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Environmental engineering is a career path to protecting, restoring, managing, and enhancing the natural world around us and how we interact with it for today’s generation and tomorrow’s. Professionals in this field design, build, and operate systems and facilities to:

  • Treat and distribute safe and reliable drinking water
  • Recover materials, nutrients, and energy resources from wastewater and solid waste
  • Protect and restore wetlands, streams, lakes, and groundwater
  • Allocate water resources for urban, agricultural, and recreational use
  • Protect and develop coastal shorelines and stream banks
  • Manage stormwater and minimize flood risk
  • Reduce, reuse, and recycle waste
  • Minimize the creation of and provide treatment for industrial and agricultural waste and air emissions
  • Protect us from the impacts of climate change, like rising sea levels and severe weather
  • Slow down or reverse climate change by:
    • Using alternative energy sources, like solar, wind, geothermal, and biofuels
    • Recovering carbon and other greenhouse gases from industrial air emissions

Climate change, resource depletion, and older generations leaving the workforce are increasing the need for environmental engineers. With a focus on environmental, economic, and societal health and sustainability, we’re guiding the next generation of environmental engineers with hands-on learning opportunities in well-equipped labs, computer facilities, on-site and field experiences, and our capstone design course.

As an environmental engineering student, you’ll learn how to ethically use engineering to protect, restore, remediate, reduce, and reuse resources on earth and in the air and water. Supportive faculty, staff, and practicing engineers will help you use and understand the tools and technology that environmental engineers use every day. And as you move forward in the program, you’ll be ready for internships, co-ops, and undergraduate research opportunities to build your resume.

Required courses in this program cover the core breadth of knowledge you will need as an environmental engineer. Elective courses in facility design or operation are a way to tailor your studies and learn more about sustainability, resilience to climate change, smart infrastructure, and virtual reality in your career field. There are also certificate programs that you can pair with your degree, including two options on environmental sustainability.

Environmental engineering jobs are found in industries ranging from energy to public health; water resources; environmental protection and restoration; and resource recovery, recycling, and waste management. Employers include planning and design consulting firms; architectural firms; construction companies; manufacturers; laboratories; and local, state, and federal agencies. Entry-level job titles include environmental engineer, field engineer, environmental scientist, natural resource specialist, and hydrologist.

To stay current in the field, lifelong learning and professional licensure are key. Students are encouraged to take the FE exam before graduation or shortly after, which is the first step in professional licensure. A pass rate of 95% among our students surpasses the national average of 70%, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for their careers.

Vision

Develop and maintain a learning community that pursues new knowledge and understanding, and provides innovative and sustainable solutions to human and ecological needs.

Mission of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering (BSEnvE) Program

Create, integrate, and transfer environmental engineering knowledge and practice in the development of professionals, leaders, and citizens that help define and serve societal and environmental needs by applying this knowledge and practice in an effective and sustainable manner.

How to Get in

Admission to the College as a First-Year Student

Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission means that students get to start their college career in the engineering program of their choice and have access to engineering-specific resources and facilities. Students who are directly admitted need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.

Current UW-Madison Students (Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering)

 
Requirements Details
How to get in Application required. Meeting the requirements listed below does not guarantee admission. (https://engineering.wisc.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cross-campus-students/)
Application restrictions
  • Students may apply a maximum of two times.
  • Students who have earned more than 72 course credits at UW-Madison (as indicated on the UW-Madison transcript) at the time of application are not eligible to apply for admission to the College of Engineering. Course credits in progress at the time of application are not included in the COE Credit Limit.
  • Students may apply to only one engineering degree program per admissions cycle.
  • Students who meet course/credit requirements and have a Core GPA below 2.500 would not be considered for admission in their selected engineering degree program (major) without an appeal process. All graded UW-Madison courses referenced in the Foundational Courses List and any degree program engineering courses level 200 or higher will be counted in the Core GPA (excludes E P D, INTEREGR, special topics, independent study, and seminar courses). All graded UW-Madison courses count in the Overall GPA. For one and only one of these core courses that a student has repeated, the more recent of the two grades will be used in the calculation of Core and Overall GPAs for admission purposes. Students may not be considered for admission if on academic probation for GPA reasons at time of review.
Credits required to get in 24 graded credits completed at UW-Madison, including at least one full-time (12 credit) semester. English as a Second Language course credits count toward the 24 credit minimum.
Courses required to get in Engr Comm 1 (Comm A) requirement taken on a graded basis at UW-Madison. If the Comm A requirement has been satisfied through placement test, AP/IB, or transfer credit, then a liberal studies course of at least 3 credits (breadth designation of Humanities, Literature, or Social Sciences) must be taken on a graded basis at UW-Madison.

Math course sequence through MATH 222.

Four foundational courses completed on a graded basis at UW-Madison, as defined in the Foundational Courses List below.

