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Learn environmental engineering with online courses and programs

Human life can take a toll on the environment. Environmental engineers contribute toward minimizing the impact of human activities, which is essential to maintaining a healthy environment for future generations. Learn how with courses on edX.

What is environmental engineering?

Do you want to contribute to the protection and improvement of the environment? By studying environmental engineering, you can gain the knowledge needed to find sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

Environmental engineers study various aspects of the natural world, addressing issues related to pollution, waste management, water resources, air quality, and ecosystem protection. By applying scientific and engineering principles, their work helps to produce the systems and technologies that can mitigate complex issues.

Learning about environmental engineering can give you an appreciation for the natural world and help you develop sustainable practices for your everyday life. With edX courses, you can expand your knowledge and get closer to your personal and professional goals

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Environmental engineering course curriculum

Learners interested in environmental engineering can benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that explores the various aspects of the environment. Some of the major topics you might find in an environmental engineering course include:

  • Water resources engineering

  • Air quality engineering

  • Waste management engineering

  • Environmental remediation engineering

  • Environmental impact assessment

  • Environmental systems modeling

  • Sustainable development and green technologies

  • Climate change and adaptation

If you’re interested in further advancing your knowledge, you can take classes that cover related subjects, such as renewable energy, natural resource management, and environmental policy. Through your coursework, you can prepare for a career developing solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

Start building the knowledge you need to work in the environmental engineering field with edX. From accelerated boot camps to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. You can also explore executive education courses specifically designed for busy professionals. Find the right course for you.

Explore environmental engineering jobs

There are many ways to apply your environmental engineering knowledge toward your professional path. Relevant roles can be found across many different industries, with roles such as:

  • Sustainability consultant: Works with businesses and organizations to develop and implement environmentally friendly practices and sustainable strategies.1

  • Climate change analyst: Studies and interprets climate data, assesses the impact of climate change, and proposes strategies for adaptation and mitigation.2

  • Green building consultant: Advises on sustainable building practices, and promotes eco-friendly construction and reducing environmental impacts.3

  • Environmental researcher: Conducts studies to advance scientific knowledge in areas such as air and water quality, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.4

  • Ecological restoration specialist: Works on projects to restore and rehabilitate natural habitats and ecosystems affected by human activities or environmental degradation.5

Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. For example, you may be able to build relevant skills in a data analytics boot camp. However, some employers may seek candidates with a degree in engineering, depending on the role. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.

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    1. Learn About Working as a Sustainability Consultant. (2022). Indeed. Retrieved August 2, 2023.

    2. Climate Change Policy Analysts. (2023). O*NET OnLine. Retrieved August 2, 2023.

    3. Green Building Careers. (2023). U.S. Green Building Council. Retrieved August 2, 2023.

    4. What Environmental Scientists and Specialists Do. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved August 2, 2023.

    5. Occupation Profile for Environmental Restoration Planners. (2023). CareerOneStop. Retrieved August 2, 2023.