Civil vs. Environmental Engineering (employment, degrees, bankruptcy, unemployed)

[a bag of it]

Hello everyone, I'm currently trying to decide what major to choose. I posted this over in the colleges and universities section, but I figured I'd get more responses over here. I've done a good amount of research and still can't decide. I attended CU Boulder last year as an undecided engineer, but eventually started thinking about switching to business or philosophy. This year I took a year off to ski bum in Breckenridge and hopefully figure out what I want to do with my life. It's helped me realize that I do want to pursue an engineering degree, but not in chemical or electrical as I was previously thinking. My interests have turned more towards civil or environmental.

My ultimate goal is to return to the mountains and be able to live a comfortable life where I could ski as much as possible. Money isn't a huge concern for me, at least not for a while. I would love to be able to work outside, not necessarily all the time, but enough that I don't feel like I'm cooped up in an office 24/7. Even if I couldn't live near a ski resort, I'd prefer to have flexibility in where I work, and not need to be near a big city. Which degree/specialization do you think would allow me to do this?

CU offers environmental engineering with several concentrations, the ones I'm most interested are in bold.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
AIR QUALITY
ECOLOGY
REMEDIATION
CHEMICAL PROCESSING
ENERGY

CU also offers civil engineering with an environmental concentration, in addition to these with my interests once again in bold:
Construction engineering and management
Environmental engineering
Geotechnical engineering
Structural engineering
Water resource engineering

Which of these degrees/concentrations will allow me to work in the mountains? Which will provide the most job security? Which has the most earning potential? Which would provide the skills required to build myself an energy efficient home? How does water treatment differ on the civil side from the environmental side? These are just a few of the questions I have, any help is greatly appreciated.

[Billy_J]

I would think the environmental business might experience a backlash soon. There are all sorts of "unfunded environmental mandates" and no money to pay for all this.

Many states and cities are experiencing severe fiscal problems. Some on the verge of bankruptcy. One city removed the street lights because they could not afford to pay the electric bill any longer. They are not able to pay for the employee's pension plans, let alone multimillion (billion) dollar environmental projects.

The federal government is beyond broke.

Basically there are things governments can no longer afford. I think they are going to start saying no to these unfunded mandates things. They have no other choice!

With that said, what is a need? Who will have money? And which employers will have jobs?

Water is a need, but if there is no money?

Energy has tons of money and is a need. Jobs?

[jobaba]

Originally Posted by a bag of it

Hello everyone, I'm currently trying to decide what major to choose. I posted this over in the colleges and universities section, but I figured I'd get more responses over here. I've done a good amount of research and still can't decide. I attended CU Boulder last year as an undecided engineer, but eventually started thinking about switching to business or philosophy. This year I took a year off to ski bum in Breckenridge and hopefully figure out what I want to do with my life. It's helped me realize that I do want to pursue an engineering degree, but not in chemical or electrical as I was previously thinking. My interests have turned more towards civil or environmental.

My ultimate goal is to return to the mountains and be able to live a comfortable life where I could ski as much as possible. Money isn't a huge concern for me, at least not for a while. I would love to be able to work outside, not necessarily all the time, but enough that I don't feel like I'm cooped up in an office 24/7. Even if I couldn't live near a ski resort, I'd prefer to have flexibility in where I work, and not need to be near a big city. Which degree/specialization do you think would allow me to do this?

CU offers environmental engineering with several concentrations, the ones I'm most interested are in bold.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
AIR QUALITY
ECOLOGY
REMEDIATION
CHEMICAL PROCESSING
ENERGY

CU also offers civil engineering with an environmental concentration, in addition to these with my interests once again in bold:
Construction engineering and management
Environmental engineering
Geotechnical engineering
Structural engineering
Water resource engineering

Which of these degrees/concentrations will allow me to work in the mountains? Which will provide the most job security? Which has the most earning potential? Which would provide the skills required to build myself an energy efficient home? How does water treatment differ on the civil side from the environmental side? These are just a few of the questions I have, any help is greatly appreciated.

In a professional sense, 100% sure with no question ... Civil.

Just about every company with environmental engineering interests will hire a Civil Engineer. The same is not true for the opposite.

You can always put on your resume BS, Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Now, in an academic sense, if you really care about what you are learning in school, you could major in Environmental. But I wouldn't. Just major in Civil and then take the classes of interest in Environmental.

[statisticsnerd]

Civil engineering will have a ton more job opportunities. That said, I can't imagine anything more boring than studying concrete and building bridges.

[a bag of it]

Thanks everyone, you've made the decision pretty clear, civil seems to be the best choice. upon further inspection of the curriculum, it appears that you can specialize in two of the civil fields. Which two would compliment each other well? I'm thinking environmental and geotechnical or environmental and structural. I know I have plenty of time to decide and my decision will be easier once I have a better understanding of each field, but I'm still interested in hearing your thoughts.

Sent from my AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note

Sent from my AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note

[jobaba]

Originally Posted by statisticsnerd

Civil engineering will have a ton more job opportunities. That said, I can't imagine anything more boring than studying concrete and building bridges.

Lol. Crunching numbers for some Bank so fat cats can earn more dollars on their nest egg is more interesting and rewarding?

L-O-L...

[burgler09]

Originally Posted by jobaba

Lol. Crunching numbers for some Bank so fat cats can earn more dollars on their nest egg is more interesting and rewarding?

L-O-L...

My thoughts exactly lol

[imsh0t]

id choose civil. In the current state your better off choosing what will lead to employment. Also it is crucial you get relevant work experience through internships and co-ops before u graduate. otherwise enjoy joining the ranks of the unemployed.