Environmental Engineering
About the Program
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSENE): 45.0 quarter credits
Doctor of Philosophy: 90.0 quarter credits
Programs in environmental engineering are available with specializations in air pollution, hazardous and solid waste, subsurface contaminant hydrology, water resources, water and wastewater, and sustainability treatment.
Environmental engineering is concerned with protecting human, animal, and plant populations from the effects of adverse environmental factors, including toxic chemicals and wastes, pathogenic bacteria, and global warming.
Environmental engineers also try to minimize the effect of human activities on the physical and living environment so that we can all live more healthy and sustainable lives.This field builds on other branches of engineering, especially civil, chemical, and mechanical engineering. It also builds on information from many of the sciences, such as chemistry, physics, hydrology, geology, atmospheric science, and several specializations of biology (ecology, microbiology) and public health. Students who elect to study environmental engineering will become familiar with many of these areas because maintaining and improving the environment requires that problems be evaluated and solutions found using a multidisciplinary approach.
For more information about this program, visit the MS in Environmental Engineering web page.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general entrance requirements for all Environmental Engineering applicants, entrance to the MS Program in Environmental Engineering requires an undergraduate engineering degree from an ABET-approved institution. Students lacking this credential will be required to complete additional undergraduate courses to incorporate related elements of the functional equivalent of the ABET engineering BS degree. Typically, courses must be taken in computer programming, differential equations, linear algebra and fluid mechanics.
For additional information on how to apply, visit Drexel's Admissions page for Environmental Engineering.
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
The MS in Environmental Engineering requires 45.0 credits. Both thesis and a non-thesis options are available. It is possible to finish the MS degree on either a part-time or a full-time basis.
The degree consists of five core courses (in topics of chemistry, statistics, analysis of physical systems, and policy), completion of sequences in two areas (e.g. treatment processes, risks, water resources, or environmental modeling), additional elective courses and/or the MS thesis. Full time students can complete the degree in 15-18 months.
The student's plan of study and choice of sequence courses is made in consultation with the student’s graduate advisor.
| Core Courses | ||
| ENVE 660 | Chemical Kinetics in Environmental Engineering | 3.0 |
| ENVS 501 | Chemistry of the Environment | 3.0 |
| ENVS 516 | Sanitary Microbiology | 3.0 |
| Statistics Course (for example, ENVS 506 Biostatistics) | 3.0 | |
| Environmental Policy Course | 3.0 | |
| Additional Sequence Courses, Electives, and/or Thesis course | 30.0 | |
| Total Credits | 45.0 | |
PhD in Environmental Engineering
Applicants to the doctoral program are judged on the basis of academic excellence and the alignment of their research interests with those of the faculty in the School. To be awarded the PhD, students must complete a major research project publishable in peer-reviewed journals. The degree requires a total of 90 credits; credits earned toward a master's degree may apply toward the 90. There is no prescribed coursework—students must take courses needed to complete their research under guidance of an academic advisor. There is a one-year residency requirement. Students must successfully pass the candidacy examination, the proposal defense, and a PhD dissertation and oral defense.
Prospective PhD student are welcome to contact the Department to discuss their research interests.
Dual Degree
Dual MS Degree
The university encourages students with broad interest to consider a dual-master's option. Students can simultaneously work on two master's degree, applying to both programs a limited number of credits (a maximum of 15 to each). Applicants interested in a dual degree should apply for just one program; once enrolled at Drexel, the student may then request admission to the second program. The graduate advisors from both degree programs must approve the student's enrollment, and they must approve the transfer of credits from one program to another. Applicants considering two degrees are encouraged to contact the appropriate academic departments.
Bachelor’s/Master’s Dual Degree Program
The BS/MS dual degree is an accelerated program providing the academically qualified student an opportunity to simultaneously earn both BS and MS degrees (two diplomas are awarded) in program areas of his/her choice in five years, the time normally required to finish a bachelor's degree alone. Because both degrees are completed in the time usually required for the bachelor's degree, both degrees may be completed at the undergraduate tuition rate.
The five-year completion period is possible because fewer undergraduate credits are required for the combined degrees (180 instead of 192). Also, co-op experience may be adjusted (two co-op periods instead of three) giving the BS/MS student two additional quarters to take courses. If needed, students may also take evening courses while on co-op.
The program combines the practical work experience of Drexel undergraduate cooperative education with the graduate credentials of an advanced degree. Students may earn both degrees in the same major, or may complete their master's degree in a different field. With both an undergraduate and graduate degree and practical work experience, BS/MS graduates enter the work force with specialized knowledge and training.
