Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute prepares students to tackle environmental challenges using engineering, science and mathematics. It is a good fit for students who want to protect the environment and public health, with opportunities to explore water and wastewater treatment, pollution control, waste management and sustainable engineering while gaining practical experience through projects and laboratory work.

Curriculum Structure

WPI combines a strong foundation in science and mathematics with specialist environmental engineering subjects and practical projects. The following outlines a typical progression through the degree, although the exact course sequence may vary depending on prerequisites and academic planning.

Year 1: Building a Foundation in Science and Mathematics

Students begin with chemistry, mathematics and physics to understand the scientific principles behind environmental processes. Courses such as Chemical Properties, Bonding, and Forces (CH 1010), Chemical Reactions (CH 1020) and General Physics—Mechanics (PH 1110) help them develop the knowledge needed for more advanced engineering subjects.

Year 2: Developing Core Engineering Skills

Students build on their scientific foundation and begin exploring how engineering can be used to manage environmental problems. Topics such as soil mechanics, hydraulics and environmental analysis help them understand soil behaviour, water movement and the engineering principles behind environmental infrastructure.

Year 3: Exploring Environmental Engineering Applications

Students move into more specialized subjects related to water treatment, hazardous and industrial waste management, and chemical reaction processes. These areas help them understand how engineers design treatment systems, manage waste responsibly and develop solutions to reduce pollution and protect water quality.

Year 4: Applying Knowledge to Real-World Problems

In their final year, students bring together their scientific and engineering knowledge through advanced coursework, design activities and major projects. WPI's project-based approach gives them opportunities to work collaboratively, investigate practical environmental challenges and develop solutions that consider public health, safety and sustainability.

Focus Areas

Environmental engineering, water and wastewater treatment, water resources, hazardous and industrial waste management, pollution prevention, soil mechanics, environmental chemistry, contaminated-site remediation, sustainable engineering and public health protection.

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to solve engineering problems using scientific and mathematical principles, analyse environmental data, conduct experiments and interpret results, and design solutions that consider public health and environmental impacts. They also develop teamwork, communication and critical-thinking skills while learning to consider the social, economic and ethical implications of engineering decisions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

WPI's Environmental Engineering BS is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under its General Criteria and Program Criteria for Environmental Engineering Programs. This accreditation demonstrates that the program meets established standards for engineering education and provides a recognised academic foundation for environmental engineering careers and potential professional licensure, subject to the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

WPI is known for its practical, project-based approach to engineering education, which helps students build skills they can apply in the workplace. The university reported an average starting salary of US$79,422 for bachelor's degree graduates in the Class of 2025. This figure covers all bachelor's graduates rather than Environmental Engineering students specifically. WPI also ranked No. 13 for Best Programs for Internships/Co-ops in U.S. News & World Report's 2027 rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At WPI, Environmental Engineering students have opportunities to put their classroom learning into practice through laboratory work, research and team-based projects. They can explore issues such as water quality, wastewater treatment, soil contamination and sustainable engineering while developing the technical and problem-solving skills needed for professional work. The university's project-based approach also encourages students to work together and apply engineering knowledge to real environmental challenges.

Students can gain practical experience through the following opportunities:

Fuller Environmental Laboratory: This facility supports environmental testing and research involving water, wastewater and soil. Students may have opportunities to use analytical instruments for environmental analysis, depending on their courses and projects.
Geo/Water Resources Laboratory: Students can explore soil and water-related engineering problems and develop practical skills relevant to environmental investigations and water resources.
Chemical Engineering Laboratories: These laboratories provide equipment for chemical analysis and related research, supporting work that overlaps with environmental engineering.
Major Qualifying Project (MQP): During their senior year, students complete a substantial project that allows them to apply their engineering knowledge to a practical problem. Environmental project topics have included reducing phosphorus contamination in stormwater runoff and improving wastewater treatment.
Industry-linked projects: Students may have opportunities to work on projects connected with organisations such as Stantec, the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District and Koch Membrane. These experiences can help them understand how engineering solutions are developed and applied in professional settings.
Global Projects Program: WPI's international project opportunities allow students to investigate challenges affecting different communities and understand how local conditions influence environmental engineering solutions.
Faculty research: Research areas include water treatment, sustainable engineering design, computer modelling, risk analysis and alternative energy technologies.
Internships and co-ops: Students can explore professional work placements to gain experience in engineering workplaces and learn how environmental projects are managed in practice.

Access to specific laboratories, research positions, equipment and industry-sponsored projects depends on course requirements, project availability and individual arrangements.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of WPI's Environmental Engineering BS can explore careers in environmental consulting, water and wastewater treatment, pollution control, environmental research and sustainable infrastructure. The degree combines engineering fundamentals with practical project experience, providing a foundation for roles such as environmental engineer, environmental analyst, environmental consultant and water resources engineer.

Students can prepare for employment and further study through the following opportunities:

Career services: WPI provides career guidance, résumé and interview preparation, job-search support, career events and opportunities to connect with employers.
Employment and salary information: WPI's Environmental Engineering career outlook reports an average starting salary of US$75,647 for Environmental Engineering graduates. This is a published career estimate and should be treated as a guide rather than a guaranteed salary.
Potential employers: Organisations identified in WPI's Environmental Engineering career information include AECOM, Jacobs Engineering, Arcadis, Stantec, Tetra Tech, HDR, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Veolia.
Industry connections: Major Qualifying Projects can involve external organisations and project sponsors, including Stantec, Koch Membrane and the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District. These experiences can help students build professional connections and learn how environmental engineering challenges are addressed in practice.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue positions in engineering, environmental analysis, research, project management and consulting. WPI's broader undergraduate career reporting also provides information about employment and further study after graduation.
Professional accreditation: ABET accreditation provides a recognised foundation for engineering practice and can help graduates meet the educational requirements for professional engineering licensure. Additional examinations, work experience and other requirements may apply, depending on the jurisdiction.
Long-term career development: With relevant experience, graduates can progress into specialist or leadership roles in water resources, environmental protection, remediation, sustainability and engineering consultancy.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, students can pursue master's degrees in environmental engineering, water resources, environmental science or sustainable engineering. WPI also offers an accelerated Environmental Engineering BS/MS pathway for eligible students who want to progress to postgraduate study. Those interested in advanced research or university teaching can consider a PhD, while specialised postgraduate certificates in areas such as water quality and water resources may help graduates develop additional expertise. Admission requirements vary by program.