About the program

The Environmental Engineering and Science (EES) graduate program offers master’s and doctoral degrees with a strong foundation in air and water quality management, environmental chemistry and microbiology, natural systems modeling, and treatment processes for water supply, pollution control, and solid and hazardous waste management.

Graduates work in academia, consulting, public works, and private industry worldwide. They are prepared to manage hazardous substances; protect water supplies; address municipal wastewater, stormwater, and solid and industrial waste; and lead projects in sustainability, waste reduction, alternative energy, and life-cycle analysis. The program's long-standing top-tier ranking reflects its broad impact.

Students gain fundamental and advanced knowledge in chemistry, microbiology, biological and physical-chemical treatment processes, environmental sampling and analysis, and technical communication, all grounded in modern environmental systems. Electives allow deeper study of fluid flows, informatics, watershed ecology, and the political and economic dimensions of food, energy, and water systems.

Many students pursue thesis or dissertation research, while others pursue a coursework-only master’s degree to support professional goals. Admission requirements, estimated costs, and application deadlines and procedures are available on the Graduate College's EES program webpage.

Research-active students typically receive paid research assistantships that include tuition and other benefits. Assistantships are awarded through a faculty-student matching process involving written and verbal communication and an on-campus visit to assess shared interests and research potential. Research-track applicants must have a minimum TOEFL score of 81 and a minimum combined verbal and analytical GRE score of 301.