Both environmental science and environmental engineering offer dynamic academic and career opportunities that focus on understanding the natural world and developing sustainable solutions for global challenges. Environmental science trains scientists to identify, understand, and address environmental issues and develop science-based solutions. Environmental engineering trains engineers to develop and implement design solutions that protect our natural resources and enable sustainable development.
Though environmental scientists and engineers work generally towards the same goal—protecting and restoring the natural world for all its inhabitants—they approach the goal from two different perspectives.
What Makes Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Different?
Both fields lean on expertise in science and math, but vary in methods, applications, and outcomes. Engineers and scientists from both fields frequently work together to address global and local challenges centered on environmental protection and natural resource management.
Environmental Science
Environmental scientists discover new knowledge through the scientific process. They form hypotheses, run experiments, collect and analyze data, and make assessments of environmental impacts. They conduct research predominantly at field sites, among the natural environments that they study. Environmental scientists document their results in order to inform other parties, such as fellow scientists, engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders on potential solutions for environmental challenges.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineers apply existing knowledge to design, build, and test structures and systems that solve environmental challenges. They make decisions based on the recommendations of scientists for sustainable infrastructure, new materials development, and urban planning. Environmental engineers create and implement practical solutions that protect natural resources and public health
What is Environmental Science?
Environmental science is the study of living organisms, physical environments, and the impacts of human behavior to understand natural systems and develop solutions to environmental problems. An interdisciplinary field, environmental science draws on various disciplines including biology, ecology, chemistry, physics, geology, and social sciences. Environmental science provides an integrated and quantitative approach to the study of environmental systems.
What is Environmental Engineering?
Environmental engineeringcombines civic and structural design with natural resource management and sustainable development to address emerging challenges in environmental and public health. Environmental engineering is often associated with other engineering disciplines such as civil engineering and industrial engineering, and includes other disciplines such as chemistry, biology, hydrology, physics, and more. Environmental engineering ensures the quality of health for people and the environment through sustainable design and construction, proper waste management, and development of environmental regulations and law.
What is Environmental Studies?
The field of environmental studies examines the complex relationships between humans and the natural world. Like environmental science, students of environmental studies learn about ecology, biology, evolution, and chemistry. But environmental studies takes a broader approach, with courses in environmental ethics, history, literature, geography, and cultural ecology.
What Careers are There in Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering?
As climate variability becomes a growing concern locally and globally, careers in environmental science and environmental engineering are on the rise. Environmental scientists and environmental engineers are need to meet climate challenges. The job outlook for both environmental scientists and environmental engineers through 2033 forecasts growth at a rate of 7%, higher than the national average.
Just as the two fields differ in methods and outcomes, career roles in environmental science and engineering vary in responsibility and focus. Environmental scientists conduct research and environmental engineers develop solutions. Both roles have the same goal: the betterment of environmental and human health.
| Occupation | Mean Entry-Level Salary (Payscale) | Mean Entry-Level Salary (Payscale) | Top 10 Percent (BLS) | Work Environment | Similar Occupations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientist | $51,051 |
$93,630 |
$145,450 |
Environmental scientists work in office settings, laboratories, and in the field. | Conservation biologist, geoscientist, hydrologist, occupational health specialist, zoologist |
| Environmental Engineering | $63,391 | $110,570 | $161,910 | Environmental engineers work in office settings and in the field. | Civil engineer, chemical engineer, environmental technician, urban planner, project management specialist |
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Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024. Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025. |
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The Future of Environmental Science and Engineering
Forward-thinking, sustainable approaches are vital to the future of the Earth and its inhabitants. With growing populations, expanding cities, and increased concerns of climate stability, both environmental scientists and environmental engineers are at the forefront of developing solutions.
Environmental scientists hold the key to understanding the changing world. Whether working in a lab or in the field, environmental scientists collect the necessary data to enact sustainable solutions and inform policy and projects that help protect the planet.
Environmental engineers lead the charge for clean air and water, and in designing sustainable cities. As technologies advance, environmental engineers will be able to develop even more improved, efficient, and sustainable solutions for land and resource management.
Environmental Science vs Environmental Engineering Education
People who want to work as either an environmental scientist or environmental engineer need a bachelor's degree. Depending on the desired career level, a master's and/or doctoral degree may also be required.
Courses of study for degrees in environmental science and environmental engineering vary depending on the focus area. While environmental engineering degrees include courses in engineering design and analysis, environmental science degrees center more heavily on biology, chemistry, and social sciences.
Tips for High School Students
If you're currently in high school and are considering getting into an environmental field, our academic advisor has some suggestions that can help:
- Focus on your science and mathematics classes as these will form the basis for your environmental education. Additionally, courses related to environmental science or engineering may also help. Your enjoyment (or not!) of these courses could tell you a lot about whether or not these career paths may be right for you.
- Read overviews of different environmental science and engineering degrees to get a sense for which one you may want to pursue.
Choosing a College/University for Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering
Selecting a school to study an environmental field is easier if you follow these tips:
- Research colleges and universities that would put you on a successful path. It's not necessary to major in a program called "environmental science" or "environmental engineering" to have a successful career in this industry! Look for degrees that fall within the sustainability umbrella.
- Make sure the schools you're considering offer accredited degrees. Most employers will only consider graduates from such institutions.
- Visit the schools you're interested in and ask lots of questions about the programs, scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and application requirements and deadlines.
Apply to the schools you think are the right fit for you and your goals sometime between your junior year and the beginning of your senior year. Keep track of your deadlines so you don't miss them.
Tips for College Students
If you're currently in college, our College of Engineering and College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science advisors recommend considering these tips to help ensure your success in the environmental and sustainability field of your choice.
- Work with your academic advisor to choose the appropriate program and courses that will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in an environmental field.
- Gain experience in real science and engineering projects. Look for opportunities through student organizations, professional conferences, co-ops and internships, and research projects at your institution.
- Form relationships with faculty members in your program. These connections will help you as you look for relevant science and engineering experience during and after your college career.
- Network with professionals. Whether you're at a conference or an on-campus career fair, seize every opportunity to form connections with professionals in the field—you never know when they could come in handy!
- Keep your resume up to date and brush up on your interviewing skills. Your institution may even have a dedicated career center that can help you.
