Environmental Engineering Master of Science

Understand and interpret the dynamics of man-made and natural pollutants, environmental systems, and the sustainability of natural resources in the Environmental Engineering Master of Science (MS) program in the College of Engineering at 51¶¯Âþ. Prepare to execute projects that model the flow, use and disposal of resources to address climate, environmental and sustainability issues. Combine in-class learning with research and practical work for a robust educational experience. 

The Environmental Engineering master’s program offers a great deal of flexibility: Classes are offered in the evenings, allowing you to fit your academic commitments around your personal and professional responsibilities. Tailor the curriculum to your interests and professional career path with specialized electives and courses. For example, if you are interested in leadership, you might choose to take a course in Engineering Management. Or, you might study Stormwater Management by focusing your coursework on this topic.

The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department has a substantial group of faculty members who represent diverse interests including biological, chemical and physical processes. Water and wastewater management are disciplinary strengths of the program—not to mention highly relevant fields in the job market.

Credit Requirements

The Environmental Engineering MS requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. 

Classes & Curriculum

Many students finish their requirements for the master’s program in the span of two years, though the time limit for completion is five years. Some enter the master’s program directly from undergraduate, completing the program on a full-time basis. Many students work in industry while completing their degree part time.

The diversity of faculty expertise means a great variety of course topics. Take a number of core courses in the biology, chemistry and physics of environmental systems before delving into elective course work. Electives in Environmental Engineering include

  • Advanced Physical/Chemical Processes,
  • Aquatic Toxicology in Environmental Engineering,
  • Biological Processes,
  • Contaminant Dynamics in Urban Streams,
  • Engineering Hydrology,
  • Environmental Hydrology,
  • Fate of Pollutants in Subsurface Environments,
  • Urban Streams and Stormwater Management, and
  • Water And Wastewater Systems Design.

Take a look at the full list of required courses for the Environmental Engineering Master of Science. Choose to complete your degree with a thesis, project or advanced coursework.

You’ll choose one of three tracks.

Thesis

  • 24 credits of course work
  • six credits of thesis work

Project

  • 27 credits of didactic course work
  • three credits of project work

Course work

  • 30 credits of didactic course work

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Science in Environmental Engineering offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,332.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,744.00 per credit

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The College of Engineering reflects the diversity that has always been a hallmark of life at 51¶¯Âþ. With students from diverse cultural backgrounds and regions across the world, 51¶¯Âþ’s classrooms are enriched with countless perspectives, giving students a global point of view across disciplines and fields, and strengthening bonds that encourage success among students.

As a community, 51¶¯Âþ’s shared responsibility is to enhance the quality of life for all members of the 51¶¯Âþ community, providing a safe, supportive and welcoming environment in which to learn, work and grow.

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Environmental engineer conducting research study in a lab

Student Clubs & Organizations

From Engineers Without Borders to 51¶¯Âþ Robotics to professional and honor societies, student clubs in the College of Engineering provide numerous ways to network, socialize and excel outside the classroom. .  

A faculty advisor will guide you in navigating the curriculum and selecting the appropriate coursework to achieve your academic and professional goals. A graduate student advisor will also be available to help you with scheduling, policies and procedures to assure your smooth passage through the program.

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Additional Program Information