Whereas scientists historically warned about the coming dangers of global warming, it is becoming accepted fact in the scientific community that the world is now in the midst of global warming. The amount of ice that flows from the glaciers in Greenland every year has more than doubled over the past decade. The number of category 4 and 5 hurricanes, like hurricane Katrina, has nearly doubled as well over the past 30 years. Is it any wonder that jobs in environmental engineering are expected to grow much faster than average through the year 2018?
What is Environmental Engineering?
Environmental engineering applies the disciplines of chemistry and biology towards solving environmental problems. Environmental engineering science is concerned with the quality of air, water, and land for human health. The effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion on the environment is of particular concern to the professional in environmental engineering. An environmental engineering job may center on concerns such as water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues.
Potential Career Paths in Environmental Engineering
A professional seeking an environmental engineering job may end up acting as a consultant to help companies and clients adapt to environmental regulations and clean up hazardous sites. Another environmental engineering job possibility is researching to analyze the impact of proposed construction projects. Environmental engineering science is also involved in the development of community water supplies and the effective treatment of wastewater. Finally, an environmental engineering job may apply scientific principles to combustion systems in order to reduce hazardous emissions that are released into the air.
Required Education to Practice Environmental Engineering
All 50 states require a license to practice environmental engineering. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering is required to meet the standards for licensure. Some students are choosing to earn an environmental engineering degree online through schools such as University of Phoenix. Courses consist of an environmental engineering introduction class, a thermodynamics course, and a variety of other relevant science and application courses. Earning an environmental engineering degree online can be a welcome convenience in the midst of a work schedule and family responsibilities.
Job Outlook for Environmental Engineering
Professionals entering the field of environmental engineering can expect to see job growth of 27% or more through the year 2018. The environmental engineering job market will increase in response to the need for compliance with environmental regulations. Environmental engineering will also be needed to clean up existing environmental hazards. The emphasis in the environmental engineering field is predicted to shift more towards prevention of problems rather than focusing solely on existing problems.
Prospective students who are interested in earning an environmental engineering degree online may contact Univesity of Phoenix for more information. University of Phoenix offers programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, a master’s degree in environmental engineering, and a PhD in environmental engineering. College-Pages.com is another valuable source of information with an extensive list of available programs and additional education resources.