Earning a degree in either environmental engineering or environmental science can qualify the recipient to work in various roles that deal with issues at the intersection of the man-made and natural worlds.

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Environmental Engineering VS. Environmental Science

But while these two paths of study have a number of similarities, they also have a number of important differences that should be recognized and understood before selecting one path over the other. Here, we have provided a brief introduction to these two areas of study, followed by a side-by-side comparison to help aspiring environmental engineers or scientists reach a final decision.

Similarities, Differences And Overlap

Environmental science and environmental engineering share some basic similarities. To begin, and perhaps most importantly, both areas of study are concerned with the natural environment and its relationship with the human world. Both environmental scientists and engineers focus on data gathered from the natural environment, particularly data on the past and future effects of human activity and its impact, in order to devise and implement solutions to a variety of issues.

Beyond that, however, these paths begin to diverge, although it’s fair to say they are complementary and may share the same ultimate goal or goals. Like any scientist, an environmental scientist is generally tasked with performing research for a specific project, gathering data provided by the natural environment focusing on a certain issue, such as environmental degradation and the effects of human activity on a given area. An environmental scientist may then analyze this data, and further provide a recommendation to be implemented in order to facilitate change or enact future benefits.

Here, the environmental engineer steps in. Once provided with data, an analysis, and a recommendation by a scientist, an engineer can begin using his or her knowledge of both engineering and environmental science in order to apply it toward a plan and solution. His or her actions could include planning new infrastructure to limit the effects of human activity on a specific space, or even shaping a plan to ensure that a given area is rapidly developed to allow for human use.

Ultimately, these two fields of study can be largely understood and differentiated through their related terms: science and engineering. Specifically, an environmental scientist will work like any other scientist, gathering and analyzing a set of data to provide answers to certain questions. And, in contrast, an environmental engineer will utilize a host of engineering principles to create a plan of action using information provided by the scientist. Of course, these two fields of study are both concerned with the same end goal of answering questions or providing solutions to problems related to the environment, which again highlights the significant overlap between the two.

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Side-By-Side Comparison Of Environmental Science And Engineering

To better understand the sometimes subtle distinctions between the two fields, please review the side-by-side comparison of environmental engineering and environmental science below.

	ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE	ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
How do the fields define and differentiate themselves?	Although definitions may vary depending on the source, Iowa State University defines environmental science as the a study that “provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems.” Some consider it a branch of biology concerned with the interconnectivity among organisms and their environment, as well as the study of how our role as humans affects our natural surroundings.	Environmental engineering, in general, is a field of study that utilizes existing principles of engineering to develop and implement solutions to environmental issues, often as a result of a recommendation provided by an environmental scientist.
What department is the program typically part of in the institution?	In many cases, the environmental science program at a university or college will fall within the natural sciences department, or in the department of geography and environmental sciences. Of course, the program’s location within the institution ultimately depends on a number of factors.	Environmental engineering most often falls within the engineering department at a given university, and is even occasionally combined with the sub-department of civil engineering, as well.
Do any specializations exist within these degree programs?	A number of specializations may be available to those pursuing a degree in environmental science, including the following:Aquatic biology;Applied ecology;Alternative energy;Environmental agriculture;Earth systems; andGeographic information science.	Depending on the institution, students within programs of environmental engineering may be able to specialize in the following areas, among others:Coastal and ecological engineering;Water resources engineering; andGeophysical engineering.
What courses will students likely take while pursuing this degree?	The curriculum for an environmental science program will likely depend on the institution; however, students pursuing this degree will likely take courses on basic science and math, earth sciences (geology, in particular), and natural sciences (such as ecology and hydrology). Beyond this, students may take courses on public policy, economics, political theory, and various specialization courses, all of which will generally focus on their relation to the environment.	Those students pursuing a degree in environmental engineering at either an undergraduate or graduate level should expect to take courses on a number of classes, including physics and chemistry, mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, engineering hydrology, air pollution control, and a number of other electives, depending on their schedule.
What existing work will students be prepared for with this degree?	Individuals who have a degree in environmental science may be able to utilize their skills in a research position; indeed, environmental scientists may be tasked with researching a specific topic or space for a project, examining and analyzing a number of factors (including human actions and their effects), at which point they may be asked to create recommendations for change or future operation. These scientists may assist with projects aimed to clean public areas or mitigate the effects of human influence on the environment, or teams that work to enact policy change.	Ultimately, those with a degree in environmental engineering will likely be able to find work on a number of different projects as an environmental engineer, including those focused on:Public works and recycling;Waste disposal and wastewater treatment;Air pollution control; andEnvironmental impact and climate control.Furthermore, the services of an environmental engineer may be utilized in projects that extend beyond these, and ultimately wherever solutions need to be implemented in a system that remains connected with the environment.
What emerging work will students be prepared for with this degree?	Because human population is slated to grow consistently for the foreseeable future, environmental scientists will likely always be needed to gather and analyze data and craft suggestions to determine how human beings can continue to exist within their natural surroundings. To be sure, environmental scientists will be required to work to discover new ways to reduce any climate damage and develop more efficient methods of waste disposal and water treatment, among other tasks.	As human beings continue to grapple with understanding their role within the natural environment and how their actions can affect and degrade their natural surroundings, the employment opportunities for environmental engineers should continue to grow. Indeed, environmental engineers will continuously be needed to develop solutions to impending environmental crises and to help ensure the population is efficiently and effectively living within and connecting with their natural environment.
Name three schools that offer online bachelor’s degrees in this field.	The following is a list of three schools that offer online bachelor’s degrees in environmental science:Southern New Hampshire UniversityOregon State UniversityAmerican Public University	We could not identify any schools that offer an online bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, however there are some campus-based bachelor’s degree programs where some courses may be completed online.
Name five schools that offer online master’s degrees in this field.	The following is a list of five schools that offer online master’s degrees in environmental science:Johns Hopkins UniversityMontana State UniversityOregon State UniversityUniversity of Colorado at BoulderUniversity of Illinois – Springfield	The following is a list of five schools that offer online master’s degrees in environmental engineering:Johns Hopkins UniversityNorth Carolina State UniversityUniversity of New HavenVillanova UniversityWorcester Polytechnic Institute
The Bottom Line?	A degree in environmental science helps an individual to adopt a role as a scientist, one who specifically researches a given topic, analyzes data, and uses this information to help others enact significant change. An environmental scientist may assist in developing new recycling systems, may analyze human influence on the environment, or may work to enact legislative change through presentations. Ultimately, environmental scientists play an integral role in preserving the quality of the natural surroundings that we share.	Environmental engineers, in general, take information presented by scientists and develop and implement solutions to any issues presented. An environmental engineer may assist in the creation of a new waste disposal project, or may help craft a new system to monitor air pollution. Overall, these engineers are responsible for taking action to help protect the integrity of our natural environment.

What Is The Differences Between A Degree In Environmental Science And Environmental Engineering?

They both address environmental issues. However, there are differences in their approach to improving and remediating the effects on the habitat. The environmental scientist takes an analytical perspective. He/she focuses on what caused the particular condition, whereas the engineer looks at how to correct the problem. For example, the scientist looks at the cause and results of water contamination. The engineer takes the scientist’s information and determines what needs to be done to remove the contaminants.

Environmental scientists explore climate change, air pollution, water quality, soil contamination, hazardous materials affecting humans and animals. They venture into a variety of areas that affect the earth’s resources. As scientists, they collect drinking water or atmospheric samples for analysis in a laboratory. They provide the results, which they convey to engineers, the court of law, local community, or governmental agencies.

Environmental engineers’ responsibilities overlap with their counterparts. Engineers are also involved in soil and water contamination, air pollution, and wastewater treatment. Their knowledge finds solutions for these adverse environmental issues. Using engineering principles, they determine the means to clean up water, design sewage treatment plants, and reduce factory emissions.

Individuals contemplating one of the captioned degrees should ask themselves two questions. One, do you relish trying to figure out what caused something to happen? On the other hand, do you prefer to ponder the best way to fix the problem? The work of the scientist can be tedious as you perform lab tests and make sense of the results. The engineer’s role takes into account the disciplines of fluid mechanics, hydrology, construction, and thermodynamics (a branch of physics).

There is a long list of accredited schools offering degrees in environmental science. You can select from the prestigious (and expensive) universities, such as Harvard, Yale, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). You can attend on campus or online learning format.

