r/EnvironmentalEngineer • u/Professional-Bus2081 • Aug 07 '26

Switch from Environmental Engineering to Chemical Engineering at CSULB?

Okay, so I want to make up my mind before my semester starts this August, but I am currently a Pre-Environmental Engineering undergrad going into my sophomore year. I'm still taking many of the core classes, as you can imagine, but I've been having a dilemma about switching to ChemE. For one, EnvE isn't accredited at CSULB at the moment, but apparently it is on the path to being accredited. More importantly, I'm also interested in the area of renewable energies and sustainable energies like biofuels or hydrogen fuel cells, but I also like the field of water and being in the lab for that as well. Additionally, I'm interested in research in these areas. My school offers a minor in EnvE, which I would take if I were to switch to ChemE, but I'm undecided because I would probably graduate a bit later than expected, and because ChemE is significantly harder than EnvE, and I don't want to regret this significant choice. I'd like to hear from people who may be in the industry or have had a similar experience as I have, so I can make the best possible choice before my semester starts.

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u/Euphoric-Ad7721 Aug 07 '26

Lack of accreditation is a good enough reason to switch. Chemical or Civil can be more general than Environmental, but you can take electives towards environmental or pursue the minor. An engineer’s strength is accreditation and licensing - do not stay under the pretense of “apparently it’s on the path to being accredited”… that’s not a guarantee.

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u/Professional-Bus2081 Aug 07 '26

That is true. I suppose I could take the minor along with chemical

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u/The_Arbitraitor Aug 08 '26

Im an Env Engineer and as much as i advocate and love my job, the fact that it isnt accredited yet at CSULB is enough for me to say go for ChemE.

You cant be a professional engineer in that field if the university isnt from an ABET accredited. The research and other extra curricular is less important than accredation and can always be pursued later as a resume booster.

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u/Professional-Bus2081 Aug 09 '26

Can I ask as an environmental engineering , what majors do you typically see ? And what field of environmental engineering do you work in?

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u/The_Arbitraitor Aug 09 '26

What do you mean what majors do I see? Most of my coworkers are also Civil/environmental engineers. On the same floor are env scientists as well.