From designing and implementing systems that purify water for drinking and industrial use to innovating state-of-the-art machinery to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, environmental engineers are the answer to a greener planet. And by the looks of it, the world needs more of them urgently.
Just last year, there were 27 individual weather and climate disasters with at least US$1 billion in damages in the US alone. These trailed only the record-setting 28 events analysed in 2023. Across the world in India, two million people die annually as a result of climate change and pollution. By 2050, as many as 148.3 million people are expected ot live in severe climate hot spots.
In response, the best universities are stepping up. Their answer to a planet desperately in need of repair is to nurture talented students into transformative engineers. Here are three leading US institutions that offer master’s degrees and specialised graduate certificates focusing on environmental engineering and related fields:
An estimated one in four professional engineers in New Jersey is a Newark College of Engineering alum. Source: New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Across New Jersey and far beyond, graduates of New Jersey Institute of Technology‘s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering are shaping industries, solving global challenges, and rising to the top. They are conducting studies ranging from the microscopic to landscape scale and using advanced computational models, covering research areas such as geostatistics and groundwater management. Others are applying computational methods and machine learning to study infrastructure assets, construction operations, and inter- and intra-community interactions.
that empower you to understand various disciplines and perceive how they interact to create complex challenges. You’ll not only consider projects’ structural or physical aspects, but also their social, political, financial and environmental implications.
Take the MS in Environmental Engineering, for example. In this programme, you’ll test your knowledge in real-world challenges — analysing water quality, designing waste management solutions, and using microbial tools to address pollution. You’ll build practical skills in geographic information systems, remote sensing, and hydrogeologic assessment through hands-on projects that mirror industry work. Whether you’re already in the field or have an engineering background, these experiences are designed to deepen your expertise and directly support your career growth.
Not ready to commit to a full master’s just yet? NJIT’s graduate certificates are purpose-built for professionals ready to deepen their expertise. Consider the Certificate in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) — a fast, focused pathway where you’ll harness the knowledge, skills, and abilities to build technical proficiency in future ITS. Complete just four courses, and you’ll be on your way to a full master’s degree, such as the MS in Transportation, without losing momentum.
Clearly, what’s on offer here is more than education. It’s your platform to build, lead, and leave your mark. Apply to the Civil and Environmental Engineering programme at New Jersey Institute of Technology now.
The Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin is a top-10-ranked engineering school and the #1 engineering programme in Texas. Source: UT Austin Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering/Facebook
Ranked among the country’s biggest and best research universities, the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is home to a sizable, connected community of over 52,000 students and 3,000 teaching faculty. Here, the aim is to provide students with opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research while enjoying cutting-edge teaching and learning techniques.
Its Cockrell School of Engineering is a top-ranked engineering school with the #1 engineering programme in Texas. In fact, UT Austin has been a global leader in technology advancement and engineering education for over a century — as evidenced by its ability to produce four National Medals of Science and Technology winners and one Nobel Prize recipient.
The complex problems surrounding the nexus of cities, water, and energy demand that engineers have increased breadth and depth of knowledge. That’s where UT Austin’s graduate programmes in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering come in. They are known worldwide for developing students into leaders in engineering practice, research, and education. Here, students can pursue a Master of Science in Engineering degree in Civil Engineering and Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, whereas the PhD degree is offered only in Civil Engineering.
“It is an exciting time to be in Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at UT Austin. What we do has become important and challenging as the world population grows in the face of expanded urbanisation, limited resources and changing climatic conditions,” says department chair Robert B. Gilbert. “We are leading major changes in energy, transportation, water management and treatment, sustainable construction and materials, and information technology.”
Environmental Engineering at Oregon State University explores applying engineering principles to secure Earth’s fundamental necessities. Source: College of Engineering – Oregon State University/Facebook
Oregon State University
As the most innovative university in Oregon, Oregon State University is always looking for ways to advance education and research in various areas like climate science, robotics, clean energy, and biotechnology. Its College of Engineering is no different.
Here, students and faculty work together to change lives through impactful findings. From developing sustainable energy solutions, ensuring access to clean water, and expanding on next-gen microelectronics, students here are ready to take on the challenge if it means creating a better future.
The college’s Environmental Engineering graduate programme is a good start. This programme explores the application of engineering principles to safeguard our clean water, soil, and air. With 11 focus areas to specialise in, future environmental engineers cab focus on creating technologies that guarantee reliable access to these necessities for the benefit of generations to come.
If you want to deep dive into climate change’s impact on forest ecosystems, the online Forests and Climate Change graduate certificate is a great option. Oregon State is one of the world’s top universities for forestry, ranking in the top 20 in a 2021 international survey of more than 3,000 universities and its faculty is known for their research, expertise and innovation in forestry and natural resources designed this programme. It is also home to multiple climate change centres, programmes, and projects that are supported by agencies such as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the US Department of the Interior.
Through six required courses and electives, you will learn how to assess the impact of extreme weather on forests, evaluate proposed adaptation strategies, and develop management practices. Upon completion, you can progress to Oregon State’s 45-credit Master of Natural Resources (MNR) programme online.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
