Environmental Engineering vs Environmental Science | Which is the better college major?
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- Because this was such a heavily requested topic, I decided to tackle this subject. Please be aware that this is coming from an Environmental Engineer's perspective, so it will be biased.
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I'm an Environmental Engineer currently working for the Air Force. I oversee their Hazardous Waste, Hazardous Materials, Integrated Solid Waste, and Qualified Recycling Programs. I have a Bachelors in Chemistry and a Masters in Environmental Engineering. My professional work experiences range from cancer R&D, teaching at a college level, and environmental compliance.
On this channel, I'll be sharing my story on what it's like being an Environmental Engineer, detailing the good and bad of the position. Some other relatable topics may include personal growth, job hunting, and minimalism all through the perspective of a millennial.
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I am studying environmental engineering but I love the sciences and don't want to stop learning. I am aiming high so I can switch over to environmental science jobs. I am still searching for something that involves environmental engineering but not so much for human safety and development, which is still necessary but I want to have a fully healthy and functioning environment for years to come despite human growth and involvement. I want to build or design things that can do that. I hope to find a career that will help me with this in the future.
I'm glad you're interested in this field! I also didn't want to delve too deeply in the human health and safety route, probably because I prefer the outdoors rather than people, but it comes part of the job. I hope you find what you're looking for. Reach out and I'll see where I can help.
@lescu21 From where are you studying environmental engineering.....which college
Some environmental scientists do work in offices or classrooms, but the rest absolutely do a lot of field work and inspect/experiment on samples in the lab.
you are always encouraging me as a environmental engineering student
And every comment like this motivates me to keep doing what I'm doing🙂
@@RandyLy thank you so much
Is it easy or tough if you wanna do part time while studying
It depends on how well you can manage your time.
For me, the less time I have to distract myself, the more productive I am. Oddly, I did better when I had a part time job and was a full time student.
@@RandyLy thankyou so much
I like how you explained respectfully so that this is based on your opinions and experiences. I love Maths and Biology yet not sure about Chemistry... I'll be doing BSc Environmental Science, my interest though is Environmental engineering... I love these careers both... I'm into Sustainable Development, protecting the environment from the people and protecting the people from the environment 🙏🏾😊
Thanks for watching, Amanda.
The overall goal for both Env Sci and Env Eng is to protect the environment, so you can't go wrong in either field. It's just what you'd be doing on a day to day tasks will be pretty different. Sometimes, you may even work with the other on some projects
@@RandyLy and at times one does what they capable of more than what's more challenging than the other and in this case the Science route is more likely to be my route than the Engineering one, even if that may change in the future...
Chemistry is required skills both in Environmental Sciences as well as in Environmental Engineering.
You can do the same work and research with an environmental science or environmental engineering degree... But you have more job prospects and an almost guaranteed better salary with the eng degree. But the eng degree will have a lot more math heavy classes.
That's my observations before watching your video though.
I would say that Environmental scientists definitely have the possibility of having jobs with more field work. Not always though, like you said the scientist and engineer may end up doing the same work.
If you are into environmental field work you definitely have the ability to do that if you do a post grad research thesis, and also there are cool companies out there that do ecological restoration.
Thanks Randy! I think I'll do environmental engineering just because of the flexibility and pay.
Cool thanks for watching. Hopefully things work out
What will we starting salary of yours
Thankyou Randy for this video..
Thanks for watching
Omo this is what I need,,, I subscribe to your channel like 4 or 5 months ago and you help me a lot choosing my career that I want to pursue and lately im confused about these two whether or what should I get,,, this helps me a lot 😊 i think im gonna go with the environmental engineer
Same here bro
Thanks for watching! Hopefully things work out
Hello Sir Randy! I want to help our environment, specially our environment issues. But sadly I'm not studying in school at the moment. I dropped out since highschool then back to study again, but I didn't finished it because of lot of personal problems, such as mentally, emotionally, and so lot of problems. But when I started watching your vlogs, I realise that I need to help myself, I need to help people, I need to help the environment and I need people to realise the true problems of our society. Sir please boost my confidence and please help me what to do? I want to help the environment and I want to go back school. I will study hard to help myself grow and to know my purposes in life. Thank you so much Sir! Godbless!
edited(correct my grammar if I did mistakes) 😊😇❣️
NBA Hoops..I am 51 years and am just now going back to school to get my degree in Environmental Science. And I super excited about it. I hope you're able to put your past struggles behind you and work toward your goals. It's never too late!