Foundational courses list

Four Foundational Courses must be completed at UW-Madison as defined in 1. and 2.
1. Math Foundation

A minimum of two math courses numbered 221 or higher; one math course 300 level or higher; or calculus sequence completed through MATH 234. Excludes MATH 228, MATH/​HIST SCI  473, special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses.

2. Engineering Foundation

A minimum of two courses as defined below:

Chemical Engineering:

(i) one course must be CHEM 104 or higher
(ii) one course must be PHYSICS 201/E M A 201 or higher

If the above two course requirements are completed with transfer or test credit, select from additional engineering foundation courses in (ii) below.

Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering:

(i) one course must be CHEM 104 or higher OR PHYSICS 201/E M A 201 or higher
(ii) one other engineering foundation course from the following subject codes:

3. Additional foundational course options, if applicable

If the math and engineering foundational courses for the degree program are complete, then degree program engineering courses 200 level or higher can be taken to complete the Four Foundational Courses requirement. Excludes EPD, InterEGR, special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses.

Additional considerations

Cross-campus admission is selective. The admissions committee considers applicants’ grades/grade trends, academic rigor, and personal statement. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process. 

Semester Deadline to apply Decision notification timeline
To apply for a fall start Mid May Late June
To apply for a spring start Late December/Early January Late January
To apply for a summer start This program does not accept applications to start in the summer.

Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering

With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is selective. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their engineering major. 

The College of Engineering has dual degree transfer agreements with select four-year UW System campuses and a transfer agreement with Madison College. Eligible students in COE's transfer agreements automatically meet progression at the point of transfer.

Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer & Academic Program Manager in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu.

Second Bachelor's Degree

The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

Civics & Perspectives 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework.
Communication & Literacy 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement
Humanities & Arts 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework.
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement
Natural Science & Wellness Complete both:
  • 6 credits of Natural Science & Wellness or Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
  • one course must be in Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
Social & Behavioral Science 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework.
Total Credits 30 credits.

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

Total Degree 120 degree credits.
Residency Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
  • is offered by UW-Madison and completed on the UW-Madison campus or at an approved off-site location, or
  • is offered by UW-Madison in an online or distance format, or is completed during participation in a UW-Madison study abroad/study away program.
Quality of Work Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program.
Math Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by:
English Language If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
  • earning credit for ESL 118 at UW-Madison, or
  • achieving a qualifying MSN-ESLAT placement test score.
Language Complete one:
  • 2 high school units of a single language other than English, or
  • one course with the second semester Language designation.
Major Declaration Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major.

College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements 

The College of Engineering departments collaborated and adopted a common set of guidelines in their degree granting program (major) requirements. Engineering departments incorporate specific coursework within their curricula to meet these guidelines. Students should refer to specific coursework detailed below the Summary of Requirements.

College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements 

Communication All College of Engineering majors require two levels of communication coursework:
  • Engineering Communication 1: one course with the Communication A designation or satisfaction of Communication A based on eligible UW Placement Score.
  • Engineering Communication 2: each major specifies one course (e.g. INTEREGR 397) which also carries the Communication B designation.
Quantitative Reasoning All College of Engineering majors require a math sequence that incorporates two levels of quantitative reasoning.
Humanities or Literature All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature breadth designations. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below.
Social Sciences All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 3 credits with the Social Sciences breadth designation. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below.
Natural Sciences All College of Engineering majors require specific coursework that incorporates a minimum of 6 credits with the Biological, Natural, or Physical Science breadth designations.
Ethnic Studies All College of Engineering majors require at least one course of at least 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation. This course may also be used to satisfy the Social Sciences or Humanities or Literature requirement.

Environmental Engineering, BS Curriculum

This curriculum applies to students admitted to the degree program this Guide academic year. Curricular requirements for students admitted in previous semesters are available in the Archive section of Guide.

Summary of Requirements

Introduction to Engineering3
Mathematics and Statistics19
Basic Science16
Engineering Mechanics9
Engineering Tools6
Fundamental Principles18
Advanced Principles and Practices33
Communication Skills8
Liberal Studies Electives16
Total Credits128

Introduction to Engineering

INTEREGR 170Design Practicum3
Total Credits3

Mathematics and Statistics

MATH 221Calculus and Analytic Geometry 15
MATH 222Calculus and Analytic Geometry 24
MATH 234Calculus--Functions of Several Variables4
MATH 319Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations 13
or MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
One of the following:3-6
Introduction to Statistics for Science and Engineering
Introduction to Industrial Statistics
Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I
and Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics II
Total Credits19-22
1

MATH 319 Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations preferred

Basic Science

One of the following:5-9
Advanced General Chemistry
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
One of the following:5
General Physics
General Physics
One of the following:3
Introductory Geology: How the Earth Works
Environmental Geology
One of the following:3
Introductory Biology
Introductory Biology
Introductory Ecology
General Microbiology
Total Credits16-20

