The Department of Environmental Engineering (DEE), Jilin University, was formed through the merger of the former Department of Environmental Engineering of Jilin University and that of Changchun Science and TechnologyUniversity. DEE began to enroll undergraduate students in 1992 and Master’s students in 1996. PhD student enrolment began in 2003 with the establishment of the mobile station for post-doctoral candidates in environmental science and engineering disciplines. The Environmental Engineering discipline of DEE was named a provincial key discipline in 2006 and the subject of Environmental Science and Technology was granted as a Province Characteristic Subject in 2011.

At present DEE has 20 faculty members, with 7 Professors, 5 Associate Professors, 2 Senior Technicians, and 6 Lecturers. Altogether 13 faculty members have a Ph.D. degree.The faculty members of DEE have taken charge of or have participated in national "863" Major Scientific and Technological Projects, "973" Projects, National Natural Science Foundation of China Projects, International Cooperation Projects and industry-sponsored research projects.

The Center Laboratory for Environmental Engineering in DEE provides teaching for undergraduate students in a 1,300 m² laboratory with facilities and advanced analytical instrumentation to undertake work in environmental microbiology, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering principles, environmental monitoring and equipment analysis, water treatment, sewage treatment, control and remediation of contaminated sites, environmental biotechnology, solids handling and disposal of abandoned properties, membrane separation technology and air pollution control. In addition, a dedicated area of about 200 square meters contains a three-channel oxidation ditch treating up to 10 tons of sewage daily, which provides a practical base for teaching and laboratory practice for students at all levels year round.

Environmental engineering within DEE is a new interdisciplinary field and is one of the key scientific and technological development directions. The field includes aspects of civil engineering, chemical engineering, biology, hydrology and water resources, meteorology, management and sociology. Major research areas of environmental engineering include polluted sites control and restoration, water pollution control technology and design, solid waste treatment and disposal, environmental biotechnology and other related aspects.