NBA Hoops - Don't give up! Make some calls and tell them you want to return to school! Our planet needs more environment scientists and engineers. It is never too late to make your life better. YOU CAN DO IT!
I hope things are working out right for uh
I’m a environmental science major. I love your videos and hope you keep making more. I chose my focus to be on water because of your vids thanks a lot. Bon chance and God bless
Thanks for watching!
you did it!! thank you!
Yes, the long awaited video
Thanks this video was helpful!
Thanks for watching
thank you for your opinion. it was helpful
Thanks for watching
Hi, thanks for this video, very helpful. I'm in a confused state of deciding which one to go for in my MSc, although my background is Geology. What advice would you give?
i hope to choose environmental engineering in the end.
Hmmm..... I have to agree to disagree with a lot of this information. Of course, I teach in an environmental science department. My students take physics, biology, and chemistry as well as calculus. The job prospects for environmental scientists are much better than environmental engineers, just check the bureau of labor statistics (8% versus 3% projected job growth). We get a lot of students that leave environmental engineering and come to environmental science because they like the idea of working outside. Our students take GIS and can take Autocad as an elective. I appreciate you admitting your bias but it would be great if you were able to provide an alternative opinion.
Your perspective on Env Sci is highly appreciated because I am definitely speaking from a bias opinion. Honestly, I would have switched to Env Sci because I prefer the outdoors too
I have been working as an auto mechanic at my family for six years while attending college. Unfortunately I have only been able to manage 2-3 classes a semester. I really want to major in environmental science because from what I understand, a lot of the jobs require being outdoors. I spent my entire childhood outdoors, and I still use my free time for hiking and exploring. Would you recommend a minor in chemistry along with majoring in environmental science? I am pretty good with chemistry, and I have been practicing chemistry to since I was a child. I am very very good with my hands.
@@nathenperri2826 I would just go straight into environmental science. You don't need to minor in anything. From my perspective, employers don't really look at minors.
@@RandyLy Awesome, thank you so much for the advice!
@@nathenperri2826 Chemistry can definitely be useful. It’s best to just minor in whatever you want to learn about - being an expert in anything = more money
Environmental Science Major here and I'd like to give some thought about my major.
1. You are right, Environmental science focuses more on Chemistry and Biology, it is actually close to having a medical course - Org and Inorg Chem, Biochem, Molecular and Cell Bio, AnaChem, etc. It also includes Law, Society, Botany (we have systematics and taxonomy), you have to learn every cycle happening around you. But in our program, we were introduced to basic engineering subjects (In our program, we have physics, calculus, GIS mapping even simulation).
2. Yes, they are interchangable but again, it depends on the program of your university.
3. Payment really depends on your company but I think Engineers are more in demand.
4. Scientists do a lot of fieldwork because you need to gather samples. For example, we once needed to clarify the border of a university so we had to go there and check the borders itself, it goes the same with cities or provinces.
I got enlightened by the differences of our programs thanks to your explanation😅
Thanks for the perspective. Im going to pin this comment so anyone else interested in Env Sci could get a grasp of what they do.
I have a Masters in Environmental Management, and it's basically the middle bridge between Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering.
You get the Environmental Science on one hand with the Chem, Bio, etc., and then the Engineering on the other hand with Water Resource Management, Hazardous Waste Management, Air Quality Management, GIS mapping, etc.
And then the third layer is I basically at this point feel like a doctor lol, because all the courses go back to a focus on human health impacts so doing risk assessments, toxicology, etc.
