UAlbany Environmental and Sustainable Engineering researchers study how enzymes degrade charcoal from fires in Albany's Pine Bush preserve.

Master of Science  in
Environmental and Sustainable Engineering

Program of Study

programofstudy

The MS ESE program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. If you select the non-thesis option, you will take a project course or do a 3-credit master’s project as a culminating experience. In the project course, you will investigate leading-edge technologies and topics in an area within ESE through current publications, student class presentations and a major project. If you choose a master’s project, you will work with your advisor to identify research topics and submit a final report.

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)


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Course Catalog

For more information, contact [email protected].

Research

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You will 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, you will find solutions to broad environmental challenges by applying fundamental scientific concepts and sound engineering principles.

Two UAlbany researchers conducting an experiment in the Environmental and Sustainable Engineering biology lab.

Career Outcomes

career

You will be prepared to address critical environmental concerns through sustainable approaches on local, national and global scales. In addition, 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
Two researchers looking at a monitor inside the UAlbany College of Engineering and Applied Sciences lab.

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: Rolling
  • Summer: Rolling

Departmental Assistantship Consideration is subject to availability of funds and student credentials.

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • 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 such as chemistry, physics, meteorology, etc., 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 such as biology, public health etc., 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.

Available information for International Applicants.

admissions
Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • 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
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Program Educational Objectives 

Master of Science
  1. Breadth. Graduates will be able to contribute technically to solving broad environmental problems by applying fundamental scientific concepts and sound engineering principles.  
  2. Depth. Graduates are highly knowledgeable and skilled in their chosen field of interest.  
  3. Teamwork. Graduates will be able to work collaboratively with people from different background to solve critical environmental problems through sustainable approaches. 
  4. Professionalism. Graduates will maintain high professional and ethical standards and stand out as examples for their peers.  
  5. Lifelong Learning. Graduates will excel in their chosen profession through lifelong learning and become leaders in their professional service.