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Environmental Engineering (ENE)
The B.S. degree program in Environmental Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Environmental Engineering.
Environmental Engineering (ENE) Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
The overarching mission of the program is to prepare engineers who specialize in environmental systems at the baccalaureate level and understand how to apply engineering principles to solve environmental problems and harness energy while maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem. ENE Program identified five specific Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) to address the local, state, and national opportunities and needs. The ENE program expects the graduates within a few years of graduation to attain the following:
- Be employed as practicing engineers in environmental engineering or related fields (civil, chemical, ecological, energy, or agricultural) and satisfy and exceed employers’ expectations;
- Develop professionally through attainment of licensure, or through enrolling in or completing advanced studies in engineering research or engineering management;
- Attain progressive leadership positions in engineering or related professional fields through professionalism and adherence to engineering code, ethics, and responsibilities;
- Contribute to the sustainable development of civil, process, and industrial infrastructures; and
- Make a positive impact on the environment, public health, and wellness of local communities and the global society
Environmental Engineering Curriculum
The Environmental Engineering program at Central State University offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum that combines a strong foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering with hands-on learning and practical experience. Students develop technical knowledge, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities needed to address environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable solutions.
A Strong Foundation in Science and Engineering
The curriculum emphasizes rigorous preparation in mathematics and the natural sciences, including calculus-based physics, chemistry, differential equations, and linear algebra. General education courses in the humanities and social and behavioral sciences complement this technical foundation, supporting students' intellectual and professional development.
Students also complete core engineering courses in Engineering Computer Graphics, Statics, Dynamics, and Strength of Materials, along with selected coursework in Manufacturing Engineering. Building on these fundamentals, specialized environmental engineering courses cover key areas such as Environmental Hydraulics, Water Supply, Wastewater Treatment Systems, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, and Fundamentals of Air Quality Engineering.
Hands-On Learning and Practical Experience
Experiential learning is an essential component of the Environmental Engineering curriculum. Students apply classroom knowledge through laboratory investigations, engineering projects, and practical problem-solving activities.
The C. J. McLin International Center for Water Resources Management, home to the Environmental Engineering program, provides access to specialized laboratories and equipment supporting instruction in hydraulics, hydrology, water quality, and soils. These resources help students develop practical technical skills and gain experience with environmental engineering principles and applications.
To further strengthen their professional preparation, students complete a required internship and a senior-year capstone project, providing opportunities to apply engineering knowledge to real-world challenges.
Interdisciplinary Studies in Water Resources Management
A distinctive feature of Central State University's Environmental Engineering program is its integration of Water Resources Management (WRM) coursework. This interdisciplinary approach connects engineering principles with environmental science, public policy, and natural resource management.
Students explore critical topics such as water policy and regulation, irrigation and drainage, soil and water conservation, socioeconomic impacts, environmental regulations, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing.
The program draws on faculty expertise in air quality engineering, hydraulics, hydrology, solid waste management, water quality, water policy, economics, geography, and geology. This breadth of expertise provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the technical, environmental, and societal dimensions of engineering practice.
Aligned with Central State University's land-grant mission, the curriculum prepares graduates to contribute to environmental stewardship, water resource sustainability, and infrastructure development. Graduates are equipped to pursue career opportunities in environmental engineering, civil engineering, and agricultural hydrology across public agencies, private industry, and related sectors.
Students interested in expanding their academic experience may pursue minors in Water Resources Management, Nuclear Engineering, or other approved fields.
Student Organizations and Professional Development
Environmental Engineering students are encouraged to engage in professional organizations that promote leadership, networking, academic achievement, and career development.
Opportunities for involvement include student chapters of the:
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
High-achieving students may also qualify for membership in Tau Chi Alpha (TXA), the national environmental engineering honor society.
Through a combination of rigorous academics, interdisciplinary learning, hands-on experience, and professional engagement, Central State University's Environmental Engineering program prepares students to address complex environmental challenges and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the engineering profession.
Student Outcomes for ENE Curriculum
To achieve the program's educational objectives, the environmental engineering program at CSU has adopted the following seven ABET student outcomes:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Core Competencies for ENE Graduates
The environmental engineering curriculum provides students with the following competencies upon successful completion of the program:
- Application of mathematics, physics, chemistry, hydraulics, and engineering for finding solutions to environmental problems.
- Problem-solving skills by using mathematical, logical, analytical, and algorithmic constructs.
- Effective communication with peers as well as the general public through reading, speaking, and writing skills.
- Capability to use technology tools in planning, design, operation, and management of environmental engineering systems and in the assessment of spatially distributed problems using geospatial tools such as GIS and remote sensing.
