Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Oklahoma

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering at the University of Oklahoma prepares students to tackle environmental challenges such as water pollution, air quality, and waste management using science and engineering. It is a good choice for students who enjoy mathematics, chemistry, physics, and problem-solving and want to develop practical solutions that protect public health and the environment.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

Students begin by building a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Courses such as General Chemistry, Differential and Integral Calculus I, General Physics for Engineering and Science Majors, and Pathways to Engineering Thinking help them develop the scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills needed for more advanced engineering subjects.

Second Year

In the second year, students explore how engineering processes interact with the natural environment. Subjects such as Water Quality Fundamentals, Environmental Transport and Fate Processes, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, and Earth Systems and Processes help them understand how water moves, how pollutants spread, and how environmental systems behave.

Third Year

The third year focuses on applying engineering knowledge to environmental problems. Students study topics such as Water Resources Engineering, Water and Wastewater Treatment Design, Air Quality Management, and Soil Mechanics. Organic Chemistry and Statistics and Probability also help them understand chemical processes, analyse environmental data, and evaluate possible solutions.

Fourth Year

In the final year, students explore more specialised topics, including Aquatic Chemistry, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management, and Environmental Biology and Ecology. They also complete the Introduction to Environmental Engineering Capstone and Environmental Engineering Capstone, bringing together what they have learned to develop and evaluate solutions to environmental challenges.

Focus Areas

Environmental engineering design, water resources, drinking water and wastewater treatment, water quality, air pollution management, hazardous and solid waste management, environmental chemistry, soil systems, environmental biology, and ecology.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the skills to apply scientific and mathematical principles to environmental problems, analyse water and pollution issues, evaluate waste-management strategies, and develop engineering solutions that consider public health, environmental protection, and professional responsibilities.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under its environmental engineering criteria. This accreditation confirms that the degree meets recognised standards for engineering education and can support graduates who plan to pursue professional engineering licensure, subject to the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Oklahoma prepares students for careers in environmental engineering and related scientific fields. Graduates can explore opportunities in consulting, environmental protection, water treatment, and government agencies. A verified employment rate or salary figure specifically for this degree was not identified in the university sources reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through environmental engineering coursework, laboratory activities, research facilities, and a final-year capstone project. These opportunities help them connect classroom learning with real environmental challenges, including water treatment, pollution control, and ecosystem restoration.

Practical learning opportunities include:

Environmental engineering laboratories: Laboratory facilities in the Carson Engineering Center support environmental engineering education and research.
Water and wastewater treatment: Students explore treatment processes and system design through subjects such as Water and Wastewater Treatment Design.
GIS and Environmental Modeling Laboratory: This facility supports work involving geographic information systems and environmental modelling.
Geo-Computational Modeling Laboratory: Students can benefit from computing facilities used for geocomputational modelling and research.
Senior capstone project: Students work in teams to investigate environmental engineering problems and develop potential solutions. A past project examined mine-water discharge at the Tar Creek Superfund site and explored a passive treatment system.
Water Technologies for Emerging Regions (WaTER) Center: This research centre focuses on sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
Center for Restoration of Ecosystems and Watersheds: Research focuses on watershed processes, ecosystem restoration, and ecological engineering.
Hydrometeorology and Remote Sensing Laboratory: Research connects water resources with weather, climate, remote sensing, and environmental modelling.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in environmental engineering, water treatment, pollution control, waste management, and environmental consulting. The degree helps students develop the technical knowledge and analytical skills needed to address environmental challenges in industry, consulting firms, and public-sector organisations.

Possible career paths include:

Environmental Engineer
Water and Wastewater Treatment Engineer
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Compliance Specialist

Students can prepare for their careers through the following opportunities:

Career support: The University of Oklahoma Career Center offers career advising, résumé and cover-letter reviews, mock interviews, workshops, internship guidance, and career fairs. Students can also use Handshake to explore career opportunities and connect with employers.
Employment statistics and salaries: The university provides graduate-outcome information through its First-Destination Survey and outcomes resources. Students can also consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for salary information related to environmental engineering occupations. A verified employment rate or salary figure specifically for this degree was not identified in the sources reviewed.
Research opportunities: The university's research network includes the WaTER Center, the Oklahoma Water Survey, and the Center for Restoration of Ecosystems and Watersheds. These centres provide relevant research connections in water resources, sanitation, and environmental restoration, although participation in a specific project or industry placement is not guaranteed.
Professional accreditation: ABET accreditation demonstrates that the degree meets recognised engineering education standards. It can be valuable for graduates who later pursue professional registration, depending on the licensing requirements of their intended place of work.
Career destinations: Graduates may work for environmental consulting firms, private companies, government agencies, and organisations involved in water quality and environmental protection. Potential employers in the wider field include the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the degree, students can pursue postgraduate study in environmental engineering, water resources engineering, environmental science, environmental management, or sustainability. The University of Oklahoma also offers an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's pathway in environmental engineering for eligible students, allowing them to explore a more direct route to advanced study. Admission requirements vary by program.