Environmental Engineering Major

View course descriptions and suggested course sequence.

Contaminated water, dirty air, bulging landfills, hazardous waste disposal and contamination cleanup are environmental concerns that are growing in importance each day – the entire country recognizes the importance of cleaning up past contamination and preventing it in the future. The Environmental Engineering Major offers cadets a broad environmental engineering education and an understanding of the significant environmental problems facing this country and the Air Force. Course work will include how current environmental problems were created, the impacts of existing problems, how to correct existing contamination and how to prevent future contamination.

Do you like science and mathematics? Are you interested in maintaining our environment and improving the quality of life for everyone? Then perhaps environmental engineering is the major for you. The curriculum provides a well-balanced program stressing the fundamentals of the environmental engineering profession. The program is one of a handful accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Upon graduation you earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering.

The Environmental Engineering major prepares cadets to be future Air Force leaders committed to improving and maintaining our environment. The degree has direct applications to Air Force career fields. A cadet with an Environmental Engineering degree is eligible for a civil engineer, general engineer, bioenvironmental engineer, research engineer, or flying Air Force Specialty Code.

The goal of the Environmental Engineering Program is to prepare cadets to become Air Force Officers who:

• Possess a breadth of integrated, fundamental knowledge in the basic sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences, as well as a depth of knowledge in environmental engineering and broad knowledge in civil engineering.
• Can communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate leadership and can work effectively with others.
• Are independent, lifelong learners.
• Can apply their knowledge and skills to frame and solve Air Force civil and environmental engineering problems.
• Understand their ethical and professional responsibilities as embodied in the Air Force core values.
• Can function effectively in contingency operations.

The following program curricular outcomes call for out graduating cadets to satisfactorily demonstrate:

• Application of the fundamental concepts of environmental engineering to solve engineering problems.
• Laboratory techniques including design of experiments, procedures, recording, and analysis.
• Engineering design skills, including construction processes.
• Use of contemporary civil engineering analysis, design, and test tools.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of ethical and professional responsibilities.
• Depth of knowledge and skills in environmental engineering and breadth of knowledge and skills in civil engineering, computers, mathematics, and other disciplines to effectively identify and solve the types of complex, multidisciplinary programs they will face as Air Force environmental and civil engineers.
• Knowledge of the benefits and the skills needed to engage in life-long learning.
• Ability to be effective multidisciplinary team members.
• Skills to be an independent learner while knowing when to seek help.
• Knowledge of the role of Air Force engineering officers in our global society.
• Knowledge of contemporary social, economic, political, military, and engineering issues.