Major map:
Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) - View all program options
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
Environmental engineers apply science and engineering principles to protect and improve public health and the environment, including our air, water, and land. They develop sustainable solutions to environmental challenges such as pollution control, water treatment, waste management, and resource conservation, helping to create healthier communities and ecosystems.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying environmental engineering at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
Fall Term
GE 102.2 | Introduction to Engineering I
GE 112.1 | Engineering Discipline Experience
GE 122.2 | Engineering Mechanics I
GE 132.1 | Engineering Communications I
GE 140.1 | Design I
GE 152.1 | Electrical Circuits I
GE 172.1 | Engineering Programming
CMPT 142.3 | Introduction to Computer Science for Engineers
MATH 133.4 | Engineering Mathematics I
Natural Science Series
BIOL 102.1 | Nature for Engineering
CHEM 142.1 | Global Impact of Chemistry for Engineering
GEOL 102.1 | Introduction to Geology for Engineering
PHYS 152.1 | Introduction to Atoms and Nuclei for Engineering
Winter Term
GE 103.1 | Introduction to Engineering II
GE 123.3 | Engineering Mechanics II
GE 133.2 | Engineering Communication II
GE 143.2 | Design II
GE 163.2 | Process Engineering
CHEM 146.3 | General Chemistry for Engineering
MATH 134.3 | Engineering Mathematics II
PHYS 156.3 | Electromagnetism and Waves for Engineering
Discipline bridge course:
- CHE 113.3 | Unit Operations in Chemical Process Engineering
Academic tips
- Explore information about the Environmental Engineering program in the course and program catalogue
- Meet with an academic advisor in the Engineering Student Centre, or the Undergraduate Program Chair in Environmental Engineering, for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Maintain a minimum yearly average of 60% to advance to the next year of the program
- First-year grades matter – entry into Environmental Engineering is competitive, and acceptance into the program is based on your cumulative average from First Year
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- Apply for College of Engineering and university scholarships, awards and bursaries
- Read the College of Engineering weekly e-newsletter, “The Explorer”, sent out every two weeks during the academic year
What will I learn?
- Learn to develop solutions to prevent and mitigate environmental contamination using the principles of biology, physics, and chemistry
- Learn about water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues
- Learn how to conduct hazardous-waste management studies, advise on waste treatment and containment, and develop regulations for environmental protection
- Understand the design of municipal water supply, municipal wastewater, and industrial wastewater treatment systems
- Research on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects, analyze scientific data, and perform quality-control checks
- Learn about local and worldwide environmental issues, including the protection of wildlife, as well as potential impacts on humankind
Gain relevant experience
- Familiarize yourself with study abroad programs to make informed decisions in your later years of study
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities with internationally recognised faculty and their research groups
- Apply to the Engineering Co-op Internship Program (ECIP) and complete one or more paid engineering internships (4, 8, 12, or 16 months) to gain experience towards registration as a Professional Engineer
- Join one of several student design teams in the College of Engineering:
Huskie Formula Racing
Steel Bridge Design Team
USask Aero Design Team
USask Sled Dogs Quarter-Scale Tractor Team
USask Space Design Team
Create local and global connections
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Connect with the Saskatoon Engineering Students' Society (SESS) and/or the Environmental Engineering Students' Society (ENVESS)
- Become a member of a student professional association:
Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP)
Engineers Without Borders
Get career ready
- Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
- Apply to the Engineering Co-op Internship Program (ECIP) and complete one or more paid engineering internships (4, 8, 12, or 16 months) to gain experience towards registration as a Professional Engineer
Featured courses
- ENVE 201.3 Principles of Environmental Engineering
- ENVE 212.3 Physical Principles of Plant Biosystems
- ENVE 381.3 Sustainability and Environmental Assessment
- ENVE 395.3 Environmental Engineering Design Project
- ENVE 495.6 Capstone Design Project
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
Fall Term
CE 213.3 | Mechanics of Materials
ENVE 201.3 | Principles of Environmental Engineering
GE 210.3 | Probability and Statistics
GEOL 121.3 | Earth Processes
MATH 223.3 | Calculus III for Engineers
Winter Term
CE 212.3 | Civil Engineering Materials
CE 225.3 | Fluid Mechanics
ENVE 212.3 | Physical Principles of Plant Biosystems
GEOE 218.3 | Engineering Geology
MATH 224.3 | Calculus IV for Engineers
Fall or Winter Term
BIOL 120.3 | The Nature of Life
You choose
- One course (3 c.u.) from the Junior Humanities or Social Science elective
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
Fall Term
CE 202.3 | Spatial Analysis and Engineering Drawings
CE 315.3 | Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics
CE 318.3 | Numerical Methods in Civil Geological and Environmental Engineering
CE 328.3 | Fundamentals of Soil Mechanics
CHEM 250.3 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry
RCM 200.3 | Effective Professional Communication
Winter Term
CE 319.3 | Hydrology
CE 327.3 | Municipal Engineering
CHE 223.3 | Chemical Thermodynamics
ENVE 381.3 | Sustainability and Environmental Assessment
ENVE 395.3 | Environmental Engineering Design Project
GE 348.3 | Engineering Economics
You choose
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Meet with an academic advisor in the Engineering Student Centre, or the Undergraduate Program Chair in Environmental Engineering, for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Maintain a minimum yearly average of 60% to advance to the next year of the program
- Apply for College of Engineering and university scholarships, awards and bursaries
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of options to complement your major.
