Civil Engineering vs Environmental Engineering | Which Should You Major In?

In this video, we explore the critical decision of choosing between Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering. Delving into key differences and similarities, we discuss employment prospects, pay variations, and the global impact of each field. Whether you're a student or recent graduate, this guide aims to provide insights to help you make an informed decision about your engineering career path.

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**ABOUT ME**
I graduated with a Bachelors in Chemistry and a Masters in Environmental Engineering. Currently, I work as a Water Resource Control Engineer for the California State Water Resources Control Board. My previous work experiences range from working as an Environmental Engineer for the US Air Force, a Cancer Researcher for a private R&D company, and a Teaching Assistant at my graduate school.

On this channel, I'll be sharing my story on what it's like being an Environmental Engineer, detailing the good and bad of the position. Some other relatable topics may include personal growth, job hunting, and other related environmental subjects.

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[daltoneverhardt]

I am also an environmental engineer, however I work in designing industrial wastewater treatment systems. From my experience, when people typically bring up the field they typically think and discuss the public sector, however the private sector is one that is rapidly growing. Environmental engineering has a reputation for being niche, which it definitely is more so than some other disciplines, but its not a field where it is so niche that jobs are difficult to find and the field is stagnant. As climate change continues and the population increases, water resources and treatment will become increasingly important. As depressing as it is, environmental engineers are now and will continue to be in demand for our lifetimes at least.

[madhanmawien]

My school has
Environmental & civil engineer as professional licence
Environmental Science as bachelor degree
Environmental & Ecology as bachelor degree



I was majoring in environmental & ecology but I switched to environmental & civil engineer and I'm in second year now

[Googliaooota]

Civil Engineers can always get jobs in environmental while the opposite is only true a portion of the time (land development, geotech) but almost never in structural and transportation. I've worked in both, and whichever one you prefer is up to you, but Civil is the more flexible degree. The downside of that is in Civil, there are so many subfields that are so dis-similar, you may have trouble deciding which field to go into, and it's actually a big problem. A degree in Environmental Engineering only leads to a few things (remediation, wastewater, regulation) which are similar.

[rippymcriprip]

I majored in environmental engineering and now work designing water supply infrastructure. Most of my colleagues are civil. Civil is versatile whereas environmental will give you an advantage on specifically environmental jobs which there are typically less of in the US. The current market is still very strong for both backgrounds in Southern California.

[ziaurehman]

Hello Randy !
I hope you are doing great.
Your videos helps me a lot in understanding the basics of environmental engineering.
I have done my bachelors in physics and also have one year experience working at health and safety sector in oil and gas industries. Now, I am become very passionate about environmental engineering and want to pursue masters in this field.
So, can I do masters in EE with my this background?
What are the other courses that would bridge the gap for doing my masters in EE?
I would really appreciate your suggestions/recommendations.
Thanks !

[RougeCrossfire]

Hey Randy, long time since I've posted on one of your vids. Currently double majoring in both civil and environmental as the programs at the university are basically the same but with a few more science credits. Any idea of how to get involved with habitat restoration projects after getting out of school?

[strange]

Hi Randy, I know you are based in California, but would you happen to know what the job market for environmental engineering is in New Jersey and Philadelphia? I have looked it up on the BLS website, and California was expectedly first in the country, but PA and NJ were also up there. Any insight would be great!

[amassredradui]

I dont know which one should i choose is it good to choose civil engineering and finishing my studies in environmental engineering for my master

[subashbose]

I'm a civil undergrad going to pursue environmental in Canada Ontario as my masters. Which path has better oppurtunites AIR, WATER, or SOIL?