2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

environmental engineering major
Contaminated water, dirty air, bulging landfills, hazardous waste disposal and contamination clean-up are environmental
concerns which are growing in importance each day. The entire country is recognizing the importance of cleaning up past
environmental contamination and preventing future pollution from occurring. The Environmental Engineering major offers
cadets a broad environmental engineering education. Cadets in this major will get an understanding of the significant
environmental problems facing this country and the Air Force. Course work will include how current environmental problems
were created, the impacts of existing problems, how to correct existing contamination and how to prevent future contamination
from occurring.
If you like science and mathematics and are interested in improving and maintaining our environment, then perhaps
environmental engineering is the major for you. The curriculum at the Academy provides a well-balanced program stressing
the fundamentals of the environmental engineering profession. Our Environmental Engineering major is one of a handful of
programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission ofABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore MD 21202-
4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700. Upon graduation you earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering.
The Environmental Engineering major prepares cadets to be future Air Force leaders committed to improving and maintaining
our environment. The degree has direct applications to Air Force career fields. A cadet with an Environmental Engineering
degree is eligible for a civil engineer, general engineer, bioenvironmental engineer, research engineer, or flying Air Force
Specialty Code.
The goal of the Environmental Engineering program is to prepare cadets to become leaders of character who:
• Possess breadth of integrated, fundamental knowledge in the basic sciences, engineering, the humanities, and social
sciences; and broad knowledge in civil engineering.
• Can communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate leadership and can work effectively with others.
• Are independent, lifelong learners.
• Can apply their knowledge and skills to frame and solve Air Force civil and environmental engineering problems.
• Understand their ethical and professional responsibilities as embodied in the Air Force Core Values.
• Can function effectively in contingency operations.
Upon completion of the Environmental Engineering program each graduate shall demonstrate satisfactory:
• Application of the fundamental concepts of environmental engineering to solve engineering problems.
• Laboratory techniques including design of experiments, procedures, recording, and analysis.
• Engineering design skills, including construction processes.
• Use of contemporary civil engineering analysis, design, and test tools.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of ethical and professional responsibilities.
• Depth of knowledge and skills in environmental engineering and breadth of knowledge and skills in civil
engineering, computers, mathematics, and other disciplines to effectively identify and solve the types of complex,
multidisciplinary problems they will face as Air Force environmental and civil engineers.
• Knowledge of the benefits and the skills needed to engage in life-long learning.
• Ability to be effective multidisciplinary team members.
• Skills to be independent learners while knowing when to seek help.
• Knowledge of the role of Air Force engineering officers in our global society.
• Knowledge of contemporary social, economic, political, military, and engineering issues.
94 United States Air Force Academy Catalog