@@dylankeith2833 Environmental Science is not really my 1st choice, I chose it because it seemed easy for me as I was nailing my science classes before but gosh, being in the field of Environment will make you do everything, from pollution, to animal, to plant up to human.
Thank you
Hello Randy and thank you for the insightful info. I too would like to pursue a career in environmental engineering. I would to add a follow up question on if you have any universities or institutions you would recommend to incoming college students such as myself?
Mainly an American university
Hi Rafael,
I do not give out advice on specific courses or universities because that research is very specific to the individual. There is no one “best” school out there because many schools may offer the program, and the experience will largely depend on how you make it.
The course requirements all depend on the program. Everyone needs to do their own due diligence in their school of interest. Any university that offers the program is good but just be sure to take in the financial costs and your personal situation when considering schools. Take into consideration the culture of the state, costs of living, and graduate rates for each school and not just the brand name.
@@RandyLy Thank you for the further insight, I wish you a good day
I guess it depends on the university you attend, but I'm a Env. science major and I have to take Calculus 1 and 2, and a year of physics. Also a stats course and 1 programming course
totally same
Same here except I need 2 semesters of chemistry and no physics claases
I have a diploma in Envi Sci and bach. degree in Envi Eng :) (I personally preferred Engineering - but it is a lot of math + triple science)
You got the best of both worlds. I'm glad you enjoy what you're doing 🙂
Hello, back to zero?
hello. I really wanted to become an environmental engineer when I was studying as Civil engineering student because we have Environmental engineering subject.. I enjoy Nature than in construction.. How can I proceed to become an Environmental Engineer?
Hey Yukionna,
It's much easier to transition from Civil Eng to Env Eng because they're practically underneath the same engineering umbrella and you've probably taken most of the necessary classes such as AutoCAD/Solidworks/ArcGIS. (It's ok if you haven't taken some of those either)
Honestly, I would just start applying to environmental engineering jobs and see if you can land an interview. Your transition is so much easier compared to someone who is in a completely different field.
@@RandyLy Thank you so much for enlightening me. Though it can be possible that I can land a job in environmental engineering, but as of this moment I haven't completed all of my requirements yet because I just graduated this 2020 and everything in my life right now is pretty much in a mess 😂 But thank you so much. It gives me assurance and more focus to that career. Best of luck!
Between an environmental engineer and scientist, who is more capable of conserving our natural resources and protecting it from human activities? Hope you would notice. Thanks 😊
Both are equally important. I don't think there is one that is better than the other because their roles are different. I've had to work with environmental scientists to resolve some issues that I didn't know. Each play a vital role into helping the environment and one probably can't do it without the other's help.
@@RandyLy Ohh I see. Thanks man
I loveď your explanation....i m a very indecisive person and i have made up my mind now. I m doing ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING...in india there aren't great opportunities.... can u reply telling me in which country do we have the scope to pursue this career?
And i m sure 5 years from now...this profession will be taken more!
Thankyou..
The job opportunities will vary greatly depending on your location. Some countries and states are more serious about the environment than others. I am not an employer and do not hire anyone, so I cannot say whether or not you will find a job. I work in the US and have a biased opinion on the job market here, so you will have to do research on that yourself.
I'm surprised that you said India don't give great oppotunities for Environmental Engineering.
I'm an undergraduate of Env. Engineering from UII Indonesia, one of the best Env.Eng program in Indonesia and ABET accredited, and mostly we cite journals from India because there are a lot of environmental research in India, especially wastewater treatment and water purifying.
You should already got a great opportunities because you're from India, because your country contributes a lot for the development of environmental's journals
Do i need biology to take Environmental Engineering for my ug
As i haven't learnt about biology in High school
Showing how much flexible environmental eng compared to scientists already answered my question. Thanks!!! But I have a one last question. It’s kinda weird to ask but can I be rich with environmental engineering? 😅
It depends on your definition of rich and how good you are with your finances. I made several videos in the past about my salary. I currently make $85k a year at my job, so if that is enough for you, then yes.