- Engineering Co-op Internship Program
- Persuasive Communication (certificate)
- Leadership and Negotiation (certificate)
- Technical and Professional Writing (certificate)
- Technological Innovation (certificate)
Gain relevant experience
- Explore study abroad options or gain support as an international student through the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC)
- Become a peer mentor through the University Library or Peer Health
- Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Apply to the Engineering Co-op Internship Program (ECIP) and complete one or more paid engineering internships (4, 8, 12, or 16 months) to gain experience towards registration as a Professional Engineer
- Join one of several student design teams in the College of Engineering:
Huskie Formula Racing
Steel Bridge Design Team
USask Aero Design Team
USask Sled Dogs Quarter-Scale Tractor Team
USask Space Design Team
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and Global Connections
- Join the Saskatoon Engineering Students' Society (SESS) and/or the Environmental Engineering Students' Society (ENVESS)
- Become a member of a student professional association:
Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP)
Engineers Without Borders
Get career ready
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
- Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn
- Apply to the Engineering Co-op Internship Program (ECIP) and complete one or more paid engineering internships (4, 8, 12, or 16 months) to gain experience towards registration as a Professional Engineer
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
Fall Term
CE 320.3 | Project Engineering
CHE 454.3 | Design of Industrial Waste Treatment Systems
ENVE 482.3 | Solid Waste Engineering and Management
Fall and Winter Terms
ENVE 495.6 | Capstone Design Project
You choose
- One course (3 c.u.) from the Complementary Studies elective
- One course (3 c.u.) from the Environmental Engineering electives (Group A or B)
- One course (3 c.u.) from the Environmental Science elective
- One course (3 c.u.) from the Senior Humanities or Social Science elective
- Two courses (6 c.u.) from the Environmental Engineering electives (Group A)
- GE 449.3 Engineering in Society (Winter or Fall Term)
Academic tips
- Specialize, update your knowledge, and acquire research experience and skills by pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering
- Consider completing a certificate offered by the Graham School of Professional Development in the College of Engineering
Gain relevant experience
- Consider running for a leadership position with the Saskatoon Engineering Students' Society (SESS) and/or the Environmental Engineering Students' Society (ENVESS)
Create local and global connections
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
Get career ready
- Update your résumé, cover letter or CV to apply for jobs
- Attend Careers Day to meet with employers and make connections
- Book a Mock Interview appointment with Career Services to prepare for your interview
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Possible destinations
People with an environmental engineering degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Note that some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Designations
Since the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) program in Environmental Engineering is accredited by Engineers Canada, graduates can apply immediately to any provincial or territorial licensing body in Canada to become an Engineer in Training once they have completed their degree. After completing four years of relevant engineering work experience and passing the National Professional Practice Exam, Engineers in Training are then eligible to be licensed as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng. designation). Our graduates are also recognized internationally through the Washington Accord of the International Engineering Alliance.
USask alumni career paths
- Air Quality Engineer
- Contaminated Sites Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Energy Conservation Engineer
- Energy Efficiency Engineer
- Environmental Advisor
- Environmental Ambient Scientist Engineer
- Environmental Chemical Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Site Assessor
- Field Engineer
- Greenhouse Gas Environmental Engineer
- Irrigation Management Engineer
- Metallurgical Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Project Environmental Engineer
- Project Manager
- Quality Assurance Engineer
- Solar Site Inspector
- Sustainability & Environmental Compliance Engineer
- Technical Implementation Engineer
- Wastewater Engineer
- Water Resources Engineer
I ended up going into environmental engineering to try and make a lasting impact on the world. I have gained teamwork and interpersonal skills which are very important in engineering to ensure we can properly communicate our ideas. My degree has helped me find a job at a company where learning is valued and I can further my skills.
—Betsy, fourth-year student in environmental engineering
Where do USask alumni work?
- Advisian
- AECOM
- Arcadis
- Cameco Corporation
- City of Saskatoon
- Clean Harbours
- Mitacs
- Mosaic
- Nutrien
- PINTER & Associates, Ltd.
- Resource Innovations
- SNC Lavalin
- University of Saskatchewan
- Wood
Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool
"The small class sizes in environmental engineering were extremely valuable to my success. Being on a first name basis with your profs and feeling like part of the team. We’re a group who consistently support, help, and build each other up. I’ve had a crazy amount of practical experience through lab periods, industry tours, and internships. I feel I’ve learned so much about how the world works that I’m confident to apply my skills in the real world."
—Raenna, fourth-year student in environmental engineering
"I chose my major by considering what my values would be in my career, as well also considering what I was finding interest in in school already, and environmental engineering fit. I've always enjoyed the lab work classes that have lab work, which confirms for me that I've made the right choice."
—Carter, third-year student in environmental engineering