DIRECTOR: J. A. BERGENDAHL
ASSOCIATED FACULTY: L. Abu-Lail (CHE/CEAE), J. A. Bergendahl (CEAE), T. Camesano (CHE), J. D. Dudle (CEAE), C. M. Eggleston (CEAE), S. Kmiotek (CHE), S. LePage (CEAE), P. P. Mathisen (CEAE), M. Tao (CEAE), H. W. Walker (CEAE)
Mission Statement
Environmental engineers are challenged not only with mastering technical and scientific principles, but also understanding the broader context within which environmental solutions are implemented. The environmental engineering program encourages coursework in the humanistic and social aspects of engineering decisions, public health management, and environmental preservation. The projects program at WPI offers environmental engineering students a unique opportunity to explore the complex humanistic, economic, legal, and political issues surrounding environmental engineering problems.
The Environmental Engineering degree program prepares students for careers in both the private and public sectors, consulting, industry, and advanced graduate study.
Program Educational Outcomes
The Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor degree in Environmental Engineering are that our alumni will:
- Have successful, impactful, and productive careers in environmental engineering and related professions, where sound science and engineering principles are applied to solve environmental problems in a socially and financially responsible manner while adhering to the code of ethics for engineers.
- Be leaders who are at the forefront of environmental change and technological advancements for the sustainable betterment of environmental systems and quality of life.
- Meet the changing needs of the profession through lifelong learning, such as graduate education, engagement in the profession and organizations, and attainment of professional licensure.
Student Outcomes
The Student Outcomes for the Bachelor degree in Environmental Engineering are that all graduates will attain:
- 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 meet 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 informed judgments, 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 and inclusive 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.
Program Distribution Requirements for the Environmental Engineering Major
The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to WPI requirements applicable to all students, students wishing to receive the ABET accredited degree designated “Environmental Engineering” must satisfy certain distribution requirements as follows:
Mathematics (Minimum 6/3 Units)
Mathematics (MA) must include differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and statistics. Students may not receive credit for both MA 1020 and MA 1021; students may not receive credit for both MA 1022 and MA 1120. For statistics, the course listed is the recommended course. Students wishing to take a different statistics course should consult their academic advisor.
Basic Science (Minimum 6/3 Units)
Basic Science must include 1/3 unit of biology (BB; introductory biology, environmental biology, or biodiversity); 3/3 units of chemistry (CH) including equilibrium and kinetics; 1/3 unit of earth science; and 1/3 unit of calculus-based physics (PH).
While other CH courses may satisfy this requirement, the listed courses are recommended. Students wishing to take different chemistry courses should consult their academic advisor.
While other PH courses may satisfy this requirement, the listed courses are recommended. Students wishing to take a different physics course should consult their academic advisor.
Supplemental Science (Minimum 1/3 Units)
Supplemental Science must include 1/3 unit in microbiology, ecology, spectroscopy, or organic chemistry.
Engineering Science and Design (Minimum 15/3 Units)
Fundamental Engineering Science
Must include 1/3 unit in fluid mechanics; 1/3 unit in thermodynamics; 2/3 unit in mechanics and materials; 2/3 unit in mass transfer, heat transfer and/or system engineering.
Students may not receive credit for both CE 2000 and ES 2501; students may not receive credit for both CE 2001 and ES 2502.
Environmental Engineering
Must include 2/3 unit in core topics, including Environmental Engineering and Hydraulics; 2/3 unit of laboratory experimentation; 5/3 unit of environmental engineering breadth and depth courses at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Must include CE 4060 and one additional laboratory class from the list.
Courses may be selected from the list, but can include at most one of CE 3070, CE 3074, or CE 4071.
Major Qualifying Project (MQP) (Minimum 3/3 Units)
Must include 3/3 unit of MQP, including 1/3 unit of capstone design.
Major Qualifying Projects
Environmental Engineering MQPs are capstone design activities that span a wide range of topics in the areas of water resources, water and wastewater treatment, hazardous waste remediation, environmental contamination, resource management, and air quality control. Projects draw upon prior course work, and exemplify the type of work students will encounter in their post-graduate pursuits. Project activities can include design, planning, research, laboratory investigations, field work, and collaborative work with public and private organizations. Following the WPI educational model of theory and practice, environmental engineering student projects provide unique, hands-on opportunities to explore the multifaceted considerations surrounding environmental engineering problems on local and global levels, and to improve quality of life while also preserving natural ecosystems
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
The first step to becoming a licensed professional engineer is passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Licensure is used to ensure public safety by requiring practicing consultants to demonstrate their qualifications based on education, experience, and examinations, including the FE exam. Engineers who attain licensure enjoy career benefits that allow them to offer consulting services and rise to positions of responsibility. All Environmental Engineering majors are strongly encouraged to take the FE exam during their senior year. The exam is offered year-round.
Combined Bachelor/Master’s Program
Continued studies beyond the bachelor’s degree are valuable for career advancement and professional engineering licensure. Combined Bachelor/Master’s degree programs offer the advantage of double-counting up to 12 credits, including up to six credits of advanced coursework (4000-level) at the undergraduate level, for both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree requirements. Specific environmental engineering requirements and more information can be obtained from the Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Department office. Programs leading to the Master of Science and Master of Engineering are available.