We live in a highly developed industrial society. But our high standard of living and economic growth have serious effects on the environment. Climate change, air pollution, piles of rubbish and the extinction of species are some of the most serious environmental problems we face today.
The work of the environmental engineer
Environmental engineers approach these challenges from the technical side. Its aim is to recognize the environmental pollution caused by industry , to reduce it and, ideally, even to eliminate it . In order to be able to cope with this responsible task, an engineering degree is necessary that focuses on the area of environmental protection .
According to existingcountries, degree programs in the field of environmental engineering are currently offered at a few German universities . They impart knowledge from the field of engineering to the students and also incorporate scientific and ecological principles.
The undergraduate degree
At the beginning of the bachelor’s degree , the program includes mathematics that form the basis for engineering subjects, such as set theory and linear algebra. In addition, they attend lectures in the fields of physics and chemistry .
One of the ecological subjects is soil science, in which students get to know various rocks and minerals. The subject of geology is about the material composition of the earth. In engineering, students are introduced to the fundamentals of environmental technology such as environmental measurement technology or process engineering.
But classical engineering subjects such as mechanics or engineering design in the curriculum. In the higher semesters, students specialize. Depending on the university, different focuses such as energy, climate, water or waste are offered. Courses in the fields of business administration and technical English round off the study program and prepare students for everyday working life.
The advanced degree
After completing their bachelor’s degree, students start their careers straight away. Anyone who aspires to management positions or would like to make a career in science, at best, still has a master’s degree . As in the Bachelor programs, the individual universities offer different specialization options . You can choose from focal points such as energy technology or process engineering.
The Environmental Engineering course is primarily an engineering degree. Accordingly, applicants should be interested in science subjects and technology . Good math skills are a basic requirement for studying. They also need a good command of English in order to understand the specialist literature.
Career prospects after graduation
The study of environmental engineering provides training for technical activities in environmental protection . Graduates develop environmentally friendly production processes for commercial enterprises or monitor compliance with environmental protection guidelines as environmental officers. Many are employed in engineering and planning offices or set up their own business. They advise companies on the latest environmental technology or carry out measurements.
In the course of the introduction of renewable energies , many graduates are also employed by energy suppliers. You are planning wind farms or solar systems. Employers outside of industry are water management and environmental authorities. Even international organizations and institutions of development cooperation are dependent on the expertise of environmental engineers.
Because of their good training, German environmental engineers are in demand abroad. However, anyone looking for a career in another country or in development cooperation should have foreign language skills and intercultural skills. During the semester abroad, students train their skills, get to know another country and make friends all over the world.
