Although the engineering industry has always held favorable job prospects for qualified professionals, there are certain sectors of this field that are becoming more lucrative than others.

For instance, the demand for environmental engineers is expected to increase by 31 percent over the next eight years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rate of increase is nearly three times as fast as the average for all other engineering professions.

As a result, individuals who wish to experience a great deal of options and a high level of job security in this industry may want to consider updating their educational qualifications. Fortunately, there are many campus-based and online colleges that are increasing their offerings to ensure engineering students' success.

For instance, a Massachusetts-based school recently announced the launch of a new master's program in civil engineering that will prepare enrollees for environment-related careers, the Daily Collegian reports.

Individuals who complete similar campus-based or online college courses may gain a foundational knowledge of subjects such as ecohydrology, natural and structural fish way design, dam breaching and removal, stream restoration or watershed management.