Environmental Engineering Major Standardization v1.0 Environmental Engineering Major As an Environmental Engineering major at West Point, you will design systems that protect human health and sustain military operations, from drinking water and wastewater treatment to air quality control and environmental remediation. Through rigorous coursework, laboratory analysis, and applied design projects, you will prepare to lead Soldiers and manage environmental risk in support of Army missions worldwide.Apply to the AcademyConnect With Our Admissions Team Breadcrumb environmental engineering major standardization v10 academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Annual Theme Enrichment Opportunities Internships Military Immersion & Exchange Scholars Program Service Academy Exchange Program Departments Overview Program Enrichment Environmental Engineering at West PointProtect people. Preserve resources. Lead sustainable solutions.Environmental Engineering at West Point prepares cadets to design systems that safeguard public health, sustain installations, and support operational effectiveness. Through an ABET-accredited, lab-intensive curriculum grounded in environmental chemistry, fluid mechanics, biological systems, and engineering design, cadets develop the technical depth and leadership judgment required of Army officers responsible for environmental compliance and infrastructure systems.This is engineering built for mission impact.Why This Major MattersArmy operations depend on safe water supplies, effective waste management, air quality control, and environmental compliance at installations worldwide. Environmental Engineering majors learn how contaminants move through air, soil, and water and how to design treatment systems that protect Soldiers and communities.Graduates commission prepared to assess environmental risk, manage infrastructure systems, and deliver practical engineering solutions that strengthen readiness at home and overseas.Quick Facts:Degree Type: BSDepartment: Civil & Environmental EngineeringProgram length: 4 yearsAccreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABETLab-Intensive CurriculumCore ThemesWater resources planning and treatment system designAir pollution engineering and atmospheric systemsSolid and hazardous waste remediationEnvironmental chemistry and contaminant transportBiological treatment systemsRisk assessment and regulatory complianceEthical decision-making in environmental engineeringCadet quote (example placeholder)“Environmental Engineering showed me how technical decisions directly affect human health and mission success. In labs and capstone design, we solved real problems that mirror what I will face as an Army officer.”— Environmental Engineering Major, Class of 20XXGet more informationThe West Point AdvantageEnvironmental Engineering at West Point combines rigorous technical education with officer development and applied experience.Hands-On Engineering From Day OneCadets engage in laboratory testing, field sampling, and system design early in the curriculum.From water quality analysis to biological treatment systems, students connect theory to real environmental challenges under realistic constraints.Faculty With Operational ExpertiseCourses are taught by Army engineers and experienced scholars who have supported installations, combat operations, and national infrastructure missions.Faculty connect environmental chemistry, air quality, and waste management principles directly to Army requirements.Small Classes and Direct MentorshipSmall class sizes ensure frequent interaction and individualized feedback.Faculty serve as instructors, academic counselors, and research mentors throughout a cadet’s four years.Research and Applied InternshipsCadets participate in Academic Individual Advanced Development internships with organizations such as the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory.Projects have included potable water reuse systems and installation wastewater treatment improvements.Leadership Embedded in DesignThe two-course capstone sequence requires cadets to lead teams delivering complete environmental engineering solutions that balance public health, cost, regulatory standards, and operational feasibility.The Journey Continues: From Engineering to Army LeadershipService first. Responsibility early. Impact that endures.Environmental Engineering majors commission as officers responsible for people, systems, and mission readiness in environments where infrastructure and public health intersect.Commissioning PathwaysEnvironmental Engineering aligns with branches requiring technical expertise and infrastructure leadership:Engineer CorpsLead units responsible for construction, mobility, and environmental compliance in operational settings.Chemical CorpsManage hazard response and contamination mitigation in complex environments.Logistics BranchesOversee sustainment and resource systems supporting installations and deployed operations.Adjutant GeneralApply organizational systems knowledge to sustain personnel readiness.Military IntelligenceAssess environmental conditions and infrastructure vulnerabilities to support planning.Cyber and Signal CorpsSupport digital systems critical to mission command.Learn how commissioning worksPost-Graduate OpportunitiesEnvironmental Engineering majors compete for scholarships including the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship, Rhodes, and Marshall awards.Many officers pursue Army-funded master’s degrees in environmental engineering, civil engineering, engineering management, or public policy. Assignments with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Army research laboratories provide additional technical depth while continuing to serve.Explore scholarships and graduate opportunitiesWhat Environmental Engineering Officers Do: Across a CareerEarly Career: Lead and ExecuteAs a second lieutenant, you may lead a platoon responsible for