Program Overview

Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSEE)

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSEE) program is designed for students interested in environmental engineering practice with an emphasis on public health.

Program Details

• Minimum Credit Hours: 30
• Designation: For students in F-1 immigration status, the MSEE in Environmental Sciences and Engineering (CIP Code 03.0104) is a STEM Designated degree for the purpose of applying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
• Application Cycle: Fall; Spring
• Application Deadline:
  • Spring admission – October 14, 2025
  • Fall admission – Preferred Deadline is December 16, 2025; Final deadline is February 10, 2026
• Expected Duration: 1-2 Years
• Learning Environment: Residential
• Dual Degree Options Available: Yes

How To Apply

To apply for the MSEE program, follow these steps:

1. Complete Online Application: The Graduate School Application is a common application system for UNC-Chapel Hill Programs.
2. Application Steps:

• All UNC Gillings applications for graduate-level programs fall under the purview of the UNC Graduate School.
• You will apply to UNC Gillings via the Graduate School Application, and UNC Gillings programs will make admissions recommendations to the UNC Graduate School for final approval.

3. Faculty Interest(s)/mentor(s): Please list faculty with whom you’d like to work.
4. Applicant information, including North Carolina residency information.
5. Area(s) of interest:

• Select all applicable areas of interest from the dropdown.
• ESE focuses on three interdisciplinary fields of study: Air Quality and Atmospheric Processes, Human Exposure and Health Effects, and Sustainable Water Resources. Please select Air, Health, or Water as your primary research interest.

6. Educational history:

• Please upload a copy of your most recent transcript(s), including your current term grades, if applicable.
• We advise that you order two copies of your transcript(s) to be sent to you.

7. Community standards: You will be asked about honor code, crime, academic sanction, military discharge, etc.
8. Upload your personal statement: The statement is a critical piece of the admissions process. We will evaluate both the content of the statement and your writing skills in considering your application.
9. Upload your resume or CV.
10. Enter names of recommenders: UNC will then send them an email with instructions for submitting a letter on your behalf.
11. Report test scores:
    • GRE scores are neither required nor typically recommended for applicants to the Master of Science in Public Health program.
    • International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS standardized test scores.
12. Document submission (check legibility of uploads): Applicants should preview all documents uploaded into the application system to ensure that all documents are legible for committee review.
13. Pay the Graduate School application fee: $95
14. Track your progress: You will be able to track status through the Graduate School application.

Admissions Information

• Who Should Apply: Students interested in environmental engineering practice with an emphasis on public health.
• Prior Degree Required: Application to this program is open to individuals who have completed undergraduate degrees in engineering or physical
  atural sciences.
• Required Prerequisites: Non-engineers must have completed Calculus, Physics, and have a STEM background.
• Undergraduate G.P.A.: Incoming students had a mean undergraduate GPA of 3.3
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3 (academic and/or professional; at least one academic)
• Interviews: Not Required

During and After The Program

For more information on our curriculum and graduate school/career outcomes, please refer to the catalog. ESE Course Competencies Mapped to ESE Degrees.