Regardless of the learning institution, a Bachelor of Science is the starting point for both professions. In environmental science, there are choices in where to concentrate your studies. You may choose natural resources and conservation that addresses the preservation of natural resources, as well as the remediation of hazards. Geospatial technology is another choice. You will learn about geographic information systems or GIS and remote image analysis. GIS is a computer-generated imagery system used to locate water sources, vegetation, pollution sites, and other environmental applications. It acts as an aid in sustainability too.

Be prepared for a curriculum loaded with science and math courses in any B.S. in Environmental Science. Some of the classes you can expect are biology, chemistry, toxicology, molecular ecology, tropical ecology, earth dynamics, and hydrogeology.  Electives and alternative subjects study climate change, environmental policies, anthropology, population ethics, and general physics. Math classes entail linear algebra, calculus, and quantitative modeling.

Some of the classes in a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering are the same. For example, you will likely study chemistry and biology. These subjects give you a foundation in the analysis of contaminants. Typically, the engineering program differs in coursework concerning the mechanics of fluids, hydraulics, thermodynamics, and hydrodynamics. Similar to environmental science, you will have a dose of mathematics, namely algebra, differential equations, analytical geometry, and calculus.

Despite the emphasis on science courses in each major, some environmental science programs offer a reduced concentration. A degree in sustainability, for example, highlights the policies, laws, and applications pertinent to sustainability. Your career is less oriented to field work and more to the management of resources. In this type of program, your study plan includes economics, business ethics, urban ecology, and environmental law.

Employment

Your bachelor’s degree in environmental science takes you into private and government work. Scientists work for county and city sanitation and public services departments, as well as the EPA. In this position, you direct and supervise personnel involved in the respective department. For example, activities in water and sewer treatment, solid waste management, and hazardous materials assessment.

A review of posted jobs in environmental services, the preferred education mentions both of the captioned degrees. Additionally, a partial list of the minimum qualifications extends to a degree in civil engineering, biology, chemistry, geology or geosciences.

Salary Consideration

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the occupation of Environmental Scientists and Specialists at $69,400 (May 2017) with a Bachelor’s degree. The projected job growth is 11%, which is above average. The increase should result in a change of 9,900 jobs through 2026.

When considering potential salary, there is a difference between the two degrees. The BLS states that Environmental Engineers earn a median pay of $86,800 with an undergraduate diploma. The Bureau predicts its job growth at 8%, or average, through 2026. Fewer jobs will change, only 4,500.

importance of environmental science and environmental engineering

The environment is an evergreen subject because it matters a lot to our daily lives. It’s where we live, eat, breathe, and bring up our children. Our life support systems entirely rely on the well-being of every organism living on planet earth. This is why a lot has been written and spoken about the protection and conservation of the environment. There are even high-value courses dedicated to the study of the environment. A typical example is an environmental science.

Environmental science is a field that deals with the study of the interaction between human systems and natural systems. Natural systems involve the earth itself and life. Human systems are primarily the populations of the earth.

• Environment belongs to all living beings and thus is important for all. Each one is affected by environmental issues like global warming, depletion of ozone layer, dwindling forest, energy resources, loss of global biodiversity etc.
• Environment study deals with the analysis of the processes in water, air, land, soil and organisms which lead to pollute or degrade the environment. It helps us to establish a standard for a safe, clean and healthy natural ecosystem.
• It also deals with important issues like safe and clean drinking water, hygienic living conditions and clean and fresh air, fertility of land, healthy food and development.
• Sustainable environmental law, environmental protection, management and environmental engineering are emerging as dimensions in environment protection and management.

Environmental science involves different fields of study. Most often, the study of environmental science includes the study of climate change, natural resources, energy, pollution, and environmental issues.

In environmental sciences, ecologists study how plants and animals interact with each other, chemists study the living and non-living components of the environment, geologists study the formation, structure, and history of the earth, biologists study the biodiversity, physicists are involved in thermodynamics, computer scientists are involved in technical innovations and computer modeling and biomedical experts study the impact of environmental issues on our health and social lives.

The growing complexity of environmental problems is creating a need for scientists with rigorous, interdisciplinary training in environmental science. Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They must have a solid background in economics, sociology, and political science.