Engineering Mechanics

E M A 201Statics (with a grade of C or better)3
E M A 202Dynamics3
CIV ENGR 310Fluid Mechanics3
Total Credits9

Engineering Tools

CIV ENGR/​G L E  291Problem Solving Using Computer Tools4
CIV ENGR 159Civil Engineering Graphics2-3
or M E 231 Geometric Modeling for Design and Manufacturing
Total Credits6-7

Fundamental Environmental Engineering Principles

CIV ENGR 311Hydroscience3
CIV ENGR 320Environmental Engineering3
CIV ENGR 324Environmental Engineering Thermodynamics3
CIV ENGR 325Environmental Engineering Materials3
CIV ENGR 461Construction Project Management3
CIV ENGR 494Civil and Environmental Engineering Decision Making3
Total Credits18

Advanced Principles and Practices

Environmental Engineering Experiments

Note: Courses taken to meet this requirement may not be used to meet the environmental engineering breadth requirement. 

One of the following lab courses:3
Environmental Engineering Processes
Hydraulic Engineering
Measurements and Instrumentation for Biological Systems
Hydrogeology
Total Credits3

Senior Capstone Design

CIV ENGR 578Senior Capstone Design 14
Total Credits4
1

At least one engineering design course as designated with an asterisk(*) must be completed before taking CIV ENGR 578 Senior Capstone Design.

Environmental Engineering Breadth Electives

At least one class in at least four of the following sub-disciplines. At least two of the courses must be designated as an engineering design course (*) and must be from different sub-disciplines. At least one engineering design course (*) must be taken prior to CIV ENGR 578. If more than one course is taken from a subdiscipline, then the additional course(s) will be counted towards the Technical and Professional Electives Requirement. Sub-disciplines include 1) Environmental Chemistry, 2) Health Hazards and Risk Assessment, 3) Hydraulics, 4) Surface Water Resources and Hydrology, 5) Groundwater, Soils, and Sediments, 6) Water and Wastewater, 7) Air Quality and Control, 8) Solid and Hazardous Waste, and 9) Energy and Environment12
Total Credits12
Environmental Chemistry
Water Chemistry
Soil and Environmental Chemistry
Health Hazards and Risk Assessment
Elements of Public Health Engineering
Introduction to Environmental Health
Air Pollution and Human Health
Hydraulics
Hydraulic Engineering
Open Channel Hydraulics
Surface Water Resources and Hydrology
Water Management Systems
Small Watershed Engineering
Hydrologic Design *
Hydrology
Groundwater, Soils, and Sediments
Groundwater Hydraulics
Hydrogeology
Water and Wastewater
Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants *
Water Treatment Plant Design *
Membrane Science and Technology *
Air Quality and Control
Air Pollution Effects, Measurement and Control
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Solid and Hazardous Wastes Engineering *
Hazardous Waste Management *
Energy and Environment
Renewable Energy Systems
Energy Technologies and Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability Engineering
Wind Energy Balance-of-Plant Design *
Energy Resources

Professional Electives

Note: Courses taken to meet this requirement may not be used to meet the environmental engineering breadth requirement.

Select 14 credits of coursework that meets at least one of the following criteria:

  • Any engineering course numbered 300 or higher, excluding E P D and INTEREGR. Up to six credits of independent study (e.g. CIV ENGR 699 Independent Study and others) may be counted
  • Any intermediate or advanced-level course1 from atmospheric and oceanic sciences, botany, chemistry, geography, geoscience, mathematics2, microbiology, molecular and environmental toxicology, physics, population health sciences, soil science, statistics2, or zoology
  • Up to three credits of any intermediate or advanced-level course from agricultural and applied economics, economics, general business, management and human resources, or INTEREGR 303 Applied Leadership Competencies in Engineering
  • Up to three credits of CIV ENGR 1 Cooperative Education Program
1

Courses with social science, humanities, or literature breadth (H, L, S, W, X, Y, Z) cannot be used

2

Transfer/test math elective credits for calculus or STAT 301 Introduction to Statistical Methods may not be used to fulfill Professional Electives

Communication Skills

Engr Comm 1 (choose one)3
Introduction to Writing, Speaking, and Ethics for Engineers
Introduction to College Composition
Science and Storytelling
Introduction to Speech Composition
Academic Writing II
Speech-Related Course (choose one)2
Technical Presentations 1
Elements of Speech-Honors Course
Argumentation and Debate
Theory and Practice of Group Discussion
Engr Comm 23
Engineering Communication
Total Credits8
1

INTEREGR 275 Technical Presentations is strongly recommended to satisfy this requirements.