Thanks for the video. In Germany, there isn’t even a clear differenciation between the two of them. The subjects are also called differently depending on uni.
E.g. There is: env. Eng., sustainable engineering, technical environment protection, and so on
This doesn’t make it easier for me😅
And the thing is (which is actually good haha), in most Unis, you don’t have to apply but you can just get in without any effort. So I am basically choosing from all Unis in Germany.
I think there is still confusion between the two here in the US too. Just throw in the world "environment" in the job title and you're automatically a hippie 😆
Universities seem to have a clear distinction between the two because I haven't seen any overlapping classes. I see a lot more environmental scientist jobs here where I live compared to open environmental engineer jobs.
Hey there! Thinking about studying it in Germany, did you continue through the major and what did you pick?
Love to hear your thoughts on this!
@@boldytiger I picked sustainable engineering (Nachhaltige Ingenieurwissenschaft) in Hannover (Leibniz Universität) which has many similarities with mechanical engineering. We focus more on electrical engineering while their focus is mechanics. Furthermore we have a couple of special classes, like environmental law, climatology or sustainable economics.
I’m starting my third semester right now and so far I really like my major though the special subjects aren’t that well made (they give an overview but it’s just the basics and exams are so easy that you don’t actually learn anything 😅) the engineering part is pretty hard though
@@therealannakonda Yea I heard it can be somewhat easy there, since masters is very recommended as well. Glad your enjoying it! I'm looking into some unis now but thing is it only opens up in the winter semester!
Found some different names for it like ecosystem sciences or just environmental science. How's the study life balance with it? Let's discuss this further!
@@boldytiger Ich Wechsel mal auf deutsch, weil du ja scheinbar auch deutsch bist :)
Also es kommt wirklich drauf an, was man aus seinem Studentenleben macht. Hannover bietet auf jeden Fall viele Möglichkeiten, es auszuleben und ja man kann das auch im Ingenieursstudium wahrnehmen und trotzdem gute Noten schreiben (bzw bestehen). Meine Freundesgruppe und ich schaffen das, wir sind da aber eine der wenigen. Liegt auch daran dass wir einfach sehr extrovertiert sind und oft wirklich nur zum schlafen zuhause sind. In der richtigen Klausurenphase (das war jetzt fast der komplette August) mussten wir dann aber auch durchziehen. Das heißt dann Bib von 10 bis 18 Uhr mindestens. Wir hatten nur drei Klausuren und je nach Klausur sollte man 4-14 Tage lernen einplanen. Also ich bin absolut zufrieden mit meiner study-Life Balance aber wir haben schon deutlich weniger Freizeit als andere Studiengänge. Da nehmen sich Naturwissenschaften und Ingenieurwissenschaft aber glaube ich nicht viel.
Hello! I want to be a environmental engineer but sadly there's no course here in my current school so Im taking environmental science
Environmental Engineering is still a new and emerging major in most universities. Environmental Science is still a good major and you should be able to learn most of the necessary things even if you major in Env Sci.
What is the best minor I can do along with environmental science major?
I'm not a huge fan of minoring in something. I just like to get out as quickly as possible when it comes to school.
I would just recommend taking extra classes like GIS, AutoCad, and other electives that peak your interest. You shouldn't have to stay an extra year or two to finish a minor.
Sir, is it there any problem to take environmental engineering in canada , since I have completed my graduation in geology and water management
I don't know what it's like in any other country besides the US. You will have to do research on that yourself, but I see no probably why not.
Hi, I am currently In my second year of college doing environmental sci degree. For masters, I wish to do environmental eng because of the better pay.
Is it possible to do masters in environmental engineering after taking environmental science as bachelor's?
Yes it is. I went from Bachelors in Chemistry to Masters in Env Engineering.
Hi Sir I am an Environmental Engineering graduate..
Hi 😬
If the filipino want to abroad with a degree of environmental science, could she or he can work or need to study again?
I don't know since I am not an international student
you can take a degree in Malaysia or Indonesia if you want study abroad in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, you could take Universitas Islam Indonesia which is ABET accredited. In Malaysia, pick UTM.
