Admission to the College as a Freshman
Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission to a major means students will start in the program of their choice in the College of Engineering and will need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.
Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering
UW–Madison students in other schools and colleges on campus must meet the course and credit requirements for admission to engineering degree granting classifications specified in the general college requirements. The requirements are the minimum for admission consideration. Cross-campus admission is competitive and selective, and the grade point average expectations may increase as demand trends change. The student’s overall academic record at UW–Madison is also considered. Students apply to their intended engineering program by submitting the online application by stated deadlines for spring and fall. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and drop-in advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.
Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering
With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their major in the college. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is competitive and selective, and students who have earned more than 80 transferable semester credits at the time of application are not eligible to apply.
The College of Engineering has dual degree programs with select four-year UW System campuses. Eligible dual degree applicants are not subject to the 80 credit limit.
Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer Coordinator in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu or 608-262-2473.
Second Bachelor's Degree
The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
Summary of Requirements
The following curriculum applies to students who were admitted to the environmental engineering degree program (classification changed to BSEnvE) in Fall 2021 or later.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Engineering | 3 | |
| Mathematics and Statistics | 19 | |
| Basic Science | 16 | |
| Engineering Mechanics | 9 | |
| Engineering Tools | 6 | |
| Fundamental Principles | 18 | |
| Advanced Principles and Practices | 33 | |
| Communications | 8 | |
| Liberal Studies | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 128 | |
Introduction to Engineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INTEREGR 170 | Design Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Mathematics and Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| or MATH 217 | Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II | |
| or MATH 275 | Topics in Calculus I | |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| or MATH 276 | Topics in Calculus II | |
| MATH 234 | Calculus--Functions of Several Variables | 4 |
| MATH 319 | Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers | ||
| Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I and Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics II | ||
| Total Credits | 19 | |
Basic Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| One of the following: | 5 | |
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| One of the following: | 5 | |
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Introductory Geology: How the Earth Works | ||
| Environmental Geology | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Introductory Ecology | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Engineering Mechanics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E M A 201 | Statics | 3 |
| E M A 202 | Dynamics | 3 |
| CIV ENGR 310 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Engineering Tools
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIV ENGR/G L E 291 | Problem Solving Using Computer Tools | 4 |
| M E 170 | Civil Engineering Graphics | 2 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Fundamental Environmental Engineering Principles
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIV ENGR 311 | Hydroscience | 3 |
| CIV ENGR 320 | Environmental Engineering | 3 |
| CIV ENGR 324 | Environmental Engineering Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CIV ENGR 325 | Environmental Engineering Materials | 3 |
| CIV ENGR 494 | Civil and Environmental Engineering Decision Making | 3 |
| CIV ENGR 498 | Construction Project Management | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Advanced Principles and Practices
Environmental Engineering Experiments
Note: Courses taken to meet this requirement may not be used to meet the environmental engineering breadth requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| One of the following lab courses: | 3 | |
| Environmental Engineering Processes | ||
| Hydraulic Engineering | ||
| Measurements and Instrumentation for Biological Systems | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Senior Capstone Design
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIV ENGR 578 | Senior Capstone Design | 4 |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
Environmental Engineering Breadth Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| At least one class in at least four of the following sub-disciplines. At least two of the courses must be designated as an engineering design course (*). If more than one course is taken from a sub-discipline, then the additional course(s) will be counted towards the Technical and Professional Electives Requirement. | 12 | |
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Water Chemistry | ||
| Atmospheric Chemistry | ||
| Soil Chemistry | ||
| Health Hazards and Risk Assessment | ||
| Elements of Public Health Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Health | ||
| Air Pollution and Human Health | ||
| Hydraulics | ||
| Hydraulic Engineering | ||
| Open Channel Hydraulics | ||
| Surface Water Resources and Hydrology | ||
| Water Management Systems | ||
| Small Watershed Engineering | ||
| Hydrologic Design * | ||
| Hydrology | ||
| Groundwater, Soils, and Sediments | ||
| Groundwater Hydraulics | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Water and Wastewater | ||
| Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants * | ||
| Water Treatment Plant Design * | ||
| Air Quality and Control | ||
| Air Pollution Effects, Measurement and Control | ||
| Atmospheric Dispersion and Air Pollution | ||
| Solid and Hazardous Waste | ||
| Solid and Hazardous Wastes Engineering * | ||
| Hazardous Waste Management * | ||
| Energy and Environment | ||
| Renewable Energy Systems | ||
| Energy Technologies and Sustainability | ||
| Environmental Sustainability Engineering | ||
| Energy Resources | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Professional Electives
Note: Courses taken to meet this requirement may not be used to meet the environmental engineering breadth requirement.
