Why Choose Environmental and Ecological Engineering?

Environmental and Ecological Engineering (EEE) at Purdue is unique and cutting edge. We empower future engineers in their persistent pursuit of global sustainability. Our students are engineering a future of blue waters and green landscapes, of healthy families and thriving economies one small step at a time.

EEE’s rigorous program not only addresses the management of industrial waste within water, soil, and air but also strives to identify its origins and prevent it from the start.

The EEE program consistently ranks high among our peers. According to the US News and World Report, EEE ranks 11th for undergraduate environmental engineering programs in the US for 2023 (published in September 2022). Our graduate program ranks 11th (tied with Cornell University (NY), Duke University (Pratt) (NC), Princeton University (NJ) and University of Minnesota--Twin Cities) for 2023 (published in March 2022).

The passion to save the planet isn’t enough to pay the bills. Thankfully the job prospects are good for environmental engineers. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked environmental engineers #3 in their 2020 Best Engineering Jobs list. This list rates careers based on elements such as salary, job availability, advancement opportunities, and career fulfillment. The United States Department of Labor predicts 5% growth in environmental engineering jobs between 2018 and 2028. This growth is similar to other occupations (source).

The current average salaries of environmental engineers are comparable to other engineering fields.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of April 2022, the mean annual salary for environmental engineers with a Bachelor of Science is $96,820. Which, for example, is comparable to the mean annual salary for mechanical engineers ($95,300), civil engineers ($88,050), and industrial engineers ($95,300).