In Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, students learn about ecosystem processes (the water cycle, nutrient transformation processes, and biological systems), how human activities such as agriculture affect these complex systems, and how to design sustainable solutions. Basic engineering principles, as well as some of the newest technological approaches, are applied to solve challenges related to soil and plant environments, surface and ground water quality, air quality, animal environments, and food safety. Graduates work in exciting careers in federal, state, and local government, engineering consulting firms, and industry, or pursue graduate study opportunities.
Watch a video and then take a look at some senior projects.
Applying
Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering is a major within the Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) Department. ABE faculty are members of both the College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering, and there are multiple entry paths for students who are interested in ABE majors.
First-time college students may apply to "Agricultural and Biological Engineering (Pre)" in the College of Agriculture or they may select "Engineering" in the College of Engineering, where they would begin in the First-Year Engineering program. The first-year curriculum is the same for each path.
Transfer students who have fulfilled the first-year requirements of this engineering program may apply directly to Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering in the College of Agriculture. Transfer students who have not met the first-year requirements may apply to Agricultural and Biological Engineering (Pre).
Points of Pride
Some of the factors that contribute to ABE being a top-ranked department (our program is one of the best in the world!) include:
- Small class sizes
- Student competitions, clubs, global experiences
- Individualized advising and attention by faculty
- Practical curriculum for industrial careers
- Great opportunities for scholarships and internships
- Excellent placement record and starting salaries