Or if you want to go to Europe, TUM in Germany would serve you best I believe
I want to be a environmental engineer
So Have you applied anywhere?
I finished my bachelor in bioengineering and planning to do a master in environmental engineering. Is this making me an environmental scientist because we had so much laboratory courses? What do you think about this combination ?
I also had a lot of science and lab experience. Having this type of background would make it seem like you're learning towards environmental science, but I didn't want to go towards that route. You can always prefer specific job duties if you want to change routes. Meaning, you don't have to be an environmental scientist if you want to be an environmental engineer.
Nice, thanks! 👌
Out of these two, I'd pick environmental scientist because of the field work 😆👌
I've seen some environmental scientist still stay in labs/offices all day, so it will depend on what your employer will have you do. But I agree, I would too
hello , I'm from a small country called sri lanka in here only one university provides the biosystem engineering degree and it says we can choose to be a environmental engineer based on our grades... i know my country do not have many jobs for environmental engineers so i want to know is it hard to get a job in a foreign country as an environmental engineer, and also i really want to know that is it as good as they say about making a impact on the world ?
While visiting other countries, I noticed that most developing countries don't have many environmental-related jobs. I know it's sad because they have so much room for improvement.
It depends on where you go. Most likely Europe, the US, and other first-world countries have more job openings. Does it make an impact in the world? It depends on the company and how you view change. My compliance job feels small, but it does make a difference. I just don't see ME making much of a difference because I'm not involved with researching and creating some product.
@@RandyLy thank you very much keep up the good work 🥰🥰🥰
I am currently studying BS in Environmental Science here in Philippines. The University where I am taking my undergraduate degree offers only major in Pollution Control and Waste Management. I wanna dive into BS Environmental Science major in Environmental Engineering BUT UNFORTUNATELY the University where I'll be transferrring will only credit few courses/subject from my current university. Is it worth it if I finish first my 1st undergraduate (BS ES) course then take my 2nd undergraduate course (BS EE) or simply take master's degree in environmental engineering?
That's a tough situation to be in. It depends on how many courses you'll have to retake.
Personally, since the transfer would only take a few courses from your current Bachelors, I wouldn't want to be held another year or two. I would rather graduate with a Bachelors in Env Science at a reasonable time. Better yet, you may be able to jump into a Masters in Env Eng without having to get a Bachelors in Env Eng just like me.
Sir @@RandyLy thank you very much for giving your side/perspective. This is really a great help.
Hi IAM environmental science student what can I do after graduation environmental science or environmental engineering which is best of Ms
Hi... Can I study environmental engineering of Ms if I graduate with Environmental Science major?
My career is general agriculture science degree may i do environmental engineering as a master
Plz answer for me
As long as the university accepts you. It seems related, so I don't see that as a problem
@@RandyLy
Thank u dear for u r respond
what do environmental engineer make in 1 month
It varies per location, education, certification, and other factors. I make $85,000 a year as of 2022
I bought an old intro to environmental engineering book to look at...
Can i do environmental science with a bachelor degree and continue environmental engineering master?
I did Chemistry in Bachelors and Masters in Env Engineering, so I don't see why not.
@@RandyLy Thank you so much brother..ur videos mean a lot to me cuz I am applying for Eng sci next year but i am not sure what that major really is..Besides, I dont see many people taking the course..Again..thanks...
@@Gosick02 You'll be taking a lot of science classes more so than engineering classes if you major in Env Science.
@@RandyLy I'm also currently enrolled in bachelor of environmental Science. Can I do masters in environmental engineering?
Yes, but being accepted depends on your university and your application.
Hi i am from india i gave completed my bachlers in mechanical engg can i do masters in envirnmental engg in usa is it possible to switch...
It will depend on if you get accepted into a university. I switched from Bachelors in Chemistry to Masters in Env Eng, so maybe? I am not in charge of deciding that
You have to prove that Mechanical Engineering is capable for Environmental Engineering. The council from the university of which you send admission will decide that. Some university will ask you to do extra semester or you have to provide extra working experience.
