NCSU Department of Biological and Agriclutural Engineering Skip navigation

Environmental Overview & Programs

Engineering for a sustainable environment ...

Three photos in one: First photo shows a person bent over working in a wetland area; second Photo = a drainage control setup in a field and the third photo = two students one male the other female working in a stream bed

Our programs solve environmental problems spanning North Carolina's varied regions from the Appalachian mountains to coastlines and extends nationally and globally.

Photo: Two engineers working in a field installing drainage pipes one is wearing an orange vest and engineers hat the other also has a orange vest but a large brimmed hat for sun protection. He is looking on while the other checks out a situation in the ground.
Two faculty researchers work on a drainage project.

Photo: A V shaped metal structure is in the stream bed. The water level is low but a small stream of it is flowing through the structure at the base of the v.A V-notched metal weir is used to measure flow rates.

agricultural air quality monitoringDid you know we have a well funded air quality program?
Global warming has brought air quality to worldwide attention.
The department is monitoring poor air quality and working on solutions for air pollution remediation & reduction.

Photo: Dr. Cheschier checking a data box on a tempoary wood board bridge a large draniage structure is being monitored. Students are in the background.
Students work with faculty adjusting water level recorders.

Department Fast Facts

What is Environmental Engineering?

Environmental engineering applies engineering principles to natural systems to solve and prevent environmental degradation. The discipline uses knowledge of soil, water, and air systems to engineer solutions from field to watershed scales.

Areas of interest to environmental engineers are:

  • Air quality pollution
  • Environmental restoration and protection
  • Irrigation and drainage
  • Water pollution control
  • Liquid and solid waste management
  • Soil hydrology
  • Water resource management
  • Bioremediation
  • Water treatment
  • Public health & water quality
  • Land management
  • Environmental policy and law

Who are Environmental Engineers?

Photo: Engineer in the field using land surveying equipment.
Environmental engineers often work outdoors to plan projects and determine environmental impacts.

Environmental Engineers solve problems working with natural systems. They protect the resources we need to produce our food, fiber and shelter. Environmental engineers design, evaluate, and implement systems that optimize utilization of natural resources while minimizing their degradation. They research, plan, and implement workable air, water, and soil systems and its practices to respond to rapid changes in technology. Learn more about what environmental engineers do.

Careers...

Environmental Engineers are employed in:

  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Industries needing environmental compliance
  • Private environmental engineering consulting services
  • Environmental Laboratories
  • See more Job Opportunities

Are you interested in becoming an environmental engineer? See the Undergraduate or Graduate Programs

Graphic lettering reads "We gring Engineering to Life"