PhD in Civil Engineering - Environmental Engineering in Fort Collins United States | Colorado State University

Environmental Engineering emerged as a distinct discipline around 1900, evolving from civil engineering. Originally termed Sanitary Engineering, civil engineers have engaged in this practice since approximately 1850, coinciding with the formalization of the public health movement. The primary focus in these early years centered on sewer systems and water supply, primarily approached as hydraulic engineering challenges.

Water treatment gained widespread adoption by 1900, whereas wastewater treatment implementation progressed more gradually. Early facility designs relied heavily on empirical methods, though a scientific foundation for design principles began developing in the 1950s. This era also saw the master's degree becoming the preferred qualification for entering the profession. By the 1960s, the water and wastewater sector expanded its scope to address broader environmental concerns while maintaining its public health roots. Modern Environmental Engineering addresses three fundamental concepts: (1) safeguarding populations from environmental hazards including contaminated air/water, noise pollution, and radiation, (2) responsible waste management, and (3) protection against adverse impacts from human activities.