- Ability to use appropriate laboratory and field instrumentation needed in environmental engineering work.
- Understanding and appreciation of the need for accuracy in professional judgment, accountability, engineering ethics, and social responsibility.
- The necessity to continuously update skills in the environmental engineering profession. The coursework, laboratory experiences, fieldwork, summer internship, and a capstone design project are used to teach these competencies to hydraulic and environmental engineering students.
Study Life's Complexity
Explore. Discover. Innovate.
At Central State University, the Environmental Engineering program prepares students to understand and address complex environmental challenges through academic excellence, hands-on learning, and professional development. In alignment with the University's mission, the program provides a supportive learning environment that equips students with the knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in an increasingly technological and interconnected world.
Students benefit from a personalized educational experience that emphasizes research, faculty mentorship, and real-world applications.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Gain valuable research experience through faculty-guided projects on campus and summer internships that connect classroom learning with practical environmental challenges.
Experienced and Highly Qualified Faculty: Learn from dedicated faculty members who hold doctoral degrees (PhDs) and bring professional expertise and real-world experience into the classroom.
Small Classes and Personalized Mentorship: Thrive in a collaborative learning environment with small class sizes, individualized instruction, and one-on-one mentoring from faculty committed to student success.
Through these opportunities, Environmental Engineering students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional skills needed to pursue rewarding careers and contribute to innovative, sustainable solutions.
A total of 121 semester hours are required for the B.S. degree in environmental engineering with a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in the major concentration.
Program map
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First time students
- Complete Math | English | Biology | Chemistry requirements
- Complete Introductory Major ENE courses
- Complete Remedial Math & Science Courses (if needed)
- Complete First Year Seminar Course
- Academic Advising (Heavy) | Faculty Advising (Introduction)
- Explore Research Apprenticeships | Internships
- Involve Professional Societies | Honor Societies
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Undeclared to STEM
Transfer Students
- Complete Engineering Science Courses
- Complete Advanced Math & Biology courses
- Complete other General Education courses
- Faculty Advising
- Explore undergraduate research/internships
- Involving Professional Societies | Honor Societies (lower-level leadership)
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2+2 Transfer Students
- Complete Environmental Engineering Theory courses
- Complete Initial level design courses
- Take Minor courses
- Faculty Advising
- Enhance undergraduate research/internships
- Research presentations & Attend conferences
- Involve Professional Societies | Honor Societies (middle level leadership)
- Engage Peer Mentoring & Tutoring
- Attend Career Fairs & Networking
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- Complete Advanced Environmental Engineering Courses
- Complete Capstone design project
- Complete optional Certificate & Minor courses
- Faculty Advising | Career Service Advising
- Take GRE and Apply for Graduate and Professional Programs
- Take EIT Upper-level certification exams
- Research presentations, Attend conferences, Publish papers
- Involve Professional Societies | Honor Societies (Upper-level leadership)
- Engage Peer Mentoring & Tutoring
- Attend Career Fairs, Networking, Resume Writing & Job Interviews
Graduate to Industry
Graduate Schools
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Year 4+
- Degree Awarded
- Post graduate surveys
- Get Official Transcripts
- Begin your post-CSU Experience
- Complete advanced coursework
- Attend Graduate and Professional Schools
- Pass licensure exams
- Enter workforce
Environmental Engineering Courses
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ENE 2200. Introduction to Environmental Engineering (I; 3) An introductory course that gives students some basic understanding of stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, mass balances and kinetics (chemical and biological) in continuous and batch unit operations pertaining to environmental systems. Characterization of pollution in open systems such as streams, lakes and soil will be covered. Applications include drinking water, wastewater, municipal and industrial landfills, and hazardous waste operations. Site characteristics, risk analysis and assessment, toxicology, and site remediation will be briefly addressed. Students will work on generating an environmental impact statement for a construction project. Prerequisites: CHM 1201, MTH 2503.
ENE 3305. Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics (I; 3) First course that deals with statics and dynamics of incompressible fluids in general, and water in particular. Fluid properties; Principles of hydrostatics; Kinematics and dynamics of fluid flows; Flow visualization; Mass, momentum, and energy conservation; Bernoulli’s principle; Introduction to fluid flow in closed conduits and open channels; Introduction to turbo machinery - pumps and turbines. Laboratory work includes demonstration of Bernoulli’s principle and Reynolds laminar and turbulent flow concepts; estimating pipe friction; energy principles in open channel flow and steady flow formulas - Chezy and Manning’s formulas; Hydraulic behavior of turbomachinery. Additional two contact hours are required for laboratory experiments. Three one hour lectures/one two-hour lab. Prerequisites: MTH 2503 and PHY 2411. Equivalent to OET009.
