B.S.E. Environmental Engineering (extended major)

This degree plan in environmental engineering is designed so that students, upon successful completion of the degree, will be able to work within all the major recognized areas of environmental engineering, but capable in the areas of water resources, water supply and treatment, wastewater management, air pollution control and treatment, and waste management.  They will:

1. Possess a foundation of mathematical and scientific principles in calculus through differential equations, statistics, calculus-based physics, general chemistry, biological science, fluid mechanics, and soils (ABET Criterion 3 Outcomes a, b, e,  i, and k, and Environmental Engineering Program Criteria on Curriculum)

2. Define and solve complex environmental engineering problems, and create, evaluate, and document sustainable engineering designs.  (ABET Criterion 3 Outcomes a, c, e, g, and h,and Environmental Engineering Program Criteria on Curriculum)

3. Properly apply tools and methodologies to design and conduct experiments, to model or simulate processes and phenomena, and to analyze, interpret, and report results. (ABET Criterion 3 Outcomes a, b, g,  and k, and Environmental Engineering Program Criteria on Curriculum)  

4. Work successfully and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse and multi-disciplinary teams and as individuals in pubic and private organizations, understanding the impact of societal and political systems on the engineering design process. (ABET Criterion 3 Outcomes c, d, g, h, and j, and Environmental Engineering Program Criteria on Curriculum)

5. Strive to improve their professional skills and abilities, to update their knowledge and understanding of contemporary professional issues, and adhere to the standards and ethics of professional practice. (ABET Criterion 3 Outcomes c, f, h, i, j, and k, and Environmental Engineering Program Criteria on Curriculum)

To earn this degree, complete at least 130 units of coursework, which we describe in the sections that follow:  

• at least 35 units of liberal studies requirements Be aware that you may not use courses with a CENE prefix to satisfy these liberal studies requirements.  

• at least 63 units of preprofessional requirements  

• at least 48 units of professional requirements  

• elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 130 units  

Be aware that some courses required for your degree may have prerequisites that you must also take. Check the courses in the appropriate subject. (You may be able to count these prerequisites toward your liberal studies or general elective credit.)  

Please note that you must complete NAU’s diversity requirements by taking two 3-unit courses, one in U.S. ethnic diversity and one in global diversity awareness. These courses may be used to meet other requirements within your academic plan if you choose them carefully. Click here for a list of the available diversity courses.

Also be aware that NAU requires that at least 30 units of the courses you take for your degree must be upper-division courses (those numbered 300 and above).  

Also note that you can’t have more than one grade of D in your required engineering, mathematics, and science courses.  

Finally, please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement; however, you must still meet the total of at least 130 units to graduate. Contact your advisor for details.  

Preprofessional Requirements  

These 63 units provide a foundation for later advanced studies in your major field as well as a basic understanding of other fields of engineering:  

You take the following 37 units of mathematics and science courses:

•  BIO 181:181L (4 units)

• CHM 151, 151L, 152, and 230 (11 units)

• MAT 136, 137, 238, and 239 (15 units)

• PHY 161 and 262 (7 units)

You take the following 23 units of engineering science courses:

• EGR 186 and 286 (6 units)

• CENE 180, 225, 251, and 253 (11 units)

• ME 291 and 395 (6 units)

Additional requirements include:

• PHI 105 or 331 (3 units)

Professional Requirements  

You take the following 48 units, which provide you with an overview of different areas in environmental and civil engineering and a solid background for further specialization in your field of interest:  

• CENE 150, 150L, 270, 280, 281L, 282L, 330, 332, 333, 333L, 383, 383L, 410, 434, 476, and 480 (36 units)  

• CENE 386W, which meets NAU’s junior writing requirement (3 units)  

• 6 technical units.  At least 3 units from approved CENE courses and the other 3 units may be from approved non-CENE courses.  Approved CENE courses: CENE 418, 420, 430, 433, 435, 440, 450, 460, 462, 468, and 499.  Approved non-CENE courses: BIO 182 and 201; CENS 460; CHM 235, 320, and 341; CM 329 and 491; CS 122; EE 188; EE 425 and EGR 389; GGR 239; GLG 101:103, and 451; MAT 316 and 362; ME 340, 451, 454, and 484; PL 201; STA 371 and 471

• CENE 486C, which meets NAU’s senior capstone requirement (3 units)  

If you wish to enhance your education in the area of civil engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or mathematics, you can easily pursue a minor in each discipline with the addition of a small number of courses and by consulting with the respective disciplinary advisor.

General Electives  

Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 130 units of credit.  

You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren’t used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)

Click here for more information about Civil and Environmental Engineering undergraduate courses and faculty.