Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSEnvE) Program

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSEnvE) program at Temple University is designed to provide students with advanced technical competency in the field of Environmental Engineering. The program aims to motivate students to grow intellectually through the continued search for and use of knowledge, and to become active, articulate, and socially aware individuals.

About the Program

The MSEnvE program is offered by the College of Engineering at Temple University. The program encourages interdisciplinary research with other branches of engineering, as well as with various departments in the sciences and applied mathematics. Recent collaborative work with the Department of Mechanical Engineering includes projects on water flow and solute transport in porous media (aquifers) and the effects of turbulence on the mixing of oil spills at sea. Collaboration with the Department of Chemistry includes research on waste combustion products and surface complexation.

Time Limit for Degree Completion and Campus Location

The time limit for degree completion is 5 years, and the program is offered on the main campus of Temple University. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Interdisciplinary Study and Areas of Specialization

The program encourages interdisciplinary research with other branches of engineering, as well as with various departments in the sciences and applied mathematics. The areas of specialization include:

• Civil Engineering Systems: construction engineering, structural engineering, and transportation engineering
• Environmental Engineering: water resources engineering, pollution in natural systems (water and air), and engineered treatment and remediation systems

Program Tracks

The MSEnvE program offers three tracks:

1. Thesis Track: intended for students pursuing advanced research, includes 24 credits of didactic coursework, 3 credits of Project (CEE 9995), and 3 credits of Thesis (CEE 9996)
2. Project Track: introduces students to applied research, includes 27 credits of didactic coursework and 3 credits of Project (CEE 9995)
3. Coursework Track: provides students with an advanced engineering background, includes 30 credits of didactic coursework

Job Prospects

Graduates with the MSEnvE in Environmental Engineering are employed by various engineering companies, as well as government agencies, in design, analysis, and applications. Typical examples include water treatment facilities, regulatory agencies engaged in environmental regulation and pollution control, companies involved in construction project management, and those involved in structural design and analysis of buildings, bridges, and other structures.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy

Up to 9 credits of graduate Engineering coursework may be taken at Temple University on a non-matriculated basis and subsequently applied to the MSEnvE degree upon admission.

Financing Opportunities

Three forms of financial aid are offered to graduate students:

1. Teaching Assistantship (TA): requires the awardee to work 20 hours per week in support of the Department's undergraduate programs
2. Research Assistantship (RA): individual CEE faculty confer RA awards, using their research funds, upon students who appear well-qualified to carry out the research
3. Fellowships: highly competitive University-wide grants, typically awarded only to PhD-program applicants

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

• Application Deadline: March 1 (International), June 1 (Domestic), November 1
• Letters of Reference: 3 letters of recommendation from college or research faculty who are familiar with the applicant's competency
• Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: students not adequately prepared for advanced courses may be required to take a number of prerequisites
• Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering is the preferred prerequisite degree
• Standardized Test Scores: GRE scores are optional, but if reported, scores that are not more than 5 years in advance of the application date are sent to test code 2945
• English Language Proficiency: applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English must ensure official scores are reported directly by the testing agency for a standardized test of English

Program Requirements

• General Program Requirements: 30 credits beyond the baccalaureate
• Required Courses:
  • Thesis Track:
    • Core Courses: CEE 5701, CEE 5702, CEE 5794
    • Specialization Electives: select four from the following courses
    • Research Courses: CEE 9995, CEE 9996
  • Project Track:
    • Core Courses: CEE 5701, CEE 5702, CEE 5794
    • Specialization Electives: select five from the following courses
    • Research Course: CEE 9995
  • Coursework Track:
    • Core Courses: CEE 5701, CEE 5702, CEE 5794
    • Specialization Electives: select six from the following courses

Culminating Events

• Thesis Track: Thesis Proposal and Thesis Defense
• Project Track: CEE 9995 Project
• Coursework Track: no culminating event

Accelerated Programs

The accelerated pathway for the Environmental Engineering MSEnvE is available to students pursuing degrees in Civil Engineering BSCE or Environmental Engineering BSEnvE. The minimum cumulative GPA required is 3.00.

Graduate Courses Approved to Count for Both Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

• CEE 5048: Probability and Statistics in Engineering
• CEE 5631: Environmental Hydrology
• CEE 5711: Air Pollution Control
• CEE 5751: Water and Wastewater Treatment

Suggested Academic Plan for Students in Civil Engineering BSCE with Environmental Engineering Concentration

• Year 3: CEE 5048
• Year 4: CEE 5631, CEE 5711, CEE 5751

Suggested Academic Plan for Students in Environmental Engineering BSEnvE

• Year 3: CEE 5751
• Year 4: CEE 5048, CEE 5711, one CEE 5000+ course

Admissions Criteria for Accelerated Programs

• cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 by the end of the 5th semester
• submit an application before the end of the 5th semester of study
• submit recommendation letters, personal statement, and resume
• complete required coursework as outlined in the application

Contact Information

• Program Web Address: en-enve-msen
• Department Information: Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, 1947 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA
• Graduate Program Director: Heyang (Harry) Yuan, PhD
• Chairperson: Philip D. Udo-Inyang, PhD