Environmental Engineering Graduate Programs

Environmental Engineering Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Environmental engineering graduate programs teach students how to use math and science to plan, design and construct environmental projects. During their education, students may work on projects involving waste water and portable water treatment, emission control and solid waste disposal remedies.

In order to apply for admission to a master’s program in environmental engineering, students typically must possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field. Students that choose to pursue a master’s of environmental engineering typically complete undergraduate degrees in chemistry, physics, biology or engineering. Students must seek admission based on requirements of each school or program.

Graduate programs in environmental engineering range in length from one to four years. Programs typically favor a research and implementation approach, and students can often tailor their coursework based on their area of interest through a choice of elective classes. Most environmental engineering graduate programs require a master’s thesis or project. Coursework for the program may include:

• Air quality
• Water chemistry
• Microbiology of the environment
• Fluid mechanics
• Engineering: solid waste
• Environmental law and policy

Environmental engineers do not have a continuing education requirement, but graduates may attend seminars and lectures at research universities or private firms to stay current within their field. A Ph.D. is needed for teaching at the university level or to conduct research. Students should ensure that their school of choice is credentialed.

Environmental Engineering Career Paths

Those with graduate degrees in environmental engineering often pursue positions with construction firms, government agencies, large corporations, consulting firms and research universities. Industries populated by graduates of this program include but are not limited to government, private sector and education.

Environmental Engineering Future Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects employment in environmental engineering to grow much faster than the average. Based on the continued changes in environmental legislation and policy, environmental engineers will be in high demand for the next few years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineers earn an average annual salary of $69,940. Salaries can fluctuate because of areas of specialization, level of education, type of employer and location.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.