What is Environmental Engineering?

When you major in environmental engineering, you'll learn how to design solutions that protect public health and preserve the planet for future generations. This environmental engineering degree blends engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental science to tackle challenges like water quality, pollution control, coastal restoration, and climate resilience. You'll graduate with the necessary skills to pursue environmental engineering jobs in sustainability, water and wastewater treatment, consulting, industry, government, and more. LSU offers concentrations in Coastal & Ecological Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, and Geotechnical & Geophysical Engineering. 

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Degree Details
Admissions Info
Program Highlights
Undergraduate Research  Work alongside faculty on research in water quality, storm surge mitigation, climate resilience, and environmental remediation through labs, fieldwork, and industry internships.
Living Laboratory Study environmental systems in Louisiana’s dynamic landscape shaped by the Mississippi River, wetlands, and industry—turning real coastal and environmental infrastructure challenges into hands-on learning.
Engineering Residential College Live and learn with your peers in a smaller network within the larger campus, offering academic enhancement programs, classes in your residence hall, and corporate sponsored events introducing you to internships and cooperative education programs.
Personalized Path Customize your environmental engineering degree with focused tracks in Sustainability, Coastal Engineering, or a flexible option aligned with public health, environmental policy, or infrastructure design careers.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Environmental Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Ecological Engineer
Sustainability Consultant
Waste Management Engineer
Environmental Health & Safety Consultant

Workplace Settings

Engineering & Environmental Consulting Firms
Water Treatment Facilities
Government Agencies
Coastal Restoration & Infrastructure Departments
Energy & Manufacturing Companies
Public Health & Regulatory Agencies
Sustainability Advisory Firms
Research Labs & Field Monitoring Sites

Building Skills
Sustainable Systems Design Apply engineering to design water, air, and waste systems that protect communities.
Field & Lab Investigation Learn to collect, test, and interpret environmental data through soil, air, and water.
Environmental Data Modeling Use software tools to make predictions and guide solutions for complex challenges.
Problem-Solving & Innovation Develop practical solutions to common issues, such as pollution and climate risks.
Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
MS Coastal & Ecological Engineering

Related Majors

Coastal Environmental Science
Environmental Management Systems
Natural Resource Ecology & Management
Apply Today!