ENE 3309. Water Chemistry (I; 3) This is an applied course in chemistry dealing with chemical reactions in water. Chemical equilibrium speciation studies - Aqueous speciation, Precipitation-Dissolution, Oxidation Reduction in both natural and impaired aqueous environments. Rate laws and kinetics of aquatic reactions of environmental importance – Hardness Removal, Acid mine drainage, Disinfection. Laboratory experiments include estimation of total metals using atomic absorption spectrometer, organics using HPLC and Gas chromatograph/Mass spectrometer using EPA approved methods. Estimation of pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. Colorimetric methods for estimation of chloride, nitrite, and nitrates in water. Use of a water chemistry model, MINTEQA2 to estimate species concentrations given the total metal, pH, and redox conditions. Two additional contact hours for the laboratory is required. Three one-hour lecture/one two-hour lab. Prerequisite: CHM 1202.
ENE 3315. Fundamentals of Air Quality Engineering (II; 3) Characterization and control of air pollution problems. Analysis of fundamental chemical and physical processes governing pollutant transport and dispersion in air. Combustion chemistry of hydrocarbon fuels. Air pollution control systems. Pollution sources, control techniques with introduction to sensors. Transformations, atmospheric transport, deposition and modeling. Indoor Air quality management. Three one-hour lecture.
ENE 3320. Engineering Hydrology (I; 3) Physical hydrology phases hydrologic cycle evaporation, precipitation, infiltration and runoff. Physical and empirical models of evaporation from water bodies, evapotranspiration models; Precipitation measurement and assessment of temporal and spatial variability; Infiltration theory and modeling; rainfall runoff correlation in watersheds - overland flow, hydrographs and flow routing; Empirical models of rainfall-runoff correlation; statistical hydrology concepts; Environmental Hydrology. Three one hour lecture/one two-hour lab. Prerequisites: ENE 3305 and MTH 2001.
ENE 3325. Groundwater Hydraulics (II; 3) Study of aquifers and their characteristics- porosity, specific yield and specific retention, permeability and transmissivity. Darcy’s law and fluid continuum in soils; steady flow through confined/ unconfined/artesian aquifers with and without recharge; hydraulics of wells in confined and unconfined aquifers; design of wells; estimating groundwater characteristics using pumping data; groundwater contamination - site assessment, geologic study, plume delineation and remedial action. Introduction to groundwater flow models using MODFLOW; Well-head protection. Three one-hour lecture/one two-hour lab. Prerequisites: ENE 3305, and GEL 1101 or instructor’s permission.ENE 3330. Energy and The Environment (II; 3) This course explores current and emerging topics in sustainable energy development. The primary focus will be on interconnectedness between energy development and environmental degradation with a goal to sustaining natural ecosystems. Discussion of all forms of energy production, consumption by different sectors, and environmental impacts and mitigation. Emphasis will be on clean and renewable energies as solutions to addressing climate change. The course introduces materials for energy, energy calculations through application of thermodynamic/mass and heat transfer principles and explores basic design principles behind energy conversions, power calculations and efficiencies. Includes domestic examples and global case studies. Field trip to a local energy facility. Prerequisites: ENE 2200, CHM 1202, PHY 2412.
ENE 4406. Environmental Hydraulics (II; 2) Two hour Lecture Application of hydraulics for environmental engineering systems in aspects of design with emphasis on cost optimality, energy conservation and sustainability. Hydraulic flows in treatment systems, distribution networks, riverine and reservoir regulation systems, water conducting systems for water supply and water power, measurement structures and flow through pumps and turbines. The hydraulic demonstration will emphasize learning the impact of different parameters for design and operate in hydraulic flows in environmental engineering systems. Prerequisites: ENE 3305.
ENE 4415. Water Supply (I; 3) The course will focus on the design and operation of water supply facilities collection, treatment, and distribution. US EPA regulations on water quality, water quality standards, clean water act; water abstraction systems; theory and design of physical and chemical treatment systems-screening, sedimentation, coagulation, filtration, softening and disinfection. Water distribution pipe networks; laboratory experiments include jar testing for coagulants, and also an analysis of trihalomethanes. Three one-hour lecture/one two-hour for laboratory work and design calculations. Field trip to a local water treatment plant. Prerequisites: ENE 3309, BIO 2060/BIO 2650.
