Accredited Online Environmental Engineering Degrees

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Updated on April 23, 2026

Environmental engineering is a vital discipline focused on addressing some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges—such as clean water access, pollution control, and sustainable development. Professionals in this field design engineered systems that safeguard both human health and the natural environment.

An online environmental engineering degree prepares students to develop sustainable solutions for environmental hazards, including air and water pollution, solid waste management systems, wastewater treatment processes, and environmental sustainability. By integrating engineering principles with biology, chemistry, and earth sciences, graduates contribute to creating safer, healthier communities worldwide.

Ready to find your program? Browse over 50 environmental engineering degree listings below.

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What Is Environmental Engineering?

Environmental engineering applies core engineering concepts to protect the environment and promote public health.

Professionals in this field typically:

Design and manage systems for water treatment and wastewater treatment processes
Develop innovative solutions to reduce air, water, and soil pollution
Analyze environmental hazards, toxins, and their impacts on ecosystems and human health
Oversee environmental cleanup, hazardous waste treatment, and remediation projects
Advise organizations on environmental compliance, regulations, and sustainability initiatives

This multidisciplinary field emphasizes reducing environmental impact while supporting sustainable development and protecting ecosystems.

Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore

What You Can Do With an Environmental Engineering Degree

An environmental engineering degree opens pathways to a wide range of careers focused on environmental protection and sustainability.

Typical career options include:

Environmental engineer
Environmental engineering technician
Sustainability or environmental consultant
Water resources engineer
Environmental health and safety specialist
Government or regulatory affairs specialist

Graduates find opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, private industry, research institutions, and nonprofit environmental organizations.

Students exploring related fields may also consider:

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Career Paths in Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering offers mission-driven roles that combine technical expertise with environmental stewardship.

Examples of roles include:

Environmental Engineers: Design and implement engineered systems to prevent and control environmental hazards, with median salaries exceeding $80,000 annually
Environmental Engineering Technicians: Support field testing, monitoring, and remediation projects, earning around $50,000 annually
Consultants and Specialists: Provide expert advice on environmental compliance, air quality, water resources engineering, and sustainable practices

These roles often involve both fieldwork and analytical problem-solving to address complex environmental issues.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Environmental engineering is a growing field with steady demand and rewarding career prospects.

Environmental engineers earn median salaries above $80,000 annually
Technicians earn approximately $50,000 annually
The demand for environmental technicians and engineers is expected to grow at or above national averages
Private industry and consulting firms tend to offer higher salaries compared to government positions

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects thousands of new environmental engineering jobs will be created over the next decade, driven by infrastructure investment, environmental regulation, and sustainability initiatives.

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Why Choose Environmental Engineering

This field is ideal for individuals passionate about making a positive environmental impact.

Key advantages include:

Opportunity to protect public health and the environment at local and global scales
Engagement with pressing global challenges such as climate change, pollution control, and resource sustainability
Diverse career paths across multiple industries including civil engineering, environmental health, and water resources engineering
Meaningful, mission-driven work that combines science, engineering, and policy

What You’ll Learn in an Environmental Engineering Program

Environmental engineering programs combine engineering coursework with environmental science.

Common topics covered include:

Environmental engineering principles and regulatory law
Solid waste management systems and hazardous waste treatment
Hydraulics, groundwater systems, and water quality
Microbiology, chemistry, and environmental analysis
Air quality management and pollution control
Wastewater treatment processes and environmental remediation

Many programs emphasize practical learning, including virtual labs, fieldwork, and project-based assignments to develop technical skills and professional competencies.

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Is Environmental Engineering Right for You?

Environmental engineering suits individuals who are analytical, curious, and committed to sustainability.

You may thrive in this field if you:

Excel in math, chemistry, biology, and physics
Enjoy solving complex environmental and engineering problems
Have a passion for sustainability and protecting public health
Can collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and policymakers

Environmental engineers work at the intersection of science, technology, and environmental policy.

Education Path and Degree Options

There are multiple educational routes depending on your career goals.

Online associate degree in environmental engineering for technician roles
Online bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering for entry-level engineering positions
Online master’s degree in environmental engineering for specialization, leadership, and advanced technical roles

Many online environmental engineering master’s degree programs are designed for working professionals, offering flexible schedules and asynchronous online classes. These programs often include core courses in systems engineering, environmental engineering processes, and engineered systems.

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Certifications and Career Advancement

Certifications enhance career growth and professional credibility.

Common certifications include:

Professional Engineer (PE) license, essential for leadership roles and licensure
Board certification from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
Continuing education courses focused on environmental compliance and emerging technologies

Obtaining licensure is often necessary for career advancement and independent practice.

Visit GetEducated's Engineering Career Center. You may also wish to read the following engineering related articles:

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How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting an online environmental engineering degree program, consider:

ABET accreditation, which is critical for licensure and employer recognition
Availability of lab or fieldwork components, either virtual or local
Admission requirements, including prior engineering coursework and GPA
Program specializations such as water resources engineering, solid waste management systems, or air quality engineering
Flexibility to balance coursework with professional and personal commitments

Programs that integrate hands-on experience and real-world applications provide the best preparation for environmental engineering careers.

Cost of Environmental Engineering Degrees

Tuition costs vary widely depending on the institution and program format.

Average cost for a master’s degree program is approximately $28,000
Additional expenses may include lab fees, textbooks, equipment, and certification costs

Selecting a program with affordable tuition, financial aid options, and employer tuition reimbursement can make graduate education more accessible.

Compare Accredited Online Environmental Engineering Programs

Explore accredited online master’s degree programs to find one that fits your career goals.

You can:

Compare tuition rates, program lengths, and course offerings
Review specialization options such as wastewater treatment, environmental sustainability, or environmental health
Find programs designed for working professionals with asynchronous online classes
Access world-class faculty and resources through online platforms

Compare tuition rates in GetEducated’s environmental engineering ranking report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an environmental engineering degree online?

An environmental engineering degree online prepares students to design engineered systems that protect the environment and public health, addressing pollution, waste management, and sustainability challenges.

What do environmental engineers do?

They design and manage systems for water and wastewater treatment, air quality control, hazardous waste treatment, and environmental remediation.

Do you need a license to be an environmental engineer?

Licensure is not required for entry-level roles but obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license is often necessary for career advancement and leadership positions.

What jobs can you get with an environmental engineering degree?

Graduates can work as environmental engineers, technicians, consultants, water resources engineers, or regulatory specialists.

How much do environmental engineers make?

Environmental engineers typically earn median salaries above $80,000 annually, with higher earnings possible in private industry and consulting.

Is environmental engineering a good career?

Yes, it offers meaningful work, steady demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities to address critical global environmental issues.

Is environmental engineering difficult?

It requires strong skills in math, science, and engineering, along with problem-solving and analytical thinking.

Can you specialize within environmental engineering?

Yes, common specializations include water resources engineering, solid waste management systems, air quality engineering, and environmental sustainability.

Found 55 Accredited Online Engineering Degree Programs