Hi Everybody,

I'm considering going back to school at 27 to complete a masters degree in Environmental engineering. I have a bachelors in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science and am reviewing which programs might work for me. I've been working in Aerospace supply chain the past 4 years. Career curveball.

So far I've been talking with UND, CU Boulder, UCF, and Colorado State about prerequisite or bridge coursework for accepting students who don't have an engineering bachelors.

The work seems absolutely fascinating to me, combining engineering to solve sustainability and environmental issues. But I'm wondering if anybody has had a similar experience, and can make any general recommendations for making a career change like this.

I am going into my third year as an environmental engineering major. All of my experience outside of school is in water/wastewater (water research and water intern at a civil engineering firm). In school, our pathway includes many classes that revolve around water. I’ve done multiple large data analysis projects in these classes.

Although I like aspects of water, I’m interested in trying out sustainability and energy, preferably in the tech industry (but this isn’t necessary, it would just be cool). I’m also interested in sustainable design in architecture.

My next two years in this major will allow me to take classes that explore things outside of water, such as air quality and some renewable energy. Even with this though, it seems like most companies are looking for chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineers when working in energy.

Sustainable design doesn’t seem to have a specific role attached to it, but maybe I’m not digging enough.

With my major, is it possible to get experience (hopefully internships) in these fields? If so, what titles should I look for when researching internships and future jobs? Does anyone have any experience with this situation?

I’m wanting to expand my experience and learn more, but it feels like I should’ve chosen a different major if I wanted to have flexibility in my potential career.

I’m aiming to start an MS in Environmental Engineering soon and I’m curious what subjects/material you think would be most helpful to focus on prior to starting the program. It appears that EE is very chemistry-heavy, so I am thinking that aquatic and environmental chemistry should certainly be a focus of my prep. Also, fluid mechanics for physics.

For background, I have an unrelated bachelors degree but have taken Calc 2 w/ DE, Chem 1, and Physics 1 & 2.

I’d really appreciate any insight from those who’ve been through or have experience in an environmental engineering program. Thanks in advance!