Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainable Engineering
Program Overview
Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainable Engineering
The Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainable Engineering (ESE) program at UAlbany provides advanced skills and technical depth to protect human health and the environment. Students acquire deep knowledge in one of four concentration areas: water and wastewater, air quality, human health and the environment, and sustainable engineering.
Program of Study
The MS ESE program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. The non-thesis option requires a project course or a 3-credit master's project as a culminating experience. The program consists of 30 credits as follows:
- Required Courses (12 credits)
- Environmental Physical and Chemical Processes
- Biological Treatment Processes
- Sustainable Air Pollution Management
- Nonpoint Source Pollution Engineering
- Thesis Option (18 credits)
- Elective courses in your concentration area (6 credits)
- Elective courses outside your concentration area (3 credits)
- Thesis (9 credits)
- Non-Thesis Option (18 credits)
- Elective courses in your concentration area (15 credits)
- Project Course or Master's Project (3 credits)
Research
Students conduct research to address problems of societal significance in areas including water and wastewater, air quality and control, energy and environment, human health and the environment, and sustainable development. Working collaboratively with researchers from diverse backgrounds, students find solutions to broad environmental challenges by applying fundamental scientific concepts and sound engineering principles.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to address critical environmental concerns through sustainable approaches on local, national, and global scales. The MS ESE provides a clear pathway to advanced studies in the UAlbany PhD ESE program.
- Potential job titles for an MS degree in environmental and sustainable engineering:
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability Director
- Green Building Engineer
- Water Project Manager
- Environmental Engineering Consultant
- Global Sustainability Data and Analytics Director
Admissions Requirements
- Deadlines:
- Fall: Rolling
- Spring: Rolling
- Summer: Rolling
- Required Application Materials:
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- GRE (Optional)
- Applicants are expected to have an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering. Applicants from other areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- For students entering the MS program without engineering degrees, but from quantitative science backgrounds, they would need to take at least three (3) 400-level ESE courses specifically related to their research projects (for thesis option) or chosen concentration areas (non-thesis option). A grade of B or above for each course is required in order to be fully admitted to the MS program.
- For students entering the MS program without engineering degrees, but from less quantitative backgrounds, they would need to take at least two (2) 300-level ESE courses and at least three (3) 400-level ESE courses specifically related to their research projects (for thesis option) or chosen concentration areas (non-thesis option). A grade of B or above for each course is required in order to be fully admitted to the MS program.
Student Learning Objectives
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics
- Apply engineering design to produce creative solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors
- Communicate orally and in writing effectively with a range of audiences
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts
- Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives
- Propose transformative ideas and develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, use engineering judgment to draw conclusions and present findings in professional settings
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed using appropriate learning strategies
Program Educational Objectives
- Breadth. Graduates will be able to contribute technically to solving broad environmental problems by applying fundamental scientific concepts and sound engineering principles.
- Depth. Graduates are highly knowledgeable and skilled in their chosen field of interest.
- Teamwork. Graduates will be able to work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds to solve critical environmental problems through sustainable approaches.
- Professionalism. Graduates will maintain high professional and ethical standards and stand out as examples for their peers.
- Lifelong Learning. Graduates will excel in their chosen profession through lifelong learning and become leaders in their professional service.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Title:
Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainable Engineering (ESE)
Overview:
The program equips students with the expertise and experience to address critical environmental issues through sustainable approaches. It offers deep knowledge in four concentration areas:
- Water and Wastewater
- Air Quality
- Human Health and the Environment
- Sustainable Engineering
Objectives:
- Prepare students to address environmental challenges through sustainable approaches.
- Provide a pathway to advanced studies in the UAlbany PhD ESE program.
Description:
- The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options.
- Students can customize their studies through elective courses in their chosen concentration area.
- The program emphasizes research and collaboration with researchers from diverse backgrounds.
- It provides students with the knowledge and skills to find solutions to broad environmental challenges.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- 30 credits total
- 12 credits of required courses
- 18 credits of elective courses (thesis option) or 15 credits of elective courses and 3 credits of project course/master's project (non-thesis option)
Required Courses (12 credits):
- Environmental Physical and Chemical Processes
- Biological Treatment Processes
- Sustainable Air Pollution Management
- Nonpoint Source Pollution Engineering
Elective Courses:
- Students can choose from a variety of courses in their chosen concentration area to meet their specific interests and career goals.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Coursework (assignments, exams)
- Research projects
- Master's thesis (thesis option)
- Project course/master's project (non-thesis option)
Assessment Criteria:
- Understanding of key concepts
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Communication skills
- Research and project management skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Guest lectures
- Case studies
Faculty:
- The program has a team of experienced and dedicated faculty with expertise in various areas of environmental engineering.
Unique Approaches:
- Emphasis on hands-on learning through laboratory work and field research.
- Collaboration with industry and government partners on real-world projects.
- Opportunities for international study and research.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability Director
- Green Building Engineer
- Water Project Manager
- Environmental Engineering Consultant
- Global Sustainability Data and Analytics Director
Career Outcomes:
- The program prepares students for careers in various sectors, including government, consulting, industry, and academia.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
For applicants with engineering degrees:
- A bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
):
- A bachelor's degree in a quantitative science field.
- Completion of at least three (3) 400-level ESE courses specifically related to their research project or chosen concentration area.
- A grade of B or above for each course is required for full admission to the MS program.
):
- A bachelor's degree.
- Completion of at least two (2) 300-level ESE courses and at least three (3) 400-level ESE courses specifically related to their research project or chosen concentration area.
- A grade of B or above for each course is required for full admission to the MS program.
For international applicants:
The MS ESE program is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status can apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following the completion of their degree. The program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension.