Liberal Studies Electives

College of Engineering Liberal Studies Electives16
Requirements specific to Environmental Engineering:
An economics course must be taken as part of the liberal studies electives requirement and selected from the following list:
Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Economics-Accelerated Treatment
A minimum of three credits of environmental studies course that meets the breadth designations of Humanities, Literature, and/or Social Science. Courses that also carry breadth designations of Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Physical Sciences will not count towards this requirement.
Total Credits16

Honors in Research

Students in environmental engineering that have completed at least two semesters on the Madison campus with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 may apply to participate in the Honors in Research program. Students may register for 1 to 3 credits per semester. A grade of P (Progress) will be assigned each semester until the student completes the honors in research program or drops out of the program, at which time a final grade is assigned (based on research progress and the written thesis, if completed). This becomes the grade for all credits taken in CIV ENGR 489 Honors in Research.

A senior thesis worth 3 credits of CIV ENGR 489 is required. The senior thesis is a written document reporting on a substantial piece of work that is prepared in the style of a graduate thesis. The thesis advisor determines the grade which the student receives for the thesis. A bound copy of the thesis must be submitted to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering office to complete the program.

The designation “Honors in Research” will be recorded on the student’s transcript if the following criteria are met:

  1. Satisfaction of requirements for an undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering.
  2. A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.3.
  3. Completion of a total of at least 8 credits in CIV ENGR 489.
  4. Completion of a senior honors thesis with a final grade of B or better.

Students interested in the Honors in Research program should contact their advisor or the BSEnvE chair for more information. Applications to the program are to be submitted to the BSEnvE chair with a supporting letter from the student’s academic and thesis advisors. Decisions regarding acceptance are made by the BSEnvE chair.

Learning Outcomes

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Four-Year Plan

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2215MATH 2224
CHEM 1095E M A 20113
GEOSCI 100 or 1063INTEREGR 1703
Engr Comm 13CIV ENGR 1592
 Environmental Studies3
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2344MATH 319 or 3203
STAT 324 or I SY E 2103E M A 2023
CIV ENGR 3203CIV ENGR 3253
Biology3CIV ENGR/​G L E  2914
Ethnic Studies3INTEREGR 2752
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CIV ENGR 3103CIV ENGR 3113
CIV ENGR 3243CIV ENGR 4613
PHYSICS 202 or 2085ECON 1014
INTEREGR 3973Lab Course3
Liberal Studies3Env Engr Breadth #13
 17 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CIV ENGR 4943CIV ENGR 5784
Env Engr Breadth #23Env Engr Breadth #43
Env Engr Breadth #33Professional Elective3
Professional Elective3Professional Elective3
Professional Elective2Professional Elective3
Liberal Studies3 
 17 16
Total Credits 128
1

E M A 201 Statics requires a minimum grade of C.

Advising and Careers

Advising

Every College of Engineering undergraduate has an assigned academic advisor. Academic advisors support and coach students through their transition to college and their academic program all the way through graduation. 

Advisors help students navigate the highly structured engineering curricula and course sequencing, working with them to select courses each semester.  

When facing a challenge or making a plan toward a goal, students can start with their academic advisor. There are many outstanding resources at UWMadison, and academic advisors are trained to help students navigate these resources. Advisors not only inform students about the various resources, but they help reduce the barriers between students and campus resources to help students feel empowered to pursue their goals and communicate their needs. 

Students can find their assigned advisor in their MyUW Student Center.

Engineering Career Services

Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in finding work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, exploring and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment. 

ECS offers two large career fairs per year, assists students with resume building and developing interviewing skills, hosts skill-building workshops, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations. 

Students are encouraged to engage with the ECS office early in their academic careers. For more information on ECS programs and workshops, visit: https://ecs.wisc.edu. 

Certification/Licensure

Licensure as a Professional Engineer is expected of environmental engineers.  Information on steps needed to obtain licensure is available from the National Council for the Examination of Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) at https://ncees.org/engineering/ .

Accreditation

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Environmental and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering 

We recognize that our graduates will choose to use the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their undergraduate years to pursue a wide variety of career and life goals, and we encourage this diversity of paths. Whatever path our graduates may choose, we expect them to be meeting the following objectives at least three to five years after graduation: 

  1. Design and construct both natural and built processes and systems to efficiently meet determined needs using technical knowledge; modern tools; design principles; ethical practice; and communication, leadership, and team skills. 
  2. Investigate natural and built systems by using measurements, experiments, and analysis tools.
  3. Understand, anticipate, and incorporate economic, environmental, political, social, safety, ethical and global considerations in the design, investigation, and construction of natural and built systems. 
  4. Engage in lifelong learning to keep pace with the continuous evolution of policies, procedures, technologies and tools for engineering analysis, design, and decision making. 
  5. Serve others through participation in professional and/or civic activities and responsibilities. 

Note: Undergraduate Student Outcomes, number of degrees conferred, and enrollment data are made publicly available at the Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Program website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are available through the "Learning Outcomes" tab.)