Environmental Engineering MSENE
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSENE)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: Available for full-time, on-campus master's-level students
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.1401
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2081
About the Program
Graduates of the Environmental Engineering MS program develop a comprehensive understanding of the processes and engineering principles that govern environmental systems and their interaction with human activities. Students gain advanced knowledge related to air and water quality, environmental contaminants, waste and resource management, climate-related impacts, and the protection of human and ecological health. The program strengthens analytical, modeling, and design skills while emphasizing systems-based thinking across multiple environmental media. Graduates develop the ability to evaluate complex environmental problems, interpret scientific and engineering data, and design technically sound and sustainable solutions informed by environmental, societal, and regulatory considerations.
The Environmental Engineering MS program provides a rigorous and interdisciplinary learning experience that integrates engineering fundamentals with applied environmental science. Students engage in advanced coursework and project-based learning that address environmental challenges across local, regional, and global scales. Instruction draws on principles from environmental, civil, chemical, and architectural engineering, as well as the natural sciences, including chemistry, physics, hydrology, geology, atmospheric science, biology, and public health. Through applied analyses and design-oriented assignments, students learn to assess environmental risks, model system behavior, and develop mitigation and management strategies. Opportunities for focused study and research allow students to explore specialized interests and emerging environmental technologies while working closely with faculty on real-world environmental problems.
Graduates of the program are prepared for professional careers in consulting, industry, government agencies, and non-profit organizations focused on environmental protection, sustainability, and public health. The degree also provides preparation for doctoral study and research-oriented careers. For students pursuing professional licensure or certification, the curriculum supports continued technical development aligned with regulatory and professional practice expectations.
The Environmental Engineering MS program benefits from Drexel’s emphasis on experiential learning and engagement with real-world environmental challenges. Applied projects, practice-informed instruction, and interdisciplinary collaboration prepare graduates to contribute effectively to healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable communities.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering
Admission Requirements
MS admission is based on an academic record demonstrating adequate preparation and potential for successful graduate study. This typically includes a BS from an engineering curriculum accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the equivalent from a non-U.S. institution. Submission of results from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is usually required. Graduates who do not have a bachelor's degree in either Civil, Architectural or Environmental Engineering may be required to take preparatory undergraduate courses.
The application package should include:
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts as applicable
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who can evaluate the applicant’s promise as a graduate student
- GRE scores (optional)
- A written statement of career and educational goals
For more information, visit the Environmental Engineering Graduate Admissions webpage.
Degree Requirements
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| Select three of the following courses: | 9.0 | |
| Data-Based Engineering Modeling | ||
| Risk and Reliability | ||
| Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Economy | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Artificial Intelligence for CAEE Systems | ||
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| ENVE 6110 | Physical and Chemical Processes | 3.0 |
| ENVE 6120 | Environmental Biological Processes | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3.0 | |
| Indoor Air Quality | ||
| Outdoor Air Quality | ||
| Select one of the following courses: | 3.0 | |
| Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling | ||
| Groundwater Flow and Modeling | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select one of the following courses: | 3.0 | |
| Computational Fluid Dynamics in Buildings | ||
| High Performance Buildings | ||
| Intelligent Buildings | ||
| Peace Engineering | ||
| Sustainable Water Resources Engineering | ||
| Sustainable Water Field Class | ||
| Complex Water System Modeling | ||
| Infrastructure Condition Evaluation | ||
Select any 5800-7800 level ENVE Special Topics course | ||
Select any 5900-7900 level ENVE Independent Study course | ||
Select any 5000-7999 level course with advisor approval | ||
| Optional Thesis | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 6.0 | |
| Non-Thesis | ||
Select two additional courses from the above Core/Foundational Courses, Subject-Area Focused Courses, and/or Electives lists | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Master's Research and Master's Thesis | ||
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 5000 as preparation for their co-op experience. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the engineering principles governing environmental systems and processes affecting human and ecological health.
- Apply quantitative analysis, modeling, and engineering tools to evaluate environmental problems across multiple media.
- Design and assess solutions to environmental challenges that integrate technical, regulatory, environmental, and societal considerations.
- Analyze complex environmental systems using a multidisciplinary, systems-based approach.