ENE 4425. Solid and Hazardous Waste Management (II; 3) Municipal solid waste topics include history, regulations, sources, composition, properties, engineering principles in handling, transferring and transporting, material separation, processing technologies, recycling, thermal conversions, design of incinerators, biological and chemical conversions, and remediation. Topics related to hazardous waste including identification, segregation, labeling, storing, disposal and clean up, and related hazardous waste regulations. Three one-hour lecture classes. Prerequisite: CHM 1202.
ENE 4430. Wastewater Treatment Systems (II; 3) A process design approach to studying wastewater treatment systems. Study of wastewater flows- quantity and quality. Study of sewer system design and maintenance. Fundamentals of reactor design with illustrations from wastewater treatment systems. Theory and design of key unit operations in wastewater treatment plant. Primary treatment processes-grit settling chambers and Parshall flume design, mechanically agitated screens, primary clarifier and odor control unit; Secondary treatment suspended growth systems; activated sludge with various configurations on feed and oxygen introduction, and oxidation ditch; attached growth systems theory of biofilms, design of trickling filters and rotating biological contactors. Solids handling: sludge digester theory and design, sludge loading and dewatering, digester gas and cogeneration. Field trip to a wastewater treatment plant. Laboratory experiments include wastewater characterization and disinfection by-products identification using gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. Three one-hour lecture/one two-hour for laboratory work and design calculations. Prerequisites: ENE 3309, BIO 2060/BIO 2650.
ENE 4496. Senior Capstone Design Project I (I; 1) The first part of a two-course sequence. It is designed for graduating seniors to integrate the knowledge they had gained in all ENE courses and apply it in a field application/capstone design project related to a topic of interest within the field. Each student/student team will be required to work on an engineering project, such as designing a typical environmental engineering system or recommending improvements in the operation of an environmental control system. Students will be expected to submit a formal report and an oral presentation to the environmental engineering professionals. This course involves selecting a topic and advisor(s), conducting a literature search, understanding codes and regulations, conceptual design, selecting design tools, plan of work, and securing necessary resources. Prerequisites: Senior standing in the ENE or the WRM major.ENE 4498. Senior Capstone Design Project II (II; 2) The second part of a two- course sequence. It is designed for graduating seniors to integrate the knowledge they had gained in all ENE courses and apply it in a field application/capstone design project related to a topic of interest within the field. Each student /student team will be required to work on an engineering project such as designing a typical environmental engineering system or recommending improvements in the operation of an environmental control system. Students will be expected to submit a formal final report and an oral presentation to the Environmental Engineering Professionals. This course involves design implementation, evaluation of alternatives, economic analysis, and inclusion of public health, safety, and welfare aspects. Prerequisite: ENE 4496.
OTHER COURSES
ENE 4405. Applied Hydraulics (II; 3) Application of principles of fluid mechanics to flow in pipes, pipe networks, open channels and hydro-machinery. Estimation of pressure distribution in pipe networks; Design of pipe networks; friction loss computation using Darcy-Weisbach, Hazen-Williams and Manning equations, solutions to pipe network problems using Hardy-Cross method, and use of computer models for the hydraulic design of pipe networks. Nonuniform flow in open channels and its application to flooding in rivers; introduction to unsteady flow in pipes and open channels; dimensional analysis; hydraulics of pumps and turbines; and introduction to sediment transport in rivers. Prerequisite: ENE 3305.
ENE 4410. Water Model Applications (I; 4) This will be an applied course in the use of various water quality and water quantity models used in the water industry. The areas will cover hydrology, hydraulics, and groundwater and water quality. Emphasis on problem solving with real world conditions. Models considered include HEC-HMS and RAS, GMS, QUAL2EU, EPANET, WMS. Prerequisite: ENE 3325 or permission of the instructor.ENE 4435. Soil and Water Pollution Control (II; 4) An advanced course that deals with physical and chemical characteristics of pollutants in soil and water and their fate and transport; thermodynamic properties of organic and inorganic pollutants in soil and water; equilibrium partitioning of pollutants in the environment; air to water partitioning using Henry’s Law; vapor pure liquid partitioning using Raoult’s Law; soil water partitioning using Freundlich, Langmuir and BET sorption isotherms; modeling fate and transport of pollutants in soil and water, non-aqueous phase liquids. Use of 1-D groundwater models such as CXTFIT; Groundwater contamination using CHEMFLO and MODFLOW; Overview of remedial technologies discussion on engineering controls such as pump and treat and soil washing, biological treatments such as bioremediation and phytoremediation; case study on non-point source pollution. Prerequisites: ENE 3309 and ENE 3325.
