Dmitry Ulrich
Starting in 2026, the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Municipal Services at the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering will begin accepting applicants for a new program, "Environmental Management and Engineering Protection of Territories", within the field of study 20.03.02 Environmental Management and Water Use, aimed at training specialists capable of solving key problems in ensuring the safety of territories, engineering infrastructure and citizens.
Dmitry Ulrikh, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Municipal Services at SPbGASU, Professor at the Department of Water Use and Environment, DSc in Engineering, and Associate Professor, spoke about the specifics and significance of the new program. He stated that by opening this program, the university is participating in achieving the national development goals of the Russian Federation, as stipulated by Presidential Decree No. 309 of 7 May, 2024. The decision to open the program was the result of an analysis of industry needs and current challenges faced by cities and regions.
"Speaking of the key task, it is, first and foremost, the engineering protection of territories. Every year, we face flooding, erosion processes, and the risk of infrastructure destruction. All these problems require practical, not theoretical, engineering solutions," noted Dmitry Ulrikh.
Engineering solutions instead of declarations
The new program focuses not on abstract discussions of territorial protection, but on the development and implementation of specific engineering measures. At the forefront of the educational program are the design, construction, and operation of protective structures that ensure the safe and sustainable use of territories.
"As part of our program, we focus on the technologies for creating engineering barriers, dams, retaining and reinforcing structures, and methods for stabilizing banks and slopes from erosion. We will train students in the design of systems that protect territories and infrastructure and prevent negative natural processes such as flooding, landslides, erosion, and floods," explained the dean.
This approach will develop in future specialists an engineering mindset focused on results and responsibility for the decisions they make.
Interdisciplinarity as a competitive advantage
One of the key features of the new program is its interdisciplinary nature.
"The combination of engineering knowledge with practical skills in developing and implementing engineering measures for landscaping, as well as designing protective and fortifying structures, will make our graduates highly sought after in the relevant field," explained Dmitry Vladimirovich.
This approach allows us to train specialists capable of working at the intersection of design, construction, and operation of engineering facilities.
Practical training and work with real objects
The training of specialists in this new field is primarily focused on practical experience. The university builds its educational process in close collaboration with industrial partners.
During their studies, students will have the opportunity to:
- complete internships at leading industry organizations;
- solve real-life engineering tasks;
- complete courseworks and final qualifying works based on materials from partner companies.
"We introduce the students to our partners from their first year of study so they understand the challenges they will face in their professional careers," the dean explained.
The courses will be taught by practicing specialists with practical experience in the field of engineering protection of territories and hydraulic engineering.
Labor market-oriented competencies
Graduates of the "Environmental Management and Engineering Protection of Territories" program will possess a broad range of professional competencies. They will be able to work as engineers specializing in hydraulic structures, environmental management, engineering protection of territories, land reclamation, monitoring and operation of protective systems, and more.
"Market analysis shows that specialists in this field are always in demand. It's a profession with clear career prospects and opportunities for growth," noted Dmitry Vladimirovich.
In addition, the program develops skills in risk assessment and engineering systems management, which is especially important in the context of increasing natural and industry-related threats.
A profession with high social significance
Engineering protection of territories involves not only design and calculations, but also responsibility for the safety of people, the sustainability of the urban environment, and the preservation of infrastructure.
"Working in this field is a contribution to the safety of thousands of people and to the reliable operation of communications, transport, and energy facilities," says Dmitry Ulrikh. He believes the new training profile is consistent with the motto "Create a safe future and protect the country's infrastructure!"