The goal of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) environmental specialization is to produce graduates who are well prepared for employment in professional practice or for graduate study. Ecological systems consist of complex, interactive physical, chemical, and biological cycles and processes. Environmental engineers use their knowledge of these natural treatment systems to design engineered systems that mitigate society’s impact on the environment. Environmental specialization students study in the basic sciences (chemistry, physics, and biology), mathematics, and traditional engineering to enable them to apply engineering analysis and design to complicated, multi-phase environmental problems. They study basic and advanced environmental engineering topics including air pollution control, air chemistry, bioremediation, surface hydrology, engineering hydraulics, groundwater hydrology, public health, wastewater treatment, and water treatment. Hands-on experience is accomplished through the Introduction to Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Senior Environmental Engineering Laboratory, design projects in junior and senior EVE courses, plus a two-semester senior design experience that involves the identification, design, analysis, and testing of some environmental process or prototype. EVE students have several avenues to deepen and broaden their environmental engineering education by applying for undergraduate research opportunities (REUs), conducting literature searches, working with environmental specialization professors on research projects, and engaging in summer internships.

Environmental engineering is a new and growing engineering field that enjoys an exceptionally high demand for student employment. Students at Mercer have been offered employment opportunities with environmental consulting firms, large industries and governmental agencies and authorities. Among these are Armstrong, Black & Veatch, Earth Tec, Inc., Environmental Protection Agency, GEC Consultants, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, HHNT, Mercer Engineering Research Center, PBS & J, and Stantec. Graduates of the environmental specialization have continued their formal education in graduate engineering programs, as well as law school.