Select 14 credits of coursework that meets at least one of the following criteria:
- Any engineering course numbered 300 or higher. Up to six credits of independent study (e.g. CIV ENGR 699 Independent Study and others) may be counted
- Any intermediate or advanced-level course1 from atmospheric and oceanic sciences, botany, chemistry, geography, geoscience, mathematics2, microbiology, molecular and environmental toxicology, physics, population health sciences, soil science, statistics2, or zoology
- Up to three credits of any intermediate or advanced-level course from agricultural and applied economics, economics, general business, or management and human resources
- Up to three credits of CIV ENGR 1 Cooperative Education Program
| 1 | Courses with social science, humanities, or literature breadth (H, L, S, W, X, Y, Z) cannot be used |
| 2 | Transfer/test math elective credits for calculus or STAT 301 Introduction to Statistical Methods may not be used to fulfill Professional Electives |
Communications
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Communications A (choose one) | 3 | |
| Introduction to College Composition | ||
| Science and Storytelling | ||
| Introduction to Speech Composition | ||
| Academic Writing II | ||
| Speech-Related Course (choose one) | 2 | |
| Technical Presentations 1 | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Elements of Speech-Honors Course | ||
| Theory and Practice of Argumentation and Debate | ||
| Theory and Practice of Group Discussion | ||
| Writing-Related Course (choose one) | 3 | |
| Engineering Communication 1 | ||
| Intermediate Composition | ||
| Total Credits | 8 | |
| 1 | E P D 275 Technical Presentations and INTEREGR 397 Engineering Communication (was EPD 397 before Fall 2020) are strongly recommended to satisfy these requirements. |
Liberal Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements | 16 | |
| Requirements specific to Environmental Engineering: | ||
| An economics course must be selected from the following list: | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Economics-Accelerated Treatment | ||
| A minimum of three credits of environmental studies course that meets the breadth designations of Humanities, Literature, and/or Social Studies. Courses that also carry breadth designations of Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Physical Sciences will not count towards this requirement. | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| 1 | All liberal studies credits must be identified with the letter H, S, L, or Z. Language courses are acceptable without the letter and are considered humanities. An economics elective and an environmental studies elective are required. |
Note: See a civil engineering advisor for additional information.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 221 | 5 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| CHEM 109 | 5 | STAT 324 | 3 |
| GEOSCI 100 or 106 | 3 | INTEREGR 170 | 3 |
| Communications A | 3 | M E 170 | 2 |
| Environmental Studies | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 234 | 4 | MATH 319 | 3 |
| E M A 201 | 3 | E M A 202 | 3 |
| CIV ENGR 320 | 3 | CIV ENGR 325 | 3 |
| Biology | 3 | ECON 101 | 4 |
| Ethnic Studies | 3 | Liberal Studies | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CIV ENGR 310 | 3 | CIV ENGR 311 | 3 |
| CIV ENGR 324 | 3 | CIV ENGR/G L E 291 | 4 |
| PHYSICS 202 or 208 | 5 | CIV ENGR 498 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies | 3 | Lab Course | 3 |
| E P D 275 | 2 | Env Engr Breadth #1 | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CIV ENGR 494 | 3 | CIV ENGR 578 | 4 |
| INTEREGR 397 | 3 | Env Engr Breadth #4 | 3 |
| Env Engr Breadth #2 | 3 | Professional Elective | 3 |
| Env Engr Breadth #3 | 3 | Professional Elective | 3 |
| Professional Elective | 3 | Professional Elective | 3 |
| Professional Elective | 2 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 128 | |||
Advising
Each College of Engineering program has academic advisors dedicated to serving its students. Program advisors can help current College of Engineering students with questions about accessing courses, navigating degree requirements, resolving academic issues and more. Students can find their assigned advisor on the homepage of their student center.
Engineering Career Services
Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in identifying pre-professional work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, considering and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment during their graduation year.
ECS offers two major career fairs per year, assists with resume writing and interviewing skills, hosts workshops on the job search, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.
Students are encouraged to utilize the ECS office early in their academic careers. For comprehensive information on ECS programs and workshops, see the ECS website or call 608-262-3471.
PROFESSORS
Greg Harrington (Director)
Robert Anex
Tracey Holloway
James Hurley
Krishnapuram Karthikeyan
William Likos
Steven Loheide
Katherine McMahon
Daniel Noguera
Jim Park
Doug Reinemann
Troy Runge
James Schauer
Anita Thompson
Chin Wu
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS
Paul Block
Michael Cardiff
Dante Fratta
Matthew Ginder-Vogel
Rebecca Larson
Christy Remucal
Paul Stoy
James Tinjum
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS
Andrea Hicks
Nimish Pujara
Mohan Qin
Haoran Wei
Daniel Wright
Christopher Zahasky
Licensure as a Professional Engineer is expected of environmental engineers. Information on steps needed to obtain licensure is available from the National Council for the Examination of Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) at https://ncees.org/engineering/ .
This new program will seek accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. Application for accreditation will be made at the earliest opportunity, in 2024, with an ABET decision in 2025. If accreditation is awarded, it may be retroactively applied to those who graduated in Academic Year 2023-24.
Note: Undergraduate Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes are made publicly available at the Departmental website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are designated by our campus as "Learning Outcomes.")