by our College Data Analytics TeamThe way humans interact with and utilize the environment is constantly changing. While we need to make use of the environment to survive, we also have a responsibility to use natural resources responsibly. Students who major in Environmental Control Technology will learn how society and nature can exist harmoniously, as well as utilize technology and the environment to make our lives simpler.
This program prepares students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers in the process of controlling the way people make use of the environment. Students will learn the skills to design testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, installation and operation procedures, and prepare reports.
There are many concentrations within this major; some include Environmental Engineering Technology, Energy Management and Systems Technology, Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology, and Solar Energy Technology. As an Environmental Control Technology major you will be taking class focusing on the fundamentals of engineering, as well as environmental science courses. This degree is offered as an Associate's and Bachelor's degree.
Environmental Control Technology was the 216th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 9,376 degrees in this year alone. This year's Best Environmental Control Technology Schools ranking compares 23 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of environmental control tech programs later in this article.
Strong mathematical and scientific skills are required for this major. With emphasis on experimentation and lab work, one must be able to acquire data and analyze results. To prepare for this major, students are advised to take math and science courses before entering college. Analytical thinkers are highly suited for this major. Problem solving is a significant focus for this field; therefore individuals who think creatively are highly successful.
environmental control technology degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional environmental control tech certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different environmental control tech degree levels. Environmental Control Technology programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest environmental control tech degree you can get. Different environmental control technology degrees vary in how long they take.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to environmental control tech, with approximately 30.8% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for environmental control tech workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 27.0% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 23.7% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 20.8% |
| High School Diploma | 13.8% |
| Some College Courses | 8.1% |
Most workers in environmental control tech have at least a associate degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in environmental control technology have received.
The education level required is different depending on the environmental control tech career you are seeking.
Students who majored in Environmental Control Technologies commonly go on to be Environmental Engineering Technicians. Many people in this field spend their time in both a lab and on site. They work closely with Environmental Engineers and assist them in conducting experiments and recording data. Outside the lab, they help regulate pollution and other substances that could harm the environment. Students who studied fields such as Energy Management and Systems Technology and Solar Energy Technology have the opportunity to work toward energy solutions and innovations. This major offers a wide variety of career paths and is in demand because of the increasing concern of the environment and energy crisis.
Want a job when you graduate with your environmental control tech degree? Environmental Control Technology careers are expected to grow 11.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to environmental control technology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 381,700 | 14.7% |
| Water Treatment Plant and System Operators | 115,400 | -3.2% |
| Engineering Technicians | 80,800 | 5.2% |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | 54,100 | 17.1% |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | 41,400 | 4.3% |
Environmental Control Technology graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $35,121 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $12,469 to as high as $91,740. As you might expect, salaries for environmental control tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for environmental control technology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers environmental control tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $71,430 |
| Engineering Technicians | $65,720 |
| Environmental Engineering Technicians | $54,800 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $50,160 |
| Water Treatment Plant and System Operators | $49,490 |
With over 619 different environmental control tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased environmental control tech school rankings to help you with this.
Environmental Control Technology is one of 18 different types of Engineering Technologies programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | 11,288 |
| Electromechanical Engineering Technology | 10,780 |
| Drafting & Design Engineering Technology | 8,822 |
| Electronics Engineering Technology | 8,347 |
| Engineering-Related Fields | 6,553 |