Just to be understood, Environmental Engineering doesn't work that much with machine or engine. Instead, we work with how much waste intake should taken into account, or which bacteria or plant should be ideal for remediation, or brainstorming on how to pick best method to remove air pollution.
What state are you based out of?
California
I studied renewable energy how can I switch my career to be an environmental engineer or scientist?
You’re on the right track with a relatable field, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to start as an Env Eng or Env Scientist.
Just start applying to Entry Level jobs
@@RandyLy thanks for the response😊😊😊😊
@@RandyLy I just wanted to add that my degree was more focused on electrical engineering, am I still eligible to apply ?
Hi Randy. First of all thank you for the video. I was searching for a great video on this topic for almost 2 weeks and finally stumbled upon yours.
I wanted to tell you that I am a civil engineering undergrad student who want to work for the environment and want to study for the same.
I am not much interested in civil engineering and it's application and hence I am afraid to go with Environment Engineering for the reasons that you have mentioned: the technical part, maths and everything.
I am more inclined to do actual ground work (field work) and work with companies, NGOs and make employment from it.
That's why I want to go with Masters in Environment Science.
I wanted to ask you that as I'll be getting a graduation degree so if in future I want to apply for jobs of environment engineering after completing my MSc Environment Science then can I get them or there will be limitations?
It will depend on what your employers will have you do. If you are applying at an engineering firm and have an Env Science degree, they may look for someone with a Civil Engineering background. Some Environmental Engineers have a more science-heavy background while some others have a more engineering-heavy background. You can work in compliance (like me), research & development (which seems like your interest), or design.
@@RandyLy thank you very much
Scope in environmental science
I have msc in environmental science
Can I do PhD in environmental engineering?
It depends on if your university accepts you, but yes you can.
How to become an environmental engineer with a degree in environmental Science?
It depends on if an employer will hire you as an environmental engineer. Some job duties are doable with an env science degree.
@@RandyLy is it possible to proceed to environmental engineering in college with envi science degree?
If you mean, can you switch from env science to env eng? Yes, you can. You will just have to catch up on the prerequisite classes.
@@RandyLy I'm still in college but I wnat to finish Envi Science first before I'll proceed to Environmental engineering
It is definitely possible because I went from a Bachelors in Chemistry to a Masters in Env Eng. If your school offers a degree in Env Eng, why wait to switch when you know that your end goal is Env Eng?
Graduate of environmental science here😊
Thank you for sharing. How is your experience in the environmental science field so far? And do you think it is any different from environmental engineering based off of what I mentioned in the video?
Have you studied msc env engineering or mtech?
I got my Bachelors in Chemistry and my Masters in Environmental Engineering
@@RandyLy which means masters of science (MSC) am i right?
Some schools may have Masters of Science, Masters of Engineering, etc.. It doesn't really matter, so long as they can distinguish between a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD.
I am student of environmental science 🧪 from Pakistan 🤗 😊
I'm currently majoring in environmental engineering but am thinking about majoring in environmental science instead. I'm not scared of the workload when it comes to majoring in engineering, but I do find myself feeling more interested in environmental science because it seems more hands on than engineering and overall just more appealing, because engineering is all math and stats and I find that to be boring most of the time. Also do you think it's harder for environmental scientists to find a job rather than engineering?
Hi Sabrina,
I find Env Science more interesting than Env engineering too. I've always been more of a lab-based, conceptual thinker, and hands-on kind of person as well.
In California, I see MORE Env scientist job openings than Env engineers. It's surprising, huh? But I think Env Engineers have a much lower barrier of entry and can apply for both positions, meanwhile the scientists wouldn't be able to jump in so easily if they were applying for an engineering position.
I’m an environmental science major and tbh environmental science is an interesting major that requires chem,stats, and a biology but environmental engineer pays more and is more likely more flexible . It’s really up to you .
your shirt is unbuttoned. :P
It must have been a hot summer day ☀️
He's engineering his environment 🙃