From Science and Technology to Solutions
Become a versatile problem-solver in a STEM-intensive major that blends chemistry, ecology and advanced management systems to tackle our world’s most complex pollution and sustainability challenges. You’ll get hands-on experience measuring toxins and pollutants in the air, water, plants and soils using comprehensive environmental equipment and technology in the field.
Through partnerships with organizations like the City of Raleigh Wetlands Center, you’ll move beyond the classroom to monitor real-world issues and design data-driven solutions. You’ll graduate with the specialized technical and regulatory expertise required to protect the health and safety of our entire global community.
Top 5% Nationally
NC State ranks among the top 5% of colleges for natural resources and conservation programs.
(College Factual, 2025)
100% Complete a Required Internship
All students gain field experience with employers like the EPA, RTI International and the City of Raleigh Wetlands Center.
Career-Ready With Certifications
Students gain credentials like HAZWOPER and OSHA training — valued by employers in environmental health and safety.
Explore the Curriculum
Our semester-by-semester plan lays out the courses and experiences you’ll complete from your first year to graduation. It’s your roadmap to building the technical and professional skills that set our graduates apart. Popular minors include environmental toxicology, renewable energy assessment, soil science and wetland assessment.
“The hands-on experience I gained in my classes and labs is exactly what employers are looking for. The professional development courses helped me succeed in internships and job applications.”
Emma Mullins ’23
Connect with us in-person or virtually through info sessions and 1:1 meetings.
Hands-On Experience That Leads to Jobs
We believe the best way to prepare for a career in the environment is to work within it. In the College of Natural Resources, you’ll dig deep into the heart of environmental problem-solving with hands-on labs designed to challenge and inspire. By applying technical theory to real-world ecosystems, you’ll develop the practical mastery and confidence that employers value most. Some examples of hands-on learning include:
- Test air, soil and water quality in our environmental chemistry labs.
- Audit energy and waste systems for real businesses and local governments.
- Research new methods for pollution prevention and resource recovery.
“The environmental technology and management program stood out to me because of the real-world skills built into the coursework. It’s a hands-on major that’s hard to find elsewhere.”
Dominic Zecca ’25
Build Experience in Environmental Technology
Take your skills outside the classroom through a required environmental technology and management internship. Our students gain valuable internship experience with nearby regulatory agencies and companies, including:
- Environmental Protection Agency
- RTI International
- City of Raleigh Wetlands Center
- Terracon
- Live Nation / Coastal Credit Union Music Park
- Kris Bass Engineering
- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
- Enbridge
- NC State Sustainability Office
What Can I Do With My Degree?
From safeguarding water quality to innovating in renewable energy, this degree opens doors to a world where you can make a real difference, equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and critical professional certifications.
Environmental Scientist or Field Scientist
Evaluate the health and stability of ecosystems, analyze pollution in water, air and soil and remediate contaminated areas. Recent employers include AECOM, Terracon and TRC.
Environmental Specialist or Technician
Monitor how populations affect the environment, pinpoint problems and propose solutions. Test field samples (gases, soils, water, wastewater) for pollutants and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Collaborate on research to track toxins that affect health and ecosystems. Recent employers include Solutions IES and Wake County Department of Health.
Sustainability Coordinator
Craft and execute strategies to integrate sustainability into daily business operations. Recent employers include the City of Raleigh, UNC-Chapel Hill and SAS.
Air Quality Technician or Specialist
Track and manage air pollution for factories, agencies and organizations. Ensure emission standards and compliance laws are met. Recent employers include the North Carolina Division of Air Resources and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Environmental Health and Safety Officer
Evaluate safety compliance in equipment and processes, identifying hazardous materials for analysis. Recent employers include Duke Energy, Caterpillar and the North Carolina Department of Labor.
Environmental Consultant
Conduct site assessments and offer solutions for regulatory compliance. Recent employers include OTIE (EPA contractor) and One Environmental Group.
Water Quality Technician or Specialist
Analyze and oversee water quality for pollutants, aligning with EPA and state standards. Recent employers include the cities of Raleigh and Durham, Cape Fear Utilities and Orange County Water and Sewer (OWASA).
Solar Projects Developer or Technician
Design, install and maintain solar systems for buildings, assessing land for large solar projects. Work ranges from passive to active solar systems. Recent employers include Solar Now, Renew Energy Solutions and Alpha Energy.
Renewable Energy Specialist or Quality Manager
Evaluate and enhance renewable energy sources and quality while innovating to boost energy efficiency. Recent employers include US-EcoLogic, Texenergy, Holocene Clean Energy and Doman Engineering.
Peace Corps Volunteer
Engage in overseas environmental projects, contributing to global environmental improvement and sustainability initiatives.
Related Degrees
Interested in the practical applications of technology and management to tackle environmental challenges? Discover our sustainable materials and technology program, which offers different perspectives and approaches to sustainability and conservation.
Common Questions (FAQ)
What is environmental technology and management?
This major combines science and management to address environmental challenges. Students study chemistry, ecology, pollution prevention and environmental regulations while gaining real-world experience in the lab and field.
What types of classes will I take?
Coursework includes chemistry, ecology, environmental technology and policy. Students also study water and air quality, renewable energy, pollution prevention and groundwater contamination.
How much hands-on experience will I get?
Students gain extensive experience in the lab and field. You’ll use professional equipment to measure pollutants, conduct environmental testing and complete a required internship with an agency, company or nonprofit. Labs also focus on water quality, renewable energy and pollution prevention.
Where do students intern?
Internships are available with organizations such as the EPA, RTI International and the City of Raleigh Wetlands Center. State agencies and local companies also provide opportunities, many within 20 minutes of campus.
Do I earn certifications as part of the program?
Yes. Students graduate with professional certifications, including Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) and OSHA General Industry Training. These credentials strengthen your career opportunities.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?
Graduates work as environmental scientists, sustainability coordinators, consultants, water quality specialists and air quality technicians. Others pursue graduate degrees or service opportunities such as the Peace Corps.
Who hires environmental technology and management graduates?
Employers include government agencies, consulting firms, energy companies, universities and nonprofits. Recent employers include Duke Energy, the North Carolina Division of Air Resources, Terracon and the U.S. Geological Survey.
How does this degree make an impact?
Graduates help communities and organizations protect air, water and soil. Their work supports public health, safety and long-term environmental sustainability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% job growth for environmental scientists and specialists in the next five years, faster than the national average.
Can I customize my degree?
Yes. Students often add minors such as environmental toxicology, soil science, renewable energy or wetland assessment. Others design a focal area that aligns with their career goals.
Why choose NC State?
This program is one of the top environmental programs in North Carolina, with strong alumni connections across government, industry and nonprofits. Located near leading environmental agencies and companies, NC State gives students access to exceptional internships and career opportunities.
The Environmental Technology and Management Experience
