Environmental engineering is an academic area of study that trains students to mitigate or remove the waste and pollution produced by manufacturing and other harmful business industries. Individuals who study environmental engineering often go on to careers in government or work for private companies, tackling issues such as recycling systems, water sanitation and waste disposal solutions.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that typically awarded by community colleges, technical colleges and 4-year colleges. If pursued on a full-time basis, an associate degree usually takes two years to obtain.