Recent positions attained by graduates include water engineer at CH2MHill, analyst at Accenture, and ORISE fellow at the EPA.Recent positions attained by graduates include water engineer at CH2MHill, analyst at Accenture, and ORISE fellow at the EPA.

Academics
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Undergraduate Study
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Environmental Engineering Major (BS Degree)
Curriculum & Requirements

The curriculum of the environmental engineering major is designed so that students:

  • Excel in the engineering practice, research, and management associated with the protection and conservation of ecological and human health.
  • Play key roles in the analysis of the behavior of complex natural and engineered environmental systems and design infrastructure in a sustainable way to meet societal needs.
  • Apply their broad environmental engineering training to excel and become leaders in a diverse range of professions including engineering consulting, industry, medicine, law, government, and education.
  • Think critically, behave ethically, and consider the technical and social consequences of their work, especially as it affects the health, safety, and environment of both ecological and human communities.
  • Apply their knowledge creatively and innovatively throughout their careers to meet the challenges posed by a rapidly changing world.

Degree Requirements

An overview of the curriculum for new students starting in the 2026-27 academic year is displayed below. The new engineering core requirement, Engineering Foundations will replace the Engineering Analysis sequence for all McCormick undergraduate degrees. The full curriculum will be published to the Northwestern University Academic Catalog in September 2026.

Engineering Core Requirements (26 units)

  • Mathematics (4 units)
  • Basic Sciences (4 units)
  • Engineering Foundations (3 units)
  • Design, Communication, and Innovation (3 units)
  • Social Sciences/Humanities Theme (7 units)
  • Unrestricted Electives (5 units)

Major Program Requirements (22 units)

  • Gateway Courses (3 units)
  • Basic Engineering (7 units)
  • Environmental Engineering Core Courses (8 units)
  • Capstone (1 unit)
  • Technical Electives (3 units)
  • Professional Development Seminar (.34 units)

2025-2026 Degree Requirements

View the 2025-26 Academic Catalog

For more information about the environmental engineering major and its requirements, please view:

The undergraduate civil and environmental engineering handbook

A curriculum flowchart for the environmental engineering major