Welcome to Environmental and Ecological Engineering

Who We Are

The Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE) program at Purdue University offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees. Our programs train students to tackle problems from an integrated perspective, addressing both environmental issues and ecological interactions. This comprehensive approach helps solve challenges in the built environment and enhances our understanding of the interactions between human and natural systems. EEE Alumni use their knowledge of environmental systems, systems engineering, biology, and chemistry to create solutions that safeguard human and environmental health. They address local and global issues such as unsafe drinking water, air quality, and industrial sustainability. Their projects often focus on improving materials cycling, resource recovery, public health, and controlling water and air pollution.

Among the 14 “Grand Challenges of Engineering” identified by the National Academy of Engineering, six fall within the realm of environmental and ecological engineering. A degree from Purdue EEE equips graduates with the technical expertise needed to develop holistic strategies. We go beyond conventional waste emission treatment; training our students in the science of sustainability. These strategies aim to protect human and environmental health, design sustainable systems and technologies, and manage Earth’s limited resources and ecosystems for future generations.

Unlike other environmental programs, our curriculum focuses primarily on environmental topics and offers flexible study plans based on students' individual interests. Notably, EEE offers the only degree at Purdue accredited in environmental engineering by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Our Reputation

In the field of Environmental Engineering, we have the:

Our Faculty

Our Research

We focus on both Classic Environmental Engineering, and Industrial Sustainability:

  • Classic environmental engineering is primarily focused on effectively managing waste/emissions as it comes. This covers things like water quality, air quality, watershed management, and environmental remediation.
  • Industrial sustainability is more focused on mitigating waste and reducing excess use of resources before it has occurred, engineering sustainability directly into the system. This area considers sustainable energy systems and impacts, greening the built environment, lifecycle engineering, and reducing impacts of chemicals and materials.

Our Mission

The Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE) furthers the learning, discovery, and engagement missions of the Purdue College of Engineering with a focus on understanding the ways in which all engineering activities affect and are affected by the environment. EEE will help the College fulfill the responsibility of service to the state, the nation, and the world through innovative and comprehensive undergraduate and graduate education, collaborative and wide-reaching research and discovery, and the assumption of ever-greater levels of leadership in addressing global environmental and ecological problems.