Environmental Engineering Master's Program
Ҵýƽ is one of the leading Environmental Engineering programs in the nation.
Our two-year, professional Master’s of Science degree is designed forearly- to mid-career professionals looking to take their careers to the next level. Our program will equip you with an advanced understanding of environmental science and engineering principles, and will prepare you to implement practices that will protect the health and welfare of humans and the environment. Our faculty are some of the leading minds in the field and emphasize practical, real-world learning. Classes are delivered on campus, and you’ll be able to choose from one of four specializations that will prepare you to pursue your passions and interests.
Start Your Graduate Journey
Fill out this form to learn more about this program.
Career Outcomes
90% of our grad students obtain employment within six months of graduation.
Reputation
#8 Environmental Engineering public graduate program in the nation.
Campus Community
Be part of a challenging but supportive culture that will empower you to achieve your goals.
Location
The Denver region offers some of the best opportunities for civil engineers in the U.S
Student Spotlights
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Joe Ning
I love building science, but I also would love to work with Doctors Without Borders as a sanitary engineer. Every time they set up a hospital, they need engineers to deal with waste. It’s an area where I feel like I’ll always be able to sleep well delivering clean water to people.
My focus is on resource recovery of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste – food waste and yard trimmings. You can recover valuable material that can be marketed and sold. I have a draw to recover resources from something people view as trash, flipping the narrative. This shouldn’t be a burden; it is an opportunity to recover something.
The faculty that makes up the EVEN program has created a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds. I had such a positive experience during my undergrad that I decided to stay for a master's!
Choose Your Pathway in Environmental Engineering
We offer two exciting tracks to help you achieve your goals and advance your career.
| Professional MS | Traditional MS |
|---|---|
| Industry-Focused | Research-Focused |
| Designed for early- and mid-career professionals or students aiming to advance in industry through a coursework-only path. | Intended for students interested in a short-term research experience, leading to the preparation and defense of a research-based thesis. |
| Choose from 3 highly focused specializations or a General track | Build a broader foundation through a variety of electives |
| 30 Credits | 30 Credits |
| 2 years | 2 years |
| Coursework-only | Thesis or non-thesis options |
| Can be pursued full-time or part-time | Generally full-time |
| In-Person/On-Campus available | In-Person/On-Campus available |
The research-based MS degree does not offer direct entry. Students interested in pursuing an MS thesis should apply to the coursework Professional MS. If admitted, students can formally switch to the research-based degree upon securing a thesis advisor. Please feel free to reach out toevengrad.advising@colorado.edufor more information.
Explore some of the amazing things you'll learn.
Step Into Your Future
Our Environmental Engineering Graduate Program focuses on the fundamental and applied understanding of the processes which govern natural and engineered treatment systems and the effects that they have on human and ecosystem health. The program covers topics ranging from ecosystem processes, fate and transport of organic contaminants, alternative energy, air quality, sustainability, and water and wastewater treatment, among others.
All graduate students in the Environmental Engineering graduate program must take the core Environmental Engineering Processes course (CVEN 5464) and are expected to reach chemistry and mathematical proficiency through various electives. The course requirements and offerings vary among each of the Environmental Engineering graduate degree options. Please refer to theGraduate Program Handbook for curriculum details.
Specializations
Choose from three distinct specializations or pursue general studies across the entire domain of environmental engineering. You can also supplement your degree with a graduate certificate in Water Engineering and Management or Global Engineering.
Address global environmental concerns through the design and implementation of solutions focused on water and wastewater treatments, household energy systems, air pollution, hazardous wastes, and more.
Explore how to successfully design, implement and manage systems to treat and recycle wastewater for various uses, including drinking water, industrial processes, irrigation and more.
Learn how to design innovative strategies and technologies to mitigate environmental effects in the high-demand fields of air quality engineering and sustainable energy solutions.
Establish a solid foundation across the diverse domains of environmental engineering. Tailor your studies to your interests by taking electives from any of the above specializations.
This 12-credit certificate will help young professionals advance their careers in water management through exploring the intersection of leadership, communication, governance, finances and water management.
Obtain a broad, multi-disciplinary introduction to international development with this 12-credit certificate. This program includes a hands-on, in-person practicum with one of our 80+ partner programs.
Faculty Spotlights
Costs & Financial Information
A masters degree from the College of Engineering and Applied Science represents a valuable investment in your career potential. While costs vary by program, residency status, and enrollment type, we're committed to transparency in helping you plan for this important step.
- Tuition structure: Engineering masters programs have different rate structures based on program type, delivery method, and course load
- ROI consideration: Most graduates recoup their educational investment within 2.5 years of completing their degree
- Flexible options: Many programs offer part-time enrollment, allowing you to distribute costs while maintaining employment
- Scholarships and fellowships: Program-specific and college-wide opportunities available
- Assistantships: Some programs offer research or teaching positions that provide financial support
- Employer benefits: Many companies provide tuition assistance for job-relevant graduate education
- Military benefits: Veterans can utilize GI Bill benefits for qualified programs
For detailed, current information about costs specific to your program of interest and payment options, we recommend visiting the Ҵýƽ Bursar's Office.
Admissions Requirements & Application Information
- Bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA in Engineering, which includes chemical, civil, environmental or mechanicalengineering, Natural science, or Mathematics from an accredited university.
- Students without this background can still apply and will be evaluated on an individual basis. Such students must have completed the following courses:
- 4 semesters of Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations
- 1 semester of Probability and Statistics
- 2 semesters of Calculus-based Physics
- 2 semesters of General Chemistry
- 1 semester of Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering
- 1 semester of Earth Sciences such as Biology or Geology
- 1 semester of Fluid Mechanics
- Statement of purpose outlining your goals and interests.
- Four letters of recommendation.
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience
- Fall Admissions: December 1
- Spring Admissions: October 1
Further information about the application process, including information for international and transfer students,can be found on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the GRE is not required.
We will consider all successfully completed courses, regardless of the amount of time since completion. Because of the nature of our programs, it is important that students have a working knowledge of all prerequisite subjects in order to build on that foundation.
Faculty are open to visits, and you can arrange appointments by emailing them directly. Find their contacts here. Reach out to faculty in your area of interest to request an appointment or lab tour. The university’s Admissions Visit Programs also offer individual appointments, information sessions, and campus tours for a comprehensive look at Ҵýƽ.
Explore Related Engineering Programs
If you’re not sure this is the program for you, we offer several related degrees for you to consider:
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