ENE 4440. Environmental Professionals Seminar (I, II; 1) Discussions led by working professionals in the field of Environmental Engineering on selected topics in the field. Designed to expose students to a wide range of practitioners and issues.
ENE 4497. Special Problems in Environmental Engineering (I, II, III; 3) Individual study in advanced water resources management research. Open only to juniors and seniors.
ENE 4596. Internship (I, II, III; 3) On the job training in agencies and/or companies engaged in activities related to environmental engineering/ water resources management. Not open to students who have participated in the co-op program.
Curriculum
The curriculum below is to be used in consultation with an academic advisor. The student must be familiar with the University requirements, the General Education Requirements, and any Special Requirements for the above degree.
Fall semester Spring semester Course # Title Credits Course # Title Credits Freshman Freshman CHM 1201 General Chemistry I 4 CHM 1202 General Chemistry II 4 ENG 1010 Intro to Writing for College 3 ENG 2010 Writing and Research the Essay 3 USS 1000 Undergraduate Success Seminar 2 MFE 1210 Engineering Analysis I 3 INT 1210 Engineering Computer Graphics 3 MTH 2503 Calculus II 5 MTH 2502 Calculus I 4 Total 16 15 Sophomore Sophomore ENE 2200 Intro to Environ Engineering 3 PHY 2412 University Physics II w/Lab 5 SCV HIS 1110, 1121, 1122, PSY 1200, SOC 1105 3 MTH 2001 Probability & Statistics I 3 MFE 2310 Statics 3 MFE 2420 Dynamics 3 MTH 3110 Differential Equations 4 GEL 1101 Physical Geology 4 PHY 2411 University Physics I w/Lab 5 Total 18 15 Junior Junior ENE 3305 Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics 3 ENE 3315 Air Quality Engineering 3 ENE 3309 Water Chemistry 3 ENE 3320 Engineering Hydrology 3 MFE 3530 Strength of Materials 3 ENE 3325 Groundwater Hydraulics 3 MFE 3550 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer 3 ENE 3330 Energy & The Environment 3 WRM 3370 Introduction to GIS 3 BIO 2060 or BIO 2650 Env. Microbiology or Microbiology 4 Total 15 16 Senior Senior ENE 4415 Water Supply 3 ENE 4406 Environmental Hydraulics 2 ENE 4425 Solid and Hazard Waste Mgmt. 3 ENE 4430 Wastewater Treatment Systems 3 ELECTIVE From List B or C 3 ENE 4498 Senior Capstone Design Project II 2 ENE 4496 Senior Capstone Design Project I 1 WRM 3308 Water and Environmental Law 3 IDS 2010 Civic Literacy and Citizenship 3 ELECTIVE From List B 3 Total 13 13
Career Paths
Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Environmental engineers play a vital role in protecting natural resources, improving environmental quality, and developing sustainable solutions to complex environmental challenges. By combining engineering principles with knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, and socioeconomic factors, they design and implement innovative approaches to protect public health and the environment.
Environmental engineering encompasses a wide range of activities, including pollution prevention and control, environmental preservation, remediation, and ecosystem restoration. Graduates of Central State University's Environmental Engineering program are prepared to pursue career opportunities in areas such as water and wastewater treatment, air quality management, solid and hazardous waste management, environmental consulting, water resources management, and environmental protection.
With a strong foundation in technical knowledge and practical problem-solving, graduates can contribute to creating healthier communities and a more sustainable future through careers in government agencies, private industry, engineering firms, and environmental organizations.
In addition to entering the workforce, many graduates of Central State University's Environmental Engineering program have pursued advanced degrees in environmental engineering and related disciplines at R1 research universities across the nation. These institutions are recognized for their high levels of research activity, providing graduates with opportunities to deepen their technical expertise, engage in advanced research, and prepare for specialized careers in engineering, research, and academia.
Experiences and Opportunities
Learn Beyond the Classroom
At Central State University, learning extends beyond the classroom through meaningful experiences that connect academic knowledge with professional practice. Environmental Engineering students have opportunities to strengthen their technical skills, explore emerging environmental challenges, and build valuable professional connections.
Through hands-on undergraduate research, students apply engineering principles to real-world environmental issues while developing critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
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At CSU, even undergraduates do research, whether it’s at the campus lab or off-campus at an internship. You’ll work with professors and research scientists, and some students present and publish nationally.
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You’ll hear about research, the bedrock of the field from guest speakers throughout the year. And you’ll begin to imagine the career paths you can take with your degree and the impact you’ll be able to have.
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Students who qualify for induction have access to national speakers and networks in the discipline.