1. To Realize That Environmental Problems are Global

Environmental science lets you recognize that environmental problems such as climate change, global warming, ozone layer depletion, acid rains, and impacts on biodiversity and marine life are not just national problems, but global problems as well. So, concerted effort from across the world is needed to tackle these problems.

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2. To Understand the Impacts of Development on the Environment

It’s well documented and quantified that development results in Industrial growth, urbanization, expansion of telecommunication and transport systems, hi-tech agriculture, and expansion of housing.

Environmental science seeks to teach the general population about the need for decentralization of industries to reduce congestion in urban areas. Decentralization means many people will move out of urban centers to reduce pollution resulting from overpopulation.

The goal is to achieve all this sustainably without compromising the future generation’s ability to satisfy their own needs.

3. To Discover Sustainable Ways of Living

Environmental science is more concerned with discovering ways to live more sustainably. This means utilizing present resources in a manner that conserves their supplies for the future.

Environmental sustainability doesn’t have to outlaw living luxuriously, but it advocates for creating awareness about the consumption of resources and minimizing unnecessary waste.

This includes minimizing household energy consumption, using disposals to dispose of waste, eating locally, recycling more, growing your own food, drinking from the tap, conserving household water, and driving your car less.

4. To Utilize Natural Resources Efficiently

Natural resources bring a whole lot of benefits to a country. A country’s natural resources may not be utilized efficiently because of low-level training and a lack of management skills. Environmental science teaches us to use natural resources efficiently by:

• Appropriately putting into practice environmental conservation methods
• Using the right tools to explore resources
• Adding value to our resources
• Making sure machines are maintained appropriately
• Thorough training of human resources
• Provision of effective and efficient supervision
• Using the right techniques to minimize exploitation
• To understand the behavior of organisms under natural conditions

Behavior is what organisms manifest to respond to, interact with, and control their environment. An animal exhibits behavior as the first line of defense in response to any change of environment.

So, critical look at organism’s behavior can offer insightful information about animal’s needs, dislikes, preferences, and internal conditions providing that your evaluation of those observations firmly hinge on knowledge of species’-natural behavior.

5. To Shed Light on Contemporary Concepts Such as How to Conserve Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. The present rate of biodiversity loss is at an all-time high. Environmental science aims to teach people how to reverse this trend by:

• Using sustainable wood products
• Using organic foods
• Embracing the 3R’s, reduce, reuse, and recycle
• Purchasing sustainable seafood
• Supporting conservation campaigns at local levels
• Conserving power
• Minimizing the consumption of meat
• Utilizing eco-friendly cleaning products
• To understand the interrelationship between organisms in population and communities

Organisms and humans depend on each other to get by. Environmental science is important because it enables you to understand how these relationships work.

For example, humans breathe out carbon dioxide, which plants need for photosynthesis. Plants, on the other hand, produce and release oxygen to the atmosphere, which humans need for respiration.

Animal droppings are sources of nutrients for plants and other microorganisms. Plants are sources of food for humans and animals. In short, organisms and humans depend on each other for survival.

6. To Learn and Create Awareness About Environmental Problems at Local, National and International Levels

Environmental problems at local, national, and international levels mostly occur due to lack of awareness. Environmental science aims to educate and equip learners with the necessary environmental skills to pass to the community in order to create awareness.

Environmental awareness can be created through social media, creating a blog dedicated to creating awareness, community-centered green clubs, women forums, and religious podiums.

Components of Environmental Science

1. Ecology

Ecology is the study of organisms and the environment interacting with one another. Ecologists, who make up a part of environmental scientists, try to find relations between the status of the environment and the population of a particular species within that environment, and if there are any correlations to be drawn between the two.

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For example, ecologists might take the populations of a particular type of bird with the status of the part of the Amazon Rainforest that the population is living in.

The ecologists will study and may or may not come to the conclusion that the bird population is increasing or decreasing as a result of air pollution in the rainforest. They may also take multiple species of birds and see if they can find any relation to one another, allowing the scientists to come to a conclusion if the habitat is suitable or not for that species to live in.

2. Geoscience

Geoscience concerns the study of geology, soil science, volcanoes, and the Earth’s crust as they relate to the environment. As an example, scientists may study the erosion of the Earth’s surface in a particular area. Soil scientists, physicists, biologists, and geomorphologists would all take part in the study.

