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2023 Environmental Control Technology Degree Guide

The 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.

A Spike in Environmental Control Technology Degrees

#216 Most Popular Major
8.7k Degrees Awarded
12.2% Increase in Graduates

In 2020-2021, environmental control technology was the 216th most popular major nationwide with 8,690 degrees awarded. This represents a 12.2% increase in environmental control tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 7,626.

Our 2023 Best Environmental Control Technology Schools ranking analyzes 40 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for environmental control technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of environmental control tech programs later in this article.

2023 Best Colleges for Environmental Control Technology
2023 Overall Best Environmental Control Technology Colleges >

Best Environmental Control Technology Schools by Degree

Associate Degrees in Environmental Control Technology
Bachelor's Degrees in Environmental Control Technology
Master's Degrees in Environmental Control Technology

 

Requirements for Getting a Degree in Environmental Control Technology

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.

Getting Accepted Into an Environmental Control Technology Program

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.

Types of Environmental Control Technology Degrees

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.

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The education level required is different depending on the environmental control tech career you are seeking.

Career Opportunities for Environmental Control Tech Majors

Average Number of Jobs
$35.7k Average Starting Salary
11% Growth Job Outlook 2016-26

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.

Solid Growth Projected for Environmental Control Tech Careers

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%

How Much Money Do People With a Environmental Control Tech Degree Make?

Recently graduated environmental control technology students earned an average of $35,662 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $6,755 to as high as $121,440. As you might expect, salaries for environmental control tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

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High Paying Careers for Environmental Control Tech Majors

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

Getting Your Environmental Control Technology Degree

With over 608 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.

Study Areas in Environmental Control Technology

Environmental Control Technology is one of 18 different types of Engineering Technologies programs to choose from.

Environmental Control Tech Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineering Technology 7,017
Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology 1,038
Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology 414
Other Environmental Control Technologies 117
Hazardous Materials Management & Waste Technology 104

View All Environmental Control Tech Concentrations >

Majors Similar to Environmental Control Tech

Related Major Annual Graduates
Industrial Production Technology 11,906
Electromechanical Engineering Technology 10,593
Drafting & Design Engineering Technology 8,964
Electronics Engineering Technology 8,592
Engineering-Related Fields 6,736

View All Environmental Control Tech Related Majors >

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