Environmental Engineering
The Environmental Engineering Bachelor of Science program at Northwestern University provides students with the scientific, technical, and problem-solving skills required to address environmental challenges through engineering solutions. The curriculum combines core principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics with engineering design, preparing students to develop sustainable infrastructure, pollution control systems, and resource-efficient technologies. From water treatment and air quality to waste management and renewable energy, students are trained to analyze environmental systems and engineer solutions that protect ecosystems and public health. This balance of scientific theory and applied engineering makes the program both intellectually demanding and deeply relevant to today’s global needs.
Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences that include laboratory work, field studies, and real-world design projects, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to pressing environmental problems. Courses also incorporate environmental law, ethics, and policy, fostering an understanding of how engineering solutions operate within regulatory and societal frameworks. Supported by research-active faculty and access to state-of-the-art facilities, students are encouraged to participate in independent projects, sustainability initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The program cultivates a mindset of innovation and responsibility, preparing graduates to lead in creating engineering solutions that are not only technically effective but also environmentally and socially conscious.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Environmental Engineering
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: Environmental Engineering
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Scientific & Engineering Foundations
• General Chemistry for Engineers
• Calculus and Linear Algebra
• Introduction to Environmental Systems
• Engineering Design and Computation
Year 2 – Core Engineering and Analysis
• Fluid Mechanics
• Environmental Chemistry
• Microbiology for Environmental Engineers
• Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
Year 3 – Applied Design & Systems Modeling
• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Air Pollution Control
• Environmental Systems Modeling
• Solid and Hazardous Waste Engineering
Year 4 – Integration, Policy & Capstone Design
• Environmental Law and Ethics
• Sustainable Infrastructure Design
• Senior Design Project
• Seminar in Environmental Engineering Practice
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Environmental Engineering program are well-positioned for impactful careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Many take on roles in environmental consulting, water resource management, governmental environmental protection agencies, and engineering firms, where they design systems to treat water, improve air quality, and manage waste in compliance with environmental standards. Others work in industries such as energy, transportation, or manufacturing, where they help companies meet sustainability goals and regulatory obligations. Opportunities also exist in climate resilience planning, green building design, and renewable energy systems, especially as organizations prioritize low-carbon solutions and infrastructure adaptation. The program’s technical rigor and focus on societal impact also prepare students for graduate study in civil or environmental engineering, public health, or environmental policy. Employers value their ability to combine engineering expertise with environmental responsibility, making them key contributors to solving some of the most urgent challenges facing our planet.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who want to apply engineering skills toward creating sustainable environmental solutions, while understanding the societal and ecological contexts in which those solutions must function. Its curriculum offers a unique balance of scientific depth, technical design, and policy awareness, ensuring students graduate with both specialized knowledge and broad systems thinking. Northwestern’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, research innovation, and ethical responsibility gives students the opportunity to engage with faculty, community partners, and industry leaders working on real-world sustainability challenges. Whether your interests lie in water treatment, air pollution control, or environmental policy integration, this program equips you with the tools to become a forward-thinking engineer who contributes meaningfully to environmental protection and global well-being.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