Geomorphologists would study the movement of solid particles (sediments), biologists would study the impacts of the study to the plants and animals of the immediate environment, physicists would study the light transmission changes in the water causing the erosion, and the soil scientists would make the final calculations on the flow of the water when it infiltrates the soil to full capacity causing the erosion in the first place.

3. Atmospheric Science

Atmospheric science is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere. It analyzes the relation of the Earth’s atmosphere to the atmospheres of other systems. This encompasses a wide variety of scientific studies relating to space, astrology, and the Earth’s atmosphere: meteorology, pollution, gas emissions, and airborne contaminants.

An example of atmospheric science is where physicists study the atmospheric circulation of a part of the atmosphere, chemists would study the chemicals existent in this part and their relationships with the environment, meteorologists study the dynamics of the atmosphere, and biologists study how the plants and animals have affected and their relationship with the environment.

4. Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry is the study of the changes chemicals make in the environment, such as contamination of the soil, pollution of the water, degradation of chemicals, and the transport of chemicals upon the plants and animals of the immediate environment.

An example of environmental chemistry would be the introduction of a chemical object into an environment, in which chemists would then study the chemical bonding to the soil or sand of the environment. Biologists would then study the now chemically induced soil to see its relationship with the plants and animals of the environment.

Environmental science is an active and growing part of the scientific world accelerated by the need to address problems with the Earth’s environment. It encompasses multiple scientific fields and sciences to see how all interchange and relate with one another in any of the above four components.

Top 5 Environmental Science Careers

1. Environmental Scientist

An environmental scientist performs research to pinpoint, minimize the grave impacts of, or get rid of hazards and pollutants to the environments or the health of the globe’s population. His or her main aim is to protect and conserve Mother Nature. The average annual salary of an environmental scientist is $67,400.

Environmental scientist jobs are normally full time, including working over 40 hours a week. Their main workplaces are laboratories and outdoor field works. You need impeccable skills set to be an environmental scientist including communication skills, reading comprehension, and self-discipline.

2. Environmental Engineer

An environmental engineer finds solutions to problems in the environment by leveraging his or her knowledge of soil science, engineering, biology, and chemistry. His or her area of focus includes the control of pollution, recycling, and Public health aspects.

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A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering is required to become an environmental engineer. The environmental engineer takes home an annual salary of about $87,620. An environmental engineer should be able to:

• Offer suggestions for maintaining and beefing up the environmental performance
• Find out, evaluate and apply stormwater good management practices for municipal, industrial and construction stormwater programs
• Evaluate environmental regulations and seek counsel with applicability determination
• He or she should document all environmental incidences
• Develop and keep in line environmental management systems to conform to air and permit regulations
• Lead from the front in the negotiation and of permit applications
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, prepare required documentation, organize any testing sessions, and provide more follow-up documentation needed.

3. Environmental Biologist

An environmental biologist deals with the ecosystem and wildlife that reside in it. However, environmental biologist focuses a lot on the biological side of any ecosystem, which means his or her duties are more inclined to biology. To qualify as an environmental biologist, you need a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology. The duties of an environmental biologist include:

• Administering biological and project schedules using scientific techniques, statistical tools and in-depth knowledge in the domain
• Scheduling and conducting biological experiments and follow up with field and laboratory operating processes
• Pinpoint project technicalities and counteract them effectively without compromising resources and time
• Bring up findings of experiments to colleagues and stakeholders
• Ensure scientific integrity by working with a team in conjunction with peer review data

4. Environmental Geologist

Environmental geology is a field of study that blends the main cornerstone of environmental science and puts more emphasis on geology and how to apply it in a real-world scenario to solve environmental problems.

An environmental geologist goes beyond interest in the environment and correlation between humans and wildlife in it. He or she also focuses on fossil fuels, non-renewable resources, minerals, and the earth’s crust.

An environmental geologist will spend most of his or her work life serving as a consultant, assisting in the mitigation of soil and groundwater contamination by determining the right location for new landfills and drawing up a plan for underground waste disposal.

He or she also ensures water supplies and soils that are responsible for growing food stay clean and uncontaminated without affecting or limiting access to any organism or animal that relies on them for survival. The average annual salary for an environmental geologist is $91,130.