construction, facility maintenance, or environmental compliance. You manage personnel, equipment, and risk while ensuring safe operating conditions in domestic and deployed environments.Mid-Career: Command and SpecializeAs a captain, you may command a company or serve on battalion and brigade staffs overseeing installation water systems, environmental programs, and infrastructure planning. Officers frequently manage multimillion dollar projects supporting national infrastructure and disaster response.Senior Career: Shape Policy and CapabilityAt senior levels, Environmental Engineering officers influence how the Army manages sustainability, infrastructure modernization, and environmental risk. Roles may include installation command, strategic planning, and acquisition oversight.Start the applicationQuestions Prospective Cadets AskClear answers to help you decide and move forward with confidenceDo I need to be perfect at math and science?No. The program is rigorous but structured to develop you. Work ethic, curiosity, and commitment matter most.What sets this major apart?You receive ABET-accredited engineering education while preparing to lead Soldiers responsible for infrastructure and environmental systems. Technical depth and leadership development occur simultaneously.What happens after graduation?You commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Many majors branch into Engineers, Chemical Corps, Logistics, or related technical branches.How early can I participate in internships?Cadets may participate in AIAD internships during the summers after yearling and cow year with Army organizations and research laboratories.Is research required?A two-course capstone design sequence is required. Additional research opportunities are widely available.Can I add a minor?Many cadets pursue a minor, and some complete double majors depending on acaYes. Many cadets pursue complementary minors aligned with their career goals.How selective is this major?The program is challenging but open to motivated cadets who are prepared to work hard.What does it cost?West Point provides a fully funded education in exchange for service after graduation.Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West PointApply today to pursue an Environmental Engineering major while gaining world-class leadership training, a fully funded education, and a career-launching experience. Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.Key Deadlines:Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) openApril 15 – SLE application closesFall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications dueJan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadlineView Full Admissions RequirementsTake the First StepStarting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.Begin your journey in STEM at West PointGet answers to your questionsDiscover West Point for yourselfResources for Current CadetsDepartment of Civil & Environmental Engineering HomepagePrimary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.Major Curriculum & Sample Course PlansHelps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.Contact an Environmental Engineering Major AdvisorDirect link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director. What You’ll StudyThe curriculum progresses from foundational science to advanced environmental system design. Cadets begin with chemistry, biology, fluid mechanics, and mathematics, then apply those principles to water treatment, air quality control, waste management, and environmental risk assessment.How the Curriculum Builds Your ExpertiseFoundational KnowledgeEnvironmental chemistry, biological systems, fluid mechanics, and calculus.Advanced ApplicationDesign and analyze drinking water, wastewater, air pollution, and remediation systems.Leadership and Military RelevanceIntegrate regulatory compliance, sustainability, and risk communication into operational decision-making.Course HighlightsCourseWhat You Will LearnEV201 Introduction to Environmental Engineering and DesignDefine environmental challenges and develop structured engineering solutions.EV394 Hydrogeology and Hydraulic SystemsDefine environmental challenges and develop structured engineering solutions.EV396 Environmental Biological SystemsDefine environmental challenges and develop structured engineering solutions.EV397 Air Pollution EngineeringEvaluate emissions and design air quality control systems.EV401 Physical and Chemical TreatmentApply treatment methods for safe drinking water and wastewater.EV402 Biochemical TreatmentApply treatment methods for safe drinking water and wastewater.EV488 Solid and Hazardous Waste Treatment and RemediationDevelop strategies to manage hazardous materials and restore sites.EV481 Water Resources Planning and DesignPlan resilient water systems balancing cost and sustainability.View the full curriculum in the USMA Red BookYear-by-Year SnapshotFirst Year – FoundationsMathematics, chemistry, physics, and introductory engineering.Second Year – Core Environmental SystemsCore environmental systems and laboratory skills.Third Year – Applied Engineering DesignAir pollution, water treatment, hydrogeology, and remediation.Senior Year – Integration and Professional PracticeAdvanced design courses and capstone integration.Capstone Design ExperienceCadets complete a two-course design sequence requiring them to identify an environmental challenge, evaluate alternatives, and deliver a complete engineering solution. Projects consider public health, sustainability, regulatory standards, cost, and operational feasibility.By completion, cadets demonstrate the ability to lead technical teams and communicate defensible engineering decisions.Faculty & MentorshipEnvironmental Engineering at West Point is built on close faculty mentorship and direct engagement. You will learn from Army officers and experienced engineers who have supported combat operations, installation management, environmental