Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
Students may choose between the MS in Environmental Engineering or the MS in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering. The MS in Environmental Engineering is more closely aligned with the program's roots in process engineering and therefore requires students to have taken at least one graduate-level course in this area. The MS in Civil Engineering is the degree option that should be taken by students not interested in studying process engineering.
Students in both MS programs conduct research on topics including water resources, climate change, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology. They also have access to cutting-edge facilities, a wide range of advanced instrumentation, and mentorship from award-winning faculty.
In addition to the traditional 2-year research-based option, the program offers a 1-year coursework-based option. The research option is typically followed by students receiving financial support in the form of a research or teaching assistantship. The coursework option is designed to be completed in 9–12 months. Students pursuing the latter option may only receive partial financial assistance.
Benefits list
Innovative research centers
Students pursuing an MS in Environmental Engineering have access to two research centers hosted by UMass Amherst: the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center and the Water Innovation Network for Sustainable Small Systems.
Featured classes
Policies and laws relating to use and conservation of water resources. Analysis of water-related governmental organizations and programs at federal, state, and local levels.
Facilities for the passage and protection of aquatic organisms at hydropower projects and other stream barriers. Topics include ichthyomechanics, ecohydrology, and design of baffled chute passes, pool-type ladders, fish lifts, and downstream devices.
Rates and kinetics of chemical and biological systems important to environmental engineers. The fundamentals of kinetic theory, mathematical simulation of kinetic systems, analysis of kinetic data, and many relevant case studies are examined.
Featured faculty
Caitlyn Butler
Graduate Program Director, Civil and Environmental Engineering
ADVANCE Team Leader for Practice
Civil Engineering. Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Engineering.
Application information & deadlines
The MS program in Environmental Engineering has deadlines that depend on your goals, interests, and timeline.
PRIORITY Deadline for Fall 2024 Admission
For Fall 2024 applicants, we will continue to consider applications received by January 2 for funding.
Deadline for Fall 2024 Admission
For Spring 2025 Admission
Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
Environmental engineers are problem-solvers whose research helps sustain our planet–from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, and everything in between.