Guide to getting a master’s in environmental engineering

The professionals we today call environmental engineers were once known as sanitary engineers. Water and wastewater treatment were their main tasks. Around the start of the industrial revolution, water quality became a serious issue in large cities. This led to the rise of sanitary engineers, who worked to develop sanitation and water treatment systems.

It wasn’t until the 1970s, as human impacts on the environment were beginning to be better understood, that this largely unknown field of engineering took on a new name and quickly rose to prominence.

Sanitary engineering was rebranded as environmental engineering and expanded its remit. Today, environmental engineers work for companies across a variety of industries to minimize human impact on the environment.

While sanitary engineers focused solely on the sanitation of potable water and wastewater, environmental engineers focus on protecting every aspect of the natural world, including water, air, and soil as well as the delicate ecosystem as a whole.

Explore the top-ranking graduate programs for environmental engineering to make an informed choice.

What can you do with a master’s in environmental engineering?

Once you’ve earned a bachelor’s in environmental engineering, a master’s can open up a greater variety of career opportunities. From working as an environmental health and safety director to managing water projects, there’s no shortage of rewarding jobs available. A master’s can also qualify you for more research-based roles.

» Read: Why are master’s degrees important?

Should you get a master’s in environmental engineering?

Aside from deciding if a career in environmental engineering is one you would enjoy, another important factor to consider is how much you can expect to earn. The table below shows the average earnings and debt for master’s in environmental engineering students 3 years after graduation. It compares earnings to the median debt accrued and compares these new earnings to those 3 years after receiving a bachelor’s in the same field.

Engineers with a master’s in environmental engineering earn substantially more than their bachelor’s degree counterparts. The low debt-to-earnings earnings ratio of 0.39 also suggests that most graduates with this degree are able to quickly recoup the cost of their education.

» Read: Calculating the earning potential of your degree

How to pick a master’s in environmental engineering

There are a range of factors to consider when evaluating a master’s in environmental engineering. An initial consideration is finding a program that offers the concentration you are interested in.

Among the most common are:

Accreditation

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits engineering, science, and technology programs in the U.S. ABET accreditation is essential for bachelor’s degrees, but less so at the master’s level. However, you may not be admitted into a master’s program without an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree.

Can you get a master’s in environmental engineering online?

Most environmental engineering programs are not offered online due to the amount of hands-on coursework, group projects, and lab requirements. While there are some schools that offer these programs online, it is essential to carefully research their quality before opting for them.

How much does a master’s in environmental engineering cost?

The table below shows the difference in debt and repayment rates based on institution type.

» Read: Repayment options for student loans

Financial aid and scholarships

Financial aid for a master’s in environmental engineering can come in the form of scholarships, student loans, grants, and work-study programs. As with any degree, the first step is to complete the FAFSA form on the Federal Student Aid website. It is also a good idea to schedule a time to meet with someone from your chosen school’s financial aid department to see what other financial opportunities might be available to you.

» Read: How to refinance your student loans

What to expect from a master’s in environmental engineering

Core environmental engineering courses form the backbone of the program, with specialization electives and breadth requirements in non-engineering and non-STEM fields as customizable add-ons.

Admission requirement

Common admission requirements include:

• minimum GPA as determined by school
• bachelor’s in chemical engineering or a closely related field
• letters of recommendation
• research experience

Admission requirements vary significantly between schools. Be sure to carefully read through your chosen schools’ instructions.

Bridge programs for non-STEM or non-engineering backgrounds

Some schools offer bridge programs for students from non-STEM or non-engineering backgrounds designed to get them up to speed. If you are interested in pursuing a master’s in environmental engineering but do not have the required background, a bridge program could make this degree accessible.

Program length

A master’s degree in environmental engineering typically takes 1 to 2 years to complete.

Thesis versus non-thesis route

Some environmental engineering master’s degree programs require students to write and defend a thesis to earn their degree. Such programs tend to be more research-oriented. Programs that do not require a thesis are often more hands-on. The non-thesis route usually requires more credit hours to replace the thesis.

Master’s-to-Ph.D. track

If you are interested in earning a doctorate in environmental engineering, choosing a school that offers this track is a good option to consider. These programs allow students to progress straight to a Ph.D. program after earning their master’s.

FE and PE exams

Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering, you qualify for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. After passing the FE and earning at least 4 years of experience, you can sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam and apply for licensure as a Professional Engineer. Licensure is optional for most roles, but highly recommended.

What type of courses are there in a master’s in environmental engineering?

Common courses specific to a master’s in environmental engineering include:

• Fluid mechanics
  Fluid mechanics deals with calculating and anticipating the behavior of water and other fluids in a wide range of environments.
• Sustainable design
  Courses in sustainable design teach environmental engineers how to design buildings and products in a way that has minimal impact on the environment. Both materials and methods are covered.
• Renewable energy
  Optimizing renewable energy sources is currently the only known path for solving the problem of limited fossil fuels. In renewable energy courses, environmental engineers take a deep dive into solar, wind, water, and geothermal energy.
• Geotechnical engineering
  Geotechnical engineers focus on soil properties and underground engineering. Students can expect to learn principles such as the shear strength of soils, soil compaction and consolidation, and settlement of foundations.
• Air pollution engineering
  Preventing pollution is a key responsibility of environmental engineers. In this course, students learn about air pollution sources and effects, and the design of air pollution control systems.

What type of master’s degrees are there in environmental engineering?

The 2 main types of master’s degrees in environmental engineering are the master of science (M.S.) and the master of engineering (MEng).

Along with choosing between these 2 types of degrees, be aware of programs related to environmental engineering that are presented under different titles. A master’s in civil engineering with a concentration in environmental engineering is one example. Other programs have titles such as master’s in carbon management. These are technically environmental engineering programs that microfocus on a certain aspect of the field.

What careers can I have with a master’s in environmental engineering?

A master’s in environmental engineering can prepare you for a wide range of lucrative and rewarding careers in the environmental engineering field including energy efficiency engineer, green building engineer, and geotechnical engineer. It can also qualify you for senior and research and development roles.