Two Florida Polytechnic University students seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
this summer to join the National Security Innovation Network’s (NSIN) 2022 cohort
of X-Force fellows.
Environmental engineers advance the science and technology of air quality, water quality,
water resources, housing, and other built environments, greenspace development, and
the protection of plants, animals, and their habitats. The program prepares you to
address some of the greatest collective challenges of our time.
Environmental engineering graduates may acquire positions in industry, consultancy,
utilities, regulatory agencies, nonprofits, governmental agencies and nongovernmental
organizations. You will work alongside sustainability coordinators, civil and mechanical
engineers, architects, developers, and construction managers.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Data, the employment of environmental
engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average
for all occupations.
About 3,400 openings for environmental engineers are projected each year, on average,
over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace
workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to
retire.
Salary Ranges
The median annual wage for environmental engineers was $100,090 in May 2023. The median
wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that
amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,370, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $156,530.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering degree program is designed to
provide a synergetic foundation in the discipline of Environmental Engineering through
broad educational experience. The program seeks to inoculate an understanding of the
fundamental principles of science and engineering by providing students with experiences
in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities and applied
research opportunities.
At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education.
Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based
learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech
industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped
with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in
the rapidly advancing tech landscape.
At Florida Poly, internships aren't just encouraged—they're a fundamental part of
the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide
direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only
provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry,
frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates.
Florida Poly's capstone design course is the pinnacle of each students' academic journey,
consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior
year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle
real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary
approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience,
preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields.
Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships
and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries.
These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling
our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the
trajectory of technology.
Program Educational Objectives
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering degree program is designed to
provide a synergistic foundation in the discipline of Environmental Engineering through
broad educational experiences. The program seeks to enhance the understanding of the
fundamental principles of mathematics, science, and engineering by providing students
with experiences in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities.
The program blends technical topics that focus on water, air, land, and environmental
health with concepts critical to professional practice and responsibilities pertaining
to environmental policy and regulations. The technical electives provide depth in
technical topics including water chemistry, physicochemical processes, GIS applications,
and life cycle assessment. Also supported in this program are opportunities to pursue
professional licensure, roles in project management in public and private sector,
and engagement in applied research.
Graduates of the Environmental Engineering program are expected to develop a strong
foundational knowledge and professional skills essential for today's dynamic workforce
and the ever-evolving role of environmental engineers. Within a few years of graduation,
graduates are expected to:
Ability to purposefully apply the fundamental concepts of mathematics, science, technology,
and mechanical engineering to solve real-life problems of societal, global, environmental,
and economic consequence.
Achieve professional success cultivating collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
and constituencies through their technical knowledge, communication abilities, and
leadership skills.
Demonstrate career development as adaptive and independent professionals with an ethical
responsibility to self and society that pursue opportunities in professional licensure,
industry-related trainings, advanced degrees, and as liaisons that implement and comply
with regulations.
Upon completion of the environmental engineering degree program, students will attain
the following outcomes to be ready to enter professional practice of engineering.
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying
principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that met specified needs
with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural,
social, environmental, and economic factors
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations
and make informal judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions
in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership,
create a collaborative environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret
data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning
strategies.
We have an active student organization community with more than 35 clubs that vary
based on specific academic interests, professional development, and activities just
for fun.
Dive into the thrilling campus life at Florida Poly. From Florida PolyCon (a comic-con
like event), Purple Fire Week, poolside grill-outs and movie nights, to an annual
5K Pie Run, an epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf gun war, and so much more. At Florida
Poly, there is something for everyone and the small campus vibe makes it easy to get
involved.
Join Florida Poly's University Teams for next-level competition and camaraderie! Whether
you're into esports, soccer, weightlifting, robotics, or lacrosse, there's a team
for you. Pursue excellence alongside like-minded teammates and take your skills to
the next level. With a diverse range of options, there's something for everyone to
enjoy while striving for victory!
At Florida Poly, campus engagement is key to fostering lifelong connections, teamwork,
and leadership. With over 35 student-run clubs, there's ample opportunity to explore
passions and forge friendships beyond lectures and labs. Joining clubs empowers students
to pursue interests, develop skills, and create lasting memories with like-minded
peers, enriching the college experience and shaping futures.