Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineers are responsible for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our natural ecosystems and urban environments.

There are few global challenges that environmental engineering doesn’t impact. Through this diverse and practical branch of engineering you’ll be able to drive real progress on the issues that matter and the ways we live.

The environmental engineering major equips future engineers with the ability to address the challenges of today and those that will emerge in the future.

Specialisations

To study this major, you'll have to choose an engineering specialisation first. The environmental engineering major is available in the following specialisations:

Chemical engineers with a major in environmental engineering design sustainable technologies and processes.

They apply engineering knowledge to environmental systems. Your studies will explore the challenges and opportunities of designing more sustainable products and processes, and how to evaluate and address trade-offs between environmental, social and economic indicators.

See the chemical engineering specialisation

Civil engineers with a major in environmental engineering enhance the resilience and sustainability of our natural ecosystems and urban environments.

This requires integration of technical innovations, design and development with an understanding of natural systems.

You will explore how to assess, measure and develop solutions for managing resources such as energy, water, building materials, food and waste in an efficient and cost effect way without harming the environment.

See the civil engineering specialisation

Highlights

1 in Queensland for chemical engineering

QS World University Rankings 2022

36 in the world for civil and structural engineering

QS World University Rankings 2022

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

Environmental engineer
Process improvement engineer
Environmental consultant
Wastewater treatment engineer
Principal environmental officer

$56K–$89K

payscale.com

$75K–$153K

payscale.com

holly-morton-bahcelor-engineering-civil-envionmental

“As a Graduate Site Engineer at Lendlease, I am involved with developing the construction methodology for projects, preparing tender submissions and creating project programs. It’s satisfying to offer engineering solutions which add quality, time, safety and cost efficiencies to the projects I’m involved in.”

Holley Morton

Graduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Environmental)

“I was fortunate enough to visit the St Lucia campus when I was in high school. The moment I stepped onto campus I knew it was where I wanted to go. I love the campus, facilities, staff, students, and the many opportunities that UQ offers.”

Charlotte Radel

Current student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Environmental Engineering)

“The production of fuels is a good example of the chemical engineer's role in the energy space. In the future chemical engineers are going to be crucial in the production of sustainable biofuels and clean fuels such as hydrogen, which is an area that I’m particularly interested in.”

Kailin Graham

Current student, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Environmental Engineering)

“I have many great memories from UQ. I really loved the large number of active clubs and societies that I could join. I also really valued having good study spaces on campus to work on assignments alongside my peers.”

Karminee Karuna

Graduate, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Environmental)