Ecological Engineering Bachelor's Degree

The ecological engineering program will begin in Fall 2026.

Bridge the gap between ecology and engineering in the Ecological Engineering program at Michigan Tech. Learn by doing, working across disciplines, to integrate engineering practices with ecological principles. Find out how to design, develop, and implement sustainable systems that benefit humankind and the environment and be ready for the career you want.

A bachelor's degree in ecological engineering is a good fit if you want to combine your skills and interests in engineering and science to design sustainable systems in both natural and urban environments. You'll focus on the interactions between people and their environments to discover sustainable solutions for the future and make them a reality. This is your chance to become a leading expert in a cutting-edge field.

Our ecological engineering degree program is a partnership between Michigan Tech's College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science and the Michigan Tech College of Engineering's Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering. That means you'll work closely with a wide range of world-renowned faculty members who know the industry and will involve you in real environmental and ecological projects.

You'll get the skills you need in a hands-on environment in the forests of Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the shoreline of Lake Superior. In addition to the more than 5,000 acres of Tech's research forest, our natural setting includes multiple freshwater resources, state and community parklands, national forests, and a national historic park that celebrates the copper mining boom. Our curriculum is as unique as our surroundings. Engage with elements of civil engineering, environmental engineering, ecology, and environmental science.

What Will I Study

Build on a foundation of engineering and design principles and environmental sciences. Develop hands-on expertise working in labs on groundbreaking research and product development. Put your skills to the test in either an industry-sponsored Senior Design or collaborative Enterprise team. Expand your expertise with advanced coursework in:

Restoration Ecology
Environmental Monitoring
Forest and Landscape Hydrology
Soil Mechanics for Engineers
Surface Water Quality Engineering
River and Floodplain Hydraulics

No. 17
Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
No. 14
Best Public School for Internships (The Princeton Review)
Top 20
highest early-career salaries in the nation (Payscale)
No. 13
for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

Tomorrow Needs Sustainable Ecosystems

Environmental consulting firms around the world are seeking a new kind of engineer: the ecological engineer. Defined as the design of sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with its natural environment to the benefit of both, the field of ecological engineering has grown rapidly over the past three decades. With a focus on restoration and development, ecology engineering is developing into a distinct field separate from civil engineering, environmental engineering, and environmental science.

As an ecological engineer, you'll work to restore ecosystems disturbed by human activities and develop new sustainable ecosystems that have both human and ecological benefits.

Ecological engineers at Michigan Tech are ready for what tomorrow needs. Are you?

Engineering Enterprise Concentration

You can pursue an Enterprise concentration by taking part in Michigan Tech's award-winning Enterprise Program. Work on real projects, with real clients, in an environment that's more like a business than a classroom. Choose from among 26 Enterprise teams on campus to invent products, provide services, and pioneer solutions. All Enterprise teams are open to all majors, including ecological engineering-focused teams such as Built World Enterprise, Green Campus, or Alternative Energy Enterprise. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

Ecological Engineering Minor

Gain more experience working with natural resources and systems. With an ecological engineering minor, broaden your expertise in engineering disciplines related to earth sciences, such as environmental engineering, forestry, and hydrology. Use knowledge in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, chemistry, microbiology, ecology, and design thinking to prevent and restore environmental and ecological damage. Blend engineering and science to design sustainable systems in natural, urban, and agricultural environments.

Be Career-Ready

Graduate with a bachelor's degree in ecological engineering from Michigan Tech and be prepared to transition to an entry-level career in industry or public service. As an ecological engineer, you could work as a managing engineer at an environmental consulting firm. You could restore habitats and environments with the National Park Service or Environmental Protection Agency—or work as a sustainability engineer for large-scale urban development. Continue your education with law school or graduate school and become a leader in ecological restoration and development.

Explore career opportunities for Ecological Engineers

Habitat Restoration Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Coastal and Wetland Engineer
Ecological Planner
Ecological Consultant
Sustainability Project Engineer

$110,570 mean entry-level salary
Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024.

Engineering Salaries

Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering at Michigan Tech integrates structural engineering, design principles, and natural resources management to build a better, more sustainable future. Study and collaborate with faculty experts in infrastructure, railroad engineering, urban redevelopment, natural hazard management, wastewater treatment, and more. Become a leader in sustainable engineering practices to improve life on the local, national, and global scale.

Practice your skills in the environmental simulation lab.

Gain hands-on construction experience on the Built World Enterprise team.

Participate in undergraduate research with world-renowned faculty.

Collaborate with leading research centers, like the Michigan Tech Transportation Institute and Great Lakes Research Center.

Develop real solutions in an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project.

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering is committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 15+ degrees to choose from, and 160+ engineering faculty alone, our students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Tech’s discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of your engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project.

Join the pack and find the support you need. Map your academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus.

Study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers a range of options.

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of our alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and other noteworthy organizations around the globe. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, you can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where your engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

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