Program Overview

Master's in Environmental Engineering Degree

The Master's in Environmental Engineering degree at the University of North Dakota is a unique program that combines chemical, civil, and geological engineering to address the growing demands for food, energy, and other resources while ensuring sustainability. Environmental engineers play a critical role in protecting and cleaning the air, water, and soil, focusing on energy- and industrial-generated sources.

Program Details

• Program type: Master's Degree
• Format: On Campus or Online
• Estimated time to complete: 18 months
• Credit hours: 30

Why Earn a Master's in Environmental Engineering?

The University of North Dakota's master's in Environmental Engineering emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to environmental engineering, including the mitigation of environmental impacts from gaseous, liquid, and solid-phase emission sources. Students work closely with industry, businesses, and communities to develop new technologies and solve infrastructure-related problems. The program provides access to on-campus EPA certified laboratories, including:

• The multi-disciplinary Environmental Analytical Research Laboratory
• Civil Engineering Environmental and Hydraulics Laboratories
• Chemical Engineering Laboratories

M.S. vs. M.Eng. in Environmental Engineering

The University of North Dakota offers both Environmental Engineering Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degrees. The M.Eng. program is more course-based, while the M.S. program includes a thesis or research project/independent study. It is recommended that students connect with their advisor before making a final decision.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: February 28 (priority deadline), August 1
• Spring: September 15 (priority deadline), December 1 International students should refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a master's in Environmental Engineering can expect to find jobs in several fields, including:

• Recycling: Design and implement recycling programs to minimize waste and promote sustainability.
• Waste disposal: Develop and oversee efficient waste management systems.
• Water and air pollution control: Work on designing and implementing strategies to monitor and reduce pollution levels.
• Pipeline operations: Oversee the construction and maintenance of pipelines, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Data science: Analyze environmental data to identify trends and patterns, informing decision-making processes.
• Consulting: Provide expert guidance to organizations and governments on environmental issues.

Jobs with a Master's in Environmental Engineering

UND graduates have gone on to hold positions such as:

• Director of Engineering
• Director of Environmental Health and Safety
• Water and Wastewater Engineer
• Environmental Engineer/Planner
• Research and Development Manager

Master's in Environmental Engineering Courses

Some of the courses included in the program are:

• Hydrogeology (GEOE 417): Physical and chemical aspects of groundwater movement, supply, and contamination.
• Water Sampling & Analysis (GEOL 540): Techniques of water and sediment sampling and analysis.
• Hazardous Waste Management (CE 535): Regulations, generation, storage, transportation, disposal, classification, fate and transport of contaminants.
• Environmental Engineering Research (ENVE 591): Supervised research work in environmental engineering.
• Air Pollution Control (CHE 504): Identification of major air pollutants and methods of controlling their emissions.
• Applied Project Management (ENGR 554): An interdisciplinary project management course utilizing case studies.

Region's Only Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

The University of North Dakota offers the only online Environmental Engineering graduate program in the region, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top online graduate engineering program. The program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to learn anywhere, at any time, through asynchronous classes and online resources such as:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations

Flexible Online Environmental Engineering Master's

The online program allows students to balance work, family, and other commitments while pursuing their degree. Students will have structure and deadlines, with opportunities to interact with instructors and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Campus Visit

While the majority of courses are offered online, students will come to campus to complete portions of the program, extending and applying the knowledge they have learned online through hands-on activities.

Top-Tier Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

The University of North Dakota's online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that students receive the same high-quality education as on-campus students. The online degree is equivalent to the on-campus degree, with the same transcript and diploma.

Benefits of the Online Program

• Same degree: Fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
• Same classes: Take courses from UND professors, with the same start and end dates as on-campus students.
• Real interaction: Ask questions, get feedback, and connect with professors, peers, and professionals in the field.
• Personalized academic advising: Work with a dedicated advisor focused on your success and future career.
• Free online tutoring: Receive one-on-one support at no cost, with access to self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching: Get support to achieve academic goals, with help on stress and time management, improving memory, and achieving higher test scores.
• Full online access: Utilize virtual research at UND's libraries, improve writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center, and access career services, veteran and military services, financial services, and more.
• 24/7 technical support: Receive free computer, email, and other technical support as an online student.

FAQs

What Can You Do with a Master's in Environmental Engineering?

Graduates holding a master's degree in Environmental Engineering are trained to explore diverse roles in water and wastewater treatments, recycling, waste disposal, water and air pollution control, pipeline operations, data science, and consulting.

How Long Does the Average Environmental Engineering Graduate Program Take?

The average duration of the Environmental Engineering graduate program at UND is 1.5 to 2 years, depending on credit load.

What Are the Requirements for the Degree?

To earn a master's degree in Environmental Engineering at the University of North Dakota, students must meet general requirements set by the School of Graduate Studies and specific requirements set by the Environmental Engineering Program, including completing a minimum of 30 credits of coursework, with at least half at or above the 500-level.