Students interested in the Environmental Engineering BS/MS program, may contact Dr. Charles N. Haas at haas@drexel.edu for more information.
Facilities
The Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities:
- A $4.5-million instruction and research lab renovation — funded by the National Science Foundation, alumni, and corporations — was opened in 1999.
- The department computer labs are in operation: a computer-assisted design (CAD) and computerized instructional lab; and a graduate-level lab (advanced undergraduates can become involved in graduate-level work).
- External labs are used for surveying, building diagnostics, and surface and ground-water measurements.
- A renovated environmental engineering research lab was completed in 2006.
Courses
ENVE 529 Environmental Noise 3.0 Credits
Covers the fundamentals of acoustic propagation, instrumentation, noise descriptors, hearing damage and other health effects, occupational noise, noise abatement techniques, modeling the noise near highways and airports, and EPA strategy for reducing environmental noise exposure.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 534 Industrial Ventilation 3.0 Credits
Covers principles of air movement related to ventilation and air-conditioning facilities for the maintenance of suitable environmental conditions in work areas. Includes principles of industrial processes and air pollution abatement equipment, including air flow, ducts, fans, motors, and hoods.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 535 Industrial Safety 3.0 Credits
Examines the impact of accidents, liability considerations, legislation and regulation of safety, osha codes and standards, hazards and their analysis and control, risk assessment, major types of accidents and their impacts, and accident investigation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 546 Solid Waste Systems 3.0 Credits
Analyzes the public health, economic, and political aspects in the operation and design of storage, collection, and disposal of solid waste materials.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 555 Geographic Information Systems 3.0 Credits
The course provides grounding in fundamental principles of GIS, and achieves understanding through hands on practical laboratories. Course topics include: spatial reference systems, geographic data theory and structures, structures, spatial analysis tools, functions and algorithms, GIS data sources, compilation and quality, and GIS project design and planning.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 560 Fundamentals of Air Pollution Control 3.0 Credits
Fundamental topics with regard to the formation and control of air pollutants are studied. This course provides strong foundation for engineers who will be involved in the development of engineering solutions for industrial air pollution prevention and design, development or selection of air pollution control devices and systems.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 602 Water Quality Control Lab 3.0 Credits
Introduces analytical procedures in the assessment of water quality as applied to the analysis of natural waters and wastewaters, and to the control of water and waste treatment processes.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 501 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 603 Hazardous Waste Analysis Lab 3.0 Credits
Introduces methods of sampling and analysis of hazardous environmental pollutants. Emphasizes inorganic and organic pollutants found at hazardous waste disposal sites. Includes application of leachability and extraction tests.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 501 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 604 Solid Waste Analysis 3.0 Credits
Uses chemical and physical techniques to analyze the composition of solid waste material. Emphasizes combustible, organic, and toxic fractions of solid wastes.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 501 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 607 Environmental Systems Analysis 3.0 Credits
Surveys system concepts, theories, and analytical techniques, and their application to urban and environmental problems.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 642 Control of Gas and Vapor Pollutants From Industrial and Mobile Sources 3.0 Credits
In this course, students will learn how different physical and chemical mechanisms can be used to prevent, separate, recover or destroy the gas/vapor air pollutants. The control mechanisms are studied in detail. Students then learn how to apply those mechanisms in the design of conventional, or new, devices and systems for control of gas/vapor air pollutants.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is PhD or Senior.
