COE Introduces Environmental Engineering Major

The CSULB College of Engineering is launching a new undergraduate program to prepare graduates for careers in the environmental engineering field. Courses in the 120-unit Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering degree program will be offered beginning in Fall 2022. With nearly 100 students applying so far, the program is expected to be popular, particularly with women. 

According to the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), 53.3 percent of bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Engineering nationwide went to women. Biomedical Engineering accounted for the second most popular field of engineering study for women, with 50 percent of bachelor’s degrees awarded to women. According to ASEE, the proportion of women earning bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering were all below 20 percent. 

Median annual pay for environmental engineers is more than $92,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nationally, the field is expected to produce about 4,000 job openings each year between now and 2030. 

“Environmental Engineering is an exciting, interdisciplinary field where graduates can make a real impact on the wellbeing of our community,” said Lisa Star, Chair of the CSULB Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management Department, where the program will reside.

“We are so excited to welcome these new students to our campus,” said Chemical Engineering Department Chair Roger Lo, who collaborated on creating the program, which should be of interest to some Chemical Engineering students.

Providing a strong foundation of biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering science, the degree will provide graduates with a broad portfolio of expertise in water quality and management, pollution mitigation control, air quality control, and renewable energy sources, as well as knowledge of environmental policies and regulations. Students will be able to explore specialized areas within environmental engineering by selecting elective courses during their senior year.