Environmental engineering encompasses the scientific assessment and development of engineering solutions to environmental problems affecting land, water, and air (the biosphere). The field embraces broad environmental concerns, including the safety of drinking water, groundwater protection and remediation, wastewater treatment, indoor and outdoor air pollution, solid and hazardous waste disposal, cleanup of contaminated sites, the prevention of pollution through product and process design, and strategies for sustainable water and energy use and production.

Environmental engineers must balance competing technical, social, and legal issues concerning the use of environmental resources. Because of the complexity of these challenges, environmental engineers need a broad understanding not only of engineering disciplines but also of chemistry, biology, geology, and economics. Accordingly, the program allows students in the major to select an emphasis on environmental engineering technology, sustainability, global health, economics, or energy and climate change. The program prepares students for leadership positions in industry and government agencies or for further studies in engineering, science, business, law, and medicine.

Two degree programs are offered: the B.S. in Environmental Engineering, and the B.A. in Engineering Sciences (Environmental). The B.S. degree program in Environmental Engineering is designed for students who desire a strong background in environmental engineering leading to a career in the field. The B.A. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Environmental) is intended for students whose careers will involve, but not be dominated by, the skills of environmental engineering. The B.A. program is appropriate for those contemplating a career in which scientific and technological problems can play an important role, as is often the case in law, business, medicine, or public service.