We live at a time when no part of the natural environment is untouched by human activities. Although we have made great strides in addressing many of the natural resources and environmental problems caused by societal activities, population growth and rising standards of living generate a spectrum of environmental problems to be solved. Environmental engineers are called upon to understand and shape biological, chemical, ecological, economic, hydrological, physical, and social processes in an effort to balance our material needs with the desire for sustainable environmental quality.

At Cornell, Environmental Engineering Majors pursue these challenges in a joint program between the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering and the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.