Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering?

highland_poppy
Wed, 04 Dec 2013 15:48:08 +0000

In environmental careers, getting a foot in the door, so to speak is just as important as your major. Look to get involved in local companies or non-profits and community initiatives while at college. Sometimes long term internships are, annoyingly, a way in. But these massively favour better off students (or their parents) who can afford not to work for another year.

As for your questions:

1) Environmental Science is the science behind the environment. Physics, geography, chemistry etc.

Environmental Engineering is problem solving of environmental issues. Creative thinking.

There is a bit of overlap.

2) The joy of your first ‘proper’ job is the realisation that college classes didn’t really prepare you for the workplace. Competency is something you’ll acquire with experience in the field. Making mistakes. Increasing responsibility. A willingness to continue learning.

3) Engineering is a bit of a misnomer for those of us outside the profession. Traditionally, it does mean the nuts and bolts and computing that you and I think of.

However, there are newer fields- systems engineering, financial engineering, information systems engineering which aren’t to do with ‘traditional’ engineering. They’re about creating new processes, new ways of doing things to solve problems. They may require elements of other engineering knowledge depending on the field but it’s more about constant improvement to reduce waste, increase productivity, make things safer for clients and the organisation. It’s always been done but just has a fancy new title.

4) There can be lots of traditional engineering or very little.

Just a suggestion: If you like the idea of a more traditional engineering role but where you can effect positive environmental change, have you considered civil engineering. You could make a more environment focused bias via your electives or a minor. How can that major road that a community desperately needs upgrading be built considering the needs of the scientifically important species that only grows locally?

It would be a stronger option for employment straight from college which will help your visa situation while also being transferable abroad. If you do consider it, look into how the American degree is accepted by the professional body in your home nation. It might be a smooth switch or you might need additional study or to complete an experience log in your first job back. Also, you will have reached a definite level of competency in the field to graduate. It won’t be very high but you’ll able to say ‘I know this and I can do this’ far more easily than the other two majors.

Just a thought.