Program Overview
The Environmental Engineering program at the University of Connecticut equips students with the knowledge and skills to address critical environmental challenges through engineering solutions. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, covering water and air quality, waste management, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Accredited by ABET, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum with hands-on laboratory experiences, design projects, and career resources to prepare graduates for successful careers in the environmental engineering field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Description:
The Environmental Engineering program at UConn equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle critical environmental challenges through engineering solutions. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach encompassing chemical, biological, and engineering principles to address pressing issues concerning water and air quality, waste management, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
Objectives:
- Prepare graduates to actively contribute to the practice of environmental engineering in public, private, or academic sectors.
- Foster leadership skills to navigate a path towards licensure as professional engineers.
- Equip individuals with the capability to assess human impact on the environment and design sustainable solutions to mitigate those impacts.
Outline:
Program Requirements:
The program requires students to successfully complete a total of 128 credits distributed across the following categories:
Environmental Engineering Courses
These delve into specific topics such as environmental modeling, air pollution control, environmental engineering chemistry, ecological principles, water quality engineering, and geotechnical engineering.
Laboratory Courses
The program includes two dedicated laboratory courses providing hands-on experience with methods and techniques in environmental engineering analysis.
Science Electives
Students must choose courses from specific science categories, including biological and earth sciences, to gain foundational knowledge in relevant fields.
Modules:
- Water Quality Engineering (ENVE 3220): This module focuses on the analysis and design of treatment systems, including water purification, wastewater management, and pollution control strategies.
- Environmental Engineering Chemistry (ENVE 4210): This module explores chemical and biological principles in environmental systems, addressing water and wastewater chemistry, fate and transport of pollutants, and analytical methods.
- Ecological Principles and Engineering (ENVE 4320): This module integrates ecological concepts with engineering solutions, addressing environmental impact assessments, restoration ecology, and habitat protection.
Assessment:
Evaluation Methods:
- Coursework: This includes assignments, quizzes, and examinations that assess student understanding of theoretical principles and their application to specific problems.
- Laboratory Performance: Students' competency in conducting experiments, collecting data, and interpreting results is evaluated during laboratory exercises.
- Design Projects: The program incorporates design projects as a significant assessment element, enabling students to apply learned skills to practical environmental scenarios.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- The program utilizes diverse teaching approaches including lectures, discussions, laboratory exercises, guest lectures, field trips, and independent research projects.
- Emphasis is placed on problem-solving through case studies, real-world simulations, and active student participation.
Faculty:
- The curriculum is delivered by experienced faculty holding advanced degrees and expertise in various environmental engineering sub-disciplines.
Unique Feature:
- UConn's Environmental Engineering program boasts a dedicated teaching facility housing state-of-the-art labs equipped with advanced instrumentation for simulating environmental processes and conducting water, air, and soil analyses.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program find employment opportunities in diverse areas, including:
- Environmental Consulting Firms
- Engineering Design Companies
- Government Agencies (EPA, etc.)
- Research Institutions
- Non-governmental Organizations
Career Resources:
UConn offers various career resources for environmental engineering students and alumni:
- Career Development Center provides personalized assistance with resumes, job search strategies, and interview preparation.
- Internship opportunities within research laboratories and environmental organizations enable practical experience.
- Alumni networks offer valuable mentorship and career connections.
Other:
- The environmental engineering program at UConn promotes a strong commitment to sustainability.
- The department maintains active research programs addressing pressing environmental challenges and fostering collaboration with industry partners.
- Opportunities for international study abroad programs or research internships abroad are available, providing valuable global perspectives to environmental issues.
