How to Become an Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers study issues relating to water, waste, soil and air, while aiming to solve problems relating to pollution and other public health risks. This type of engineering requires office work analyzing data and fieldwork testing and evaluating sites. You can become an environmental engineer with the right mix of higher education, hands-on experience and certification.

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   Take plenty of math and natural science courses while you are still in secondary education. Opt for advanced classes if your school offers them.
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   Earn your high school diploma.
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   Search for schools with engineering programs. You don’t have to find an environmental engineering program, but you should ensure that the school offers environmental engineering courses and internships.
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   Enroll in a civil, mechanical or chemical engineering degree program. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is the minimum requirement for environmental engineers. ^[1]

Part 2 of 4: Experience Requirements

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   Find environmental engineering internships during your summer breaks. If your school doesn’t offer these internships, look at the Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/oha/careers/internships, or engineerjobs.com. ^[2]
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   Apply for an engineering co-op job your sophomore year in college. Many universities work with employers to offer students work experience as they complete an engineering degree. You must maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher with many co-op programs. ^[3]
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   Get involved with a university research team. If you are unable to find an internship or co-op during a semester, apply to help with an environmental engineering research project. Experience in analyzing and testing data is highly valued in the workplace.
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   Apply for an entry-level environmental engineer position. You can’t lead an engineering project in most states without a license. However, the experience gain assisting a licensed environmental engineer will help you to earn your license.
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   Gain 4 years of experience in environmental engineering. Most states require this term of employment before granting you a professional engineering license. ^[4]

   • Some states award “credits” for a combination of education and experience. These credits differ from state to state, but may allow you to substitute graduate degrees for on-the-job experience.

Part 3 of 4: Licensing/Certification Requirements

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   Go to your state’s Secretary of State Office of Professions website. Fill out an application for a professional engineer license. Pay between $200 and $500 to apply.
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   Wait to receive your engineering exam approval. Schedule your “fundamentals of engineering” exam. All exams should be provided by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

   • As of 2014, exams will be given by a computer-based testing system. Exams will only be available 2 months each quarter.
   • Additional fees for testing will apply. ^[5]
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   Schedule your practical exam once you have passed the theory examination.Exams are only given twice per year, in the spring and fall, in many states, so make sure to plan well in advance to schedule and take the test.
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   Consider applying for certification. After you become a professional engineer, you can apply to the National Society of Professional Engineers or the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. A professional certification can help you network and improve your credentials as you look for senior engineering jobs.

Part 4 of 4: Job Prospects

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   Consider moving to a state that employs many environmental engineers.Massachusetts hires the most, while New Mexico and Alaska’s engineers get the highest wages.
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   Inquire with the companies that you worked for during engineering co-op programs or internships. People inside the company can vouch for your work ethic and experience, and you may have an easier time landing a competitive job.
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   Apply for work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Renew your application regularly if you don’t get a job when you first apply.
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   Look for jobs on specialized website. Engineerjobs.com and the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, aaees.org,