There are nine essential skills you should have in order to find, acquire, maintain, and grow within a job.

Essential skills build through majoring in Environmental Engineering include:

• Solving complex environmental problems
• Applying environmental engineering design as a solution to real environmental problems
• Leadership skills that involve decision-making and critical thinking

Click here to learn more about each essential skill.

Students graduating from Environmental Engineering find themselves most often in Consulting Firms, Water & wastewater treatment facilities, and Government agencies.

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 Occupational Outlook Handbook lists $100,090 as the median annual salary for environmental engineers, with an expected 6 percent job-growth rate

Click here to explore career opportunities by major.

Students who choose to pursue a graduate degree often consider these pathways:

• Environmental Engineering, MS
• Water Resources Management, MS
• Other MS and PhD programs

Click here to learn more about applying to graduate school.

Major milestones consist of activities students should complete during their first year, middle years and last year at MSU Denver. These milestones will help prospective and current students explore major and career options and create a year-by-year plan to integrate curricular (what happens inside the classroom), co-curricular (what happens inside and outside the classroom, and non-curricular (what happens outside the classroom) experiences. For example, milestones might list specific classes student should take at specific times along their journey or may suggest when students should participate in research opportunities with faculty members.

Simply put, Major Milestones are meant to enhance your student experience and set you up for success.

To use this tool to the fullest, follow these steps

1. Click on your year in school from the list below.
2. Read the steps listed in each category: Cultivate, Engage and Prepare.
3. Complete any necessary steps listed.
4. Check out further resources by connecting with your academic advisor, the Classroom to Career Hub, and your department faculty.

All options listed below are available in-person and online unless noted otherwise.

• Attend orientation and register for classes.
• Meet with your Academic Advisor.
• Complete FAFSA/CASFA/COF and the General Scholarship Application.

• Join a student organization and get connected to support on campus.
• Declare a major, (explore our fully online programs!) or meet with an exploratory advisor to learn about options.
• Attend signature events on campus (Convocation, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, etc.).

• Learn about the environmental engineering program
• Explore the 4-year degree plan and course rotation information
• Learn about career paths as an environmental engineer

• Participate in the EVE student chapter (RMWEA Student Chapter)
• Connect with the EVE Industrial Advisory Board or EVE faculty for lunch together
• Reach out to EVE senior students

• Attend regular meetings offered by the EVE student chapter (RMWEA)
• Explore professional development skills to prepare for upper-division courses
• Develop and refine oral and written communication skills

• Consider adding a minor or certificate to your chosen major.
• Explore resources like the tutoring program or the writing center.
• Get familiar with MSU Denver’s Academic Planning Tool.

• Explore student leadership on campus and volunteering in your community.
• Earn credit and gain experience through an internship, study abroad, or community-engaged learning.
• Attend identity or interest-based campus events like the Richard T. Castro speaker series.

• Connect with the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship program.
• Attend an in-person Career Fair to network and secure a professional headshot.
• Connect with the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) for opportunities for professional mentoring and job shadowing.

• Explore internship opportunities
• Meet with EVE faculty advisors to discuss progress on coursework
• Attend professional conferences in the field of interest

• Engage in TA or RA positions available across the university
• Attend a senior seminar
• Participate in EVE events (webinar, etc.)

• Consult with academic advisors or faculty mentors
• Consider enrolling in electives with a Global focus (climate change issue associated with plastic particles in the environment)
• Explore postgraduate training

• Meet with your advisor to complete remaining graduation requirements.
• Ready to Graduate? Check out this guide from the registrar!
• Attend or present in-person at a major-specific or industry-specific conference or networking event.

• Attend in-person alumni and campus-wide networking events.
• Submit a proposal to present in-person at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Seek to collaborate with local civic organizations.

• Finalize your portfolio of relevant projects and skills.
• Attend in-person career-focused events with an industry-ready resume.
• Identify needs for Professional Certifications or MCAT/LSAT etc. and prepare for professional school admissions.
• Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.

• Participate in the RMWEA student club and explore network opportunities
• Meet with faculty advisors to discuss progress to completion
• Work with industry mentors on senior design projects

• Join AWWA professional organization and engage in network events through newsletters,
  webinars, and conference meetings
• Engage in the Undergraduate Research Conference
• Participate in guest lectures at lower-division courses

• Attend career fairs offered by C2Hub and RMWEA student chapter
• In the case of graduate studies, connect with faculty advisors for letters of recommendation
• Create professional portfolio, academic CVs, and develop interview skills