Ecological engineering (EcoE) is the design of sustainable systems consistent with ecological principles that integrate human activities into the natural environment to the benefit of both. Our systems-approach to engineering emphasizes diversity, resilience, and adaptation to maintain sustainability. Ecological engineering deals with both fundamental processes and engineering applications on scales that range from microscopic to watersheds and beyond. This discipline is rapidly developing as an important new area of engineering based on the science of ecological systems, with a number of dedicated journals, national and international professional societies, and new application areas emerging over the last decade. The Biological and Ecological Engineering Department at OSU has considerable expertise in this area and is among the national leaders in this discipline. 

The Bachelor of Science and Honors Bachelor of Science degrees in Ecological Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.ABET.org.

The EcoE program is the first of its kind nationally, reflecting Oregon’s leadership in this new and exciting multidisciplinary field. The curriculum is divided into an ecological engineering core and a set of upper-division science and engineering electives. The ecological engineering core contains the introductory and upper-division course work that provides the common engineering and scientific basis for our students. The core consists of pre-professional courses, baccalaureate core requirements, required upper-division engineering courses, and required science courses. Selections are made to a total of 23 credits of engineering and science/public policy electives. This organization provides students with considerable flexibility in selecting their degree path. 

Graduates with an Ecological Engineering degree will work to optimize the interface between humankind and the environment. Example activities undertaken might include river and wetland restoration, optimizing sensor arrays for ecological monitoring, improving productivity at agricultural and aquaculture facilities, managing the quality and quantity of water leaving farms, urban areas, landfills and industrial sites, and projection and adaptation of natural and anthropogenic systems to global climate and land use changes. Oregon State University has strong programs in many of the basic and engineering sciences that underpin the Ecological Engineering degree program. 

Graduates with an ecological engineering skill set may find employment with industrial clients, engineering consulting companies, governmental agencies, and entrepreneurial start-ups. 

Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes are posted on the BEE website.