - and online degrees that help you land them.

Visit our Healthcare & Nursing Career Center

From CSI to paralegal to forensic accountant, justice jobs are waiting for you.

Visit our Justice, Law & Legal Studies Career Center

What are the hottest careers in business and management, plus online degrees to help you succeed?

Visit our Business & Management Career Center

Move into a high-paying, fast-growing computer career by studying online.

Visit our Computers & IT Career Center today

Which are the best engineering or electronics jobs for you and how can online education help you prepare?

Visit our Engineering & Electronics Career Center

Teachers and librarians are needed for the future - prepare online for these careers.

Visit our Education & Library Science Career Center

You can learn online to be a social worker, counselor, or other human services professional.

Visit our Psychology & Human Services Career Center

Home | Articles | Media Coverage | About Us | News Releases | Privacy | Team Bios | History and Mission | Newsletter | Contact Us | Advertising Opportunities