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master's in environmental engineering students doing research
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Master's in Environmental Engineering Degree

M.S. or M.Eng.

Save the planet. Start in this one-of-a-kind program that combines chemical, civil and geological engineering.

The planet's population is growing. So are our demands for food, energy and other resources. Environmental engineers play a critical role in ensuring we can satisfy those demands sustainably. You'll learn how to protect and clean our air, water and soil, focusing on energy- and industrial-generated sources.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
18 months
Credit hours:
30
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Why earn a master's in Environmental Engineering?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Feb. 28* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Sep. 15* | Dec. 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


UND's master's in Environmental Engineering emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to environmental engineering. It includes the mitigation of environmental impacts from gaseous, liquid, and solid-phase emission sources. You'll work closely with industry, businesses and communities to develop new technologies and solve infrastructure-related problems.

Plus, you'll gain access to on-campus EPA certified laboratories including:

  • The multi-disciplinary Environmental Analytical Research Laboratory
  • Civil Engineering Environmental and Hydraulics Laboratories
  • Chemical Engineering Laboratories

M.S. vs. M.Eng. in Environmental Engineering

UND offers both Environmental Engineering Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degrees. It is recommended you connect with the your advisor before making a final decision. In general, a M.Eng. program is more course-based, while the more popular M.S. program includes a thesis or research project/independent study.

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Best Environmental Engineering Schools

  • Complete an environmental engineering design project that positions you for real-world success.

  • Faculty have relationships with a variety of industries, municipalities, consulting firms, government agencies and research-funding organizations. You'll have opportunities for your own research and collaboration.

  • Participate in research at the UND Energy & Environmental Research Center. The EERC works with state, federal and industry clients to solve energy and environmental needs.

  • Study at a Carnegie R1 Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

  • Gain a competitive edge through UND's Accelerate to Industry (A2i)™ program. This workforce readiness program provides immersive job training for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. It is one of only 30 programs nationwide.

What can I do with a master's in Environmental Engineering?

100k

Median annual salary for environmental engineers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

7%

Projected job outlook for environmental engineers through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

UND's interdisciplinary approach prepares you for professional success in industry or government. You'll graduate prepared to play a key role in protecting air, water and soil quality. Our environmental engineering graduates can expect to find jobs in several fields, including:

  • Recycling: Design and implement recycling programs to minimize waste and promote sustainability in communities and businesses.
  • Waste disposal: Develop and oversee efficient waste management systems, ensuring the safe and responsible disposal of various types of waste materials.
  • Water and air pollution control: Work on designing and implementing strategies to monitor and reduce pollution levels, safeguarding public health and environmental quality.
  • Pipeline operations: Oversee the construction and maintenance of pipelines, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing environmental impacts.
  • Data science: Analyze environmental data to identify trends and patterns, informing decision-making processes and facilitating the development of environmental policies and strategies.
  • Consulting: Provide expert guidance to organizations and governments on environmental issues, helping them navigate regulations, implement sustainable practices, and mitigate environmental risks.

Jobs with a Master's in Environmental Engineering

UND graduates have gone one to hold positions of:

  • Director of Engineering
  • Director of Environmental Health and Safety
  • Water and Wastewater Engineer
  • Environmental Engineer/Planner
  • Research and Development Manager

Master's in Environmental Engineering Courses

GEOE 417. Hydrogeology. 3 Credits.

Physical and chemical aspects of groundwater movement, supply, and contamination. Prerequisite: MATH 165. F.

GEOL 540. Water Sampling and Analysis. 3 Credits.

Techniques of water and sediment sampling and analysis using equipment in the UND Water Quality Laboratory. Results are interpreted in the context of the natural systems from which the samples are taken. Enrollment is limited to eight students per section. A laboratory fee is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 121.

CE 535. Hazardous Waste Management. 3 Credits.

Regulations, generation, storage, transportation, disposal, classification, fate and transport of contaminants, environmental audits, pollution prevention and management facilities, remediation alternatives, physical-chemical treatment, bioremediation, stabilization/solidification, thermal processes. Prerequisite: CE 306 and CHEM 121.

ENVE 591. Environmental Engineering Research. 1-6 Credits.

Supervised research work in environmental engineering. Repeatable to 24 credits. Repeatable to 24.00 credits.

CHE 504. Air Pollution Control. 3 Credits.

Identification of major air pollutants from stationary and mobile sources and methods of controlling their emissions; dispersion of air pollutants in the atmosphere; photochemical air pollution; federal and state regulations. Prerequisite: Background equivalent to CHEM 122, MATH 265, and PHYS 252 is expected.

ENGR 554. Applied Project Management. 3 Credits.

This course is an interdisciplinary project management course utilizing case studies to illustrate project management principles and allow students to practice using real-world examples. Students will have the background and training required for certification through the Project Management Institute. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. S.

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Region's Only Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND offers the only online Environmental Engineering graduate program in the region and is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top online graduate engineering program. We rank among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes. Compare the cost of the Environmental Engineering master's and you'll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Online Environmental Engineering Master's 

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

Top-Tier Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

Graduates holding a master's degree in Environmental Engineering are trained to explore diverse roles in water and wastewater treatments, recycling, waste disposal, water and air pollution control, pipeline operations, data science and consulting. Previous UND graduates have secured positions such as director of engineering, director of environmental health and safety, water and wastewater engineer, environmental engineer/planner and research and development manager. These professionals contribute to addressing challenges in critical areas such as water delivery, waste treatment, flood and drought mitigation, as well as pollution prevention and remediation.

The average duration of the Environmental Engineering graduate program at UND is 1.5 to 2 years, depending on credit load.

To earn a master's degree in Environmental Engineering at the UND, students must meet general requirements set by the School of Graduate Studies and specific requirements set by the Environmental Engineering Program. This includes completing a minimum of 30 credits of coursework, with at least half at or above the 500-level.

Of course—the online degree is equivalent to the on-campus degree. Regardless of the customization of your online experience, you receive the same high-quality education as on-campus students. All online programs, including environmental engineering, are fully accredited, ensuring that your transcript and diploma are identical to those of on-campus students.

Leaders in Engineering

Helping you fulfill your aspirations is our highest priority. We'll work with you to design a custom educational plan that meets your goals.

 

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Explore More Options

Connect with faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

  • Department of Civil Engineering
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Department Contact
Yeo Howe Lim
Graduate Director
P 701.777.3998
yeo.lim@UND.edu

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