compliance programs, and national infrastructure projects. Small class sizes ensure consistent interaction, detailed feedback, and professional guidance throughout your four years.Meet the FacultyEnvironmental Engineering at West Point emphasizes close faculty mentorship and direct engagement.The department is led by COL Phil Dacunto, an experienced Army engineer officer. Faculty include active-duty officers and scholars specializing in water resources, environmental chemistry, biological treatment systems, and sustainability.Small class sizes foster accessibility, accountability, and applied problem-solving. Faculty mentor cadets through capstone projects, internships, and research aligned with Army priorities.View full faculty directoryExpand Your ExpertiseEnvironmental Engineering majors may deepen expertise through electives, honors research, and complementary minors.Complementary MinorOpportunityEnvironmental ScienceBroaden your understanding of ecological systems and environmental policy.Access field sampling tools, laboratory analysis facilities, and sustainability-focused coursework.Geographic Information SystemsStrengthen spatial analysis and terrain assessment skills.Use geospatial software and mapping laboratories to analyze environmental risk and infrastructure planning.Systems EngineeringApply structured problem-solving to complex infrastructure and environmental systems.Work with modeling tools and decision analysis frameworks used in operational planning.Data ScienceEnhance quantitative analysis and evidence-based environmental decision-making.Utilize statistical software and applied data laboratories to interpret environmental datasets.Engineering ManagementDevelop advanced project planning and resource allocation skills.Engage with coursework focused on project management, cost analysis, and organizational performance.Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West PointAdmission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.Key Deadlines:Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) openApril 15 – SLE application closesFall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications dueJan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadlineView Full Admissions RequirementsTake the First StepStarting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.Begin your journey in STEM at West PointGet answers to your questionsDiscover West Point for yourselfResources for Current CadetsDepartment of Civil & Environmental Engineering HomepagePrimary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.Major Curriculum & Sample Course PlansHelps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.Contact an Environmental Engineering Major AdvisorDirect link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director. Experience Environmental Engineering in Action at West PointEnvironmental Engineering majors apply classroom learning through laboratory testing, field sampling, and Army-focused internships.Hands-On OpportunitiesExperienceWhat You'll Do / Why It MattersInternshipsWork with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Army laboratories on potable water reuse and wastewater treatment projects.ResearchConduct faculty-mentored research on contaminant transport, treatment systems, and sustainability.LeadershipLead capstone teams delivering full engineering solutions.Global ProgramsParticipate in study abroad and international internships examining environmental systems.PartnershipsCollaborate with Army laboratories and government agencies on infrastructure resilience and disaster response.Explore more cadet experiencesCadet Life in This MajorDepartment ClubsEnvironmental Engineering cadets participate in the Civil and Military Engineering Club, a student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.The club fosters professional development, peer mentorship, and engagement with practicing engineers.Co-Curricular ExperiencesCadets balance demanding engineering coursework with leadership roles in the Corps of Cadets, military training, and athletics.Study groups, lab collaboration, and design teamwork create a strong cohort identity within the major.Professional AssociationsEligible cadets may join honor societies such as Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key, and the Order of the Engineer.These affiliations reinforce academic excellence and professional responsibility in engineering practice.Community and Department EventsThe department hosts guest lectures, research showcases, and design presentations that connect cadets with faculty, Army partners, and engineering professionals.These events strengthen community and celebrate applied achievement.Conferences and Immersion ExperiencesCadets may present research at professional meetings, participate in technical competitions, or engage in immersive internship experiences during the summer.These opportunities build confidence, technical competence, and professional networks early in an officer’s career.Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West PointAdmission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.Key Deadlines:Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) openApril 15 – SLE application closesFall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications dueJan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadlineView Full Admissions RequirementsTake the First StepStarting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.Begin your journey in STEM at West PointGet answers to your questionsDiscover West Point for yourselfResources for Current CadetsDepartment of Civil & Environmental Engineering HomepagePrimary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.Major Curriculum & Sample Course PlansHelps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.Contact an Environmental Engineering Major AdvisorDirect link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director.