MSc in Civil Engineering Plan B (non-thesis) - 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 had been practicing it since approximately 1850 when public health initiatives became formally organized. Early efforts primarily focused on sewer systems and water supply, which were largely approached as hydraulic engineering challenges. Water treatment gained widespread adoption by 1900, whereas wastewater treatment implementation progressed more gradually. Facility designs initially relied on empirical methods, but the 1950s marked the beginning of scientific design principles. By this time, a master's degree had become the preferred qualification for entering the profession. The 1960s saw the field expand its scope to address broader environmental concerns while maintaining its public health foundation. Modern Environmental Engineering focuses on three core principles: (1) safeguarding populations from environmental hazards like polluted air/water, noise, and radiation, (2) effective waste management, and (3) mitigating harmful impacts from human activities.