Welcome to Environmental Engineering at UBC!
We are proud to welcome you to the Environmental Engineering program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Since its launch, this program has continued to grow and evolve, building on UBC’s long-standing strengths in engineering education and research. Jointly offered by the Departments of Civil Engineering and Chemical & Biological Engineering, our program equips students to meet today’s challenges while shaping the sustainable solutions of tomorrow.
Environmental Engineering is no longer defined only by remediating existing pollution. Our vision is to empower students to design innovative systems and technologies that prevent pollution at the source, promote sustainability, and safeguard the health of people and ecosystems. To achieve this, our curriculum balances deep theoretical foundations with applied design opportunities in every year of study. Students will not only learn the physical, chemical, and biological laws that govern our world, but also how to apply that knowledge to create impactful, real-world solutions.
Innovation is at the heart of our program. From their first courses through to their capstone projects, students are encouraged to think creatively, tackle open-ended problems, and bring entrepreneurial ideas to life. Along the way, they develop essential professional skills in teamwork, communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship building. These skills are strengthened not only through design projects and laboratory experiences, but also through involvement in student design teams, competitions, and the Environmental Engineering Student Association (EESA).
Our focus on technical mastery, innovation, professional growth, and community-building prepares graduates to navigate the complex challenges that define the 21st century: from providing clean water and advancing climate resilience to reimagining processes and infrastructure that sustain our communities in more equitable and sustainable ways.
We invite you to explore the opportunities our program offers, and to join us in advancing the future of environmental engineering, where innovation, design, and sustainability converge to build a better world.