Prerequisites: ENVE 460 [Min Grade: D]
ENVE 644 Design of Particulate Control Devices 3.0 Credits
Students will learn how different mechanisms can control characteristics, formation, transport, separation and destruction of airborne particulate pollutants. Students learn how to apply the studied material in the first part of this course to design conventional or new devices and systems for control of particulate air pollutants.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVE 460 [Min Grade: D]
ENVE 646 Advanced Solid Waste Systems 3.0 Credits
Introduces and analyzes the newest advances in solid waste technology, with an emphasis on design, treatment, and processing techniques.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 501 [Min Grade: C] and ENVR 546 [Min Grade: C] and ENVR 636 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 657 Incineration 3.0 Credits
Covers destruction of solid and liquid hazardous wastes at high temperature in a combustion device, including requirements for destruction of toxic materials and control of discharges to the atmosphere.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 501 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 660 Chemical Kinetics in Environmental Engineering 3.0 Credits
Covers chemical and biological kinetics, mass-transfer considerations and hydraulic regimes in water and wastewater treatment, and water quality management. Includes absorption and stripping of gases and volatile organics and applications to aeration and ozonation processes.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 501 [Min Grade: C] or ENVE 501 [Min Grade: C] and ENVR 506 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 661 Env Engr Op-Chem & Phys 3.0 Credits
Provides a theoretical study of the chemical and physical unit operations of environmental engineering, including sedimentation, coagulation, precipitation, adsorption, oxidation-reduction, ion exchange, disinfection, membrane processes, and filtration.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVE 660 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 662 Enviro Engr Unit Oper-Bio 3.0 Credits
Provides a systematic study of the microbiological and biochemical processes for the treatment of aqueous and solid wastes, including aerobic and anaerobic processes and composting.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 516 [Min Grade: C] and ENVE 660 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 665 Hazardous Waste & Groundwater Treatment 3.0 Credits
Covers principles of hazardous waste and groundwater treatment and in situ technologies. Presents application of processes, including solvent extraction, steam and air stripping, adsorption, ion exchange, oxidation, dechlorination, stabilization, wet air and supercritical oxidation, incineration, soil washing, and soil vapor extraction.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 660 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 681 Groundwater Hydrology 3.0 Credits
This course covers the effects of natural spatially-and emporally-varying hydrologic and geologic processes on groundwater flow and solute transport in aquifers. Covered are concepts and applications of geostatics, spectral tech-niques, and Monte Carlo simulations to subsurface hydrologic processes. Comparisons are made of recent theoretical developments to field data from research sites in North America.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 682 Subsurface Contaminant Transport 3.0 Credits
This course covers principles governing contaminant movement in aquifers. It includes advection, dispersion, reactive transport, microbial and colloidal transport, matrix diffusion, density-coupled transport, and multiphase flow. It also emphasizes field-scale applications.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVE 681 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 683 Stochastic Subsurface Hydrology 3.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Engineering
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVE 682 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 684 Water Resource Systems Analysis 3.0 Credits
This course covers mathematical optimization techniques as applied to water resource systems. Example applications include water supply management, irrigation planning and operation, water quality management and ground water management.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 702 Adv Enviro Instrumentatn 3.0 Credits
Uses instrumental analysis to assess environmental quality.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 602 [Min Grade: C] and ENVR 604 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 726 Environmental Assessment 3.0 Credits
Examines the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and its implemen-tation according to the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality. Discusses air, water, noise, biological, cultural, and socioeconomic impacts. Includes methods of impact analysis and means to compare alternative actions.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
ENVE 727 Risk Assessment 3.0 Credits
Covers quantitative relations between environmental exposures and effects. Includes computer methods for risk analysis and development of environmental guidelines and standards.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 501 [Min Grade: C] or ENVE 501 [Min Grade: C] and ENVR 506 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 750 Data-based Engineering Modeling 3.0 Credits
This course covers empirical methods to understand and model engineering systems. Students will learn to develop evaluate statistical models and use three common statistical software packages, Excel, SPSS, and R.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Junior.
Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Junior or Pre-Junior or Sophomore
Prerequisites: ENGR 361 [Min Grade: D] or CHE 335 [Min Grade: D] or MEM 361 [Min Grade: D] or MATH 311 [Min Grade: D]
ENVE 761 Enviro Engr Unit Oper Lab 3.0 Credits
Covers application of unit operations including filtration, adsorption, oxidation, coagulation, and biodegradation to the treatment of potable water, wastewater, and hazardous waste.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 661 [Min Grade: C] and ENVR 662 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 766 Waste Wtr Treat Plant Des 3.0 Credits
Covers application of principles of environmental engineering unit operations to the treatment of municipal, industrial, and hazardous wastes by biological, physical, and chemical means. Includes applications of computers to the design process.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ENVR 662 [Min Grade: C] and ENVR 751 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 767 Surface Water Mixing Processes 3.0 Credits
This course covers the hydrodynamic mixing and transport processes in free-surface flows. Basic mixing processes including molecular diffusion, turbulent diffusion and dispersion are also covered. Emphasis will be on the solution of the advection-diffusion equation with various boundary conditions . Additional topics include boundary exchanges, non-ideal mixing in rivers, and analysis of jets and plumes.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is CIVE or major is ENVE.
Prerequisites: CIVE 664 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 768 Sediment & Contamin Trnsport 3.0 Credits
This course covers the transport of sediments and reactive solutes in surface waters as well as the classic theory for bed-load and suspended sediment transport. The interplay of stream flow, frictional resistance, and sediment transport is also covered. The biogeochemical processes that influence contaminant mobility and the integration of physical and chemical processes in contaminant transport models are also discussed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is CIVE or major is ENVE.
Prerequisites: CIVE 767 [Min Grade: C] or ENVE 767 [Min Grade: C]
ENVE 865 Spec Topics Envr Engineering 12.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Engineering
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
