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What is Environmental Engineering?

Environmental engineers apply science and engineering principles to develop solutions to protect human health and welfare and minimize the adverse effects of human activities on the environment. Environmental engineers provide safe water supplies for societal and environmental needs; reduce emissions of pollutants by developing engineered systems for treating air, water and hazardous wastes; predict the transport and effects of contaminants in natural environments; manage and remediate sites contaminated by improper disposal of hazardous materials and protect public health through the application of engineering principles.

The civil engineering degree plan with a specialty in environmental engineering provides civil engineering students with the knowledge to provide solutions to practical challenges in both the civil and environmental engineering discipline.

Master of Engineering and Master of Science (Non-Thesis)

The Master of Engineering and Master of Science (Non-Thesis) have identical requirements and are intended for students who seek a Master’s degree to prepare them for engineering practice. A minimum of 30 semester credit hours of approved courses is required for the Master of Engineering degree (MEng) and the Master of Science (Non-Thesis).

Master of Science (Thesis)

The Master of Science (Thesis) degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework. All students must also meet the program prerequisites. Students generally complete the degree requirements in 15 to 24 months. Students must take 9 hours in both the fall and spring semesters to have full-time student status.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is a research-oriented degree requiring performance of independent research that is the original work of the degree candidate. The Ph.D. degree prepares students for careers in engineering practice, education, leadership, and research, including industry, government laboratories and academia. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully through both oral and written communication.