Environmental Engineering PhD
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.1401
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2081
About the Program
Students in the Environmental Engineering PhD program gain technical expertise and research skills in specialized areas of environmental engineering including one or more of the following sub-disciplines: air pollution, hazardous and solid waste, subsurface contaminant hydrology, water resources, water and wastewater, and sustainability treatment. Through this foundation, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the processes and engineering principles that govern environmental systems and their interaction with human activities. Graduates of the program possess analytical, modeling, and design skills while emphasizing system-based thinking across multiple environmental media. Graduates also 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 PhD program emphasizes research through an independent dissertation. Research is supported through core coursework and elective classes.
Graduates of the PhD program are well prepared for professional careers in academia, consulting, industry, government agencies, and public-sector organizations focused on environmental protection, sustainability, and public health. For students pursuing professional licensure, the curriculum supports preparation for licensure examinations and continued professional development consistent with industry expectations.
Drexel’s signature experiential learning model is applied in the PhD in Environmental Engineering through applied research, experiential learning, and close engagement with real-world environmental challenges. Students gain exposure to practice-informed instruction, real-world projects, and professional networks that connect academic learning with important engineering challenges. This integration of advanced technical education with experiential learning prepares graduates to transition effectively into professional roles and to healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable communities.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering
Admission Requirements
PhD 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
Post-Bachelor's PhD Students
| 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 | ||
| Research 1 | 33.0-120.0 | |
| PhD Research | ||
| Dissertation | 6.0 | |
| PhD Dissertation Writing and PhD Defense | ||
| Electives | 0.0-9.0 | |
Select any AE (Architectural Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any CIVE (Civil Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any ENVE (Environmental Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any courses within the 5000-9999 level with graduate advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 60.0-156.0 | |
- 1
Number of required research credits may be reduced based on the number of Elective credits required.
Post-Master's PhD Students
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Research 1 | 24.0-120.0 | |
| PhD Research | ||
| Dissertation | 6.0 | |
| PhD Dissertation Writing and PhD Defense | ||
| Research | 0.0-9.0 | |
Select any AE (Architectural Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any CIVE (Civil Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any ENVE (Environmental Engineering) 5000-9996 level course | ||
Select any courses within the 5000-9999 level with graduate advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 30.0-135.0 | |
- 1
Number of required research credits may be reduced based on the number of Elective credits required.
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.
- Conduct independent research using theory, modeling, simulation, and/or experimentation to address advanced environmental engineering problems.