Best Environmental Engineering Degree Programs
Potential students who have already completed a degree in Environmental Engineering can earn a master’s degree in just a few years, working part-time. A master’s opens up more career opportunities and makes it easier to secure a high paying job with a major brand or employer.
When you complete your education with a master’s in environmental engineering, you gain a new, more advanced perspective on the information you already know – and you also learn the latest technology and best practices in use in the industry. More and more brands are requiring a master’s degree to advance or secure roles in management, so making the move now can expand your options considerably.
While the benefits of earning a master’s degree remain the same among schools, each of the programs below features different options for specialization, different costs and varied levels of competition. You can also choose from full or part-time programs to complete your degree, depending on how intensively you want to work and how swiftly you want to earn your degree.
Learning more about your school options allows you to make the best possible investment in your future.
Top 5 Environmental Engineering Degree Programs
Graduates from one of the prestigious programs below benefit from the latest knowledge and methods and a wide range of opportunities after graduation. Consider one of these programs if you want to get the best possible outcome from your hard work and education.
Columbia University
Environmental Engineering students who complete a master’s degree at Columbia University have a proven track records when it comes to both career advancement and potential earnings. The degree earned at Columbia focuses on mining and related industries, with a goal of improving efficiency while lessening impact on the environment and surrounding areas. Programs also support expertise in water resource management and sustainable energy.
Coursework offers an opportunity to learn about the latest technology, trends and best practices, with in-depth coverage of the chosen niche.
Columbia offers a robust master’s program that requires 30 credits to graduate. It is an intensive course and some additional work in science may be required for students entering from other engineering verticals. This course offers convenient online options, so engineers who are already working do not have to stop to advance their education.
The fully online Master’s Degree in Earth and Environmental Engineering at Columbia University costs $2,018 per credit hour. Students must also pay additional fees, with the total estimated cost for the online MS coming in at $64,595. Students may also pursue other options, like online certifications, instead of or in addition to this degree.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Graduates of Worcester Polytechnic Institute benefit from the focus on academics and advanced technology. Graduate students can expect to earn a competitive salary and have plenty of changes for advancement once they complete the 30 credit hours degree. Students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute are sought out by some of the top employers in the nation.
The opportunities for advancement for graduate students does come at a price; Worcester Polytechnic Institute has one of the highest tuition costs in the nation. The school does acknowledge this – and over 95% of undergrads receive substantial reductions and awards for tuition.
The environmental engineering master’s degree program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a competitive entry process; the school also has one of the highest graduation rates – and lowest loan default rates in the nation. Unlike some programs, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute does not charge higher fees for out of state students, so there is no penalty for attending if you do not currently live in Massachusetts. This benefit carries over to online students, so you won’t pay more if you do not live in the immediate area or relocate to the state.
The fully online Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering (which is also offered on campus) at Worcestor Polytechnic Institute requires the completion of 33 credit hours, which is 11 courses, and costs about $53, 467 with all fees considered.
Clarkson University
Environmental engineers hoping to increase their earning potential or advance in their careers will find an ideal match at Clarkson University. This small, private college features an incredibly high graduation rate and is one of the top programs in the nation for environmental engineering. Those interested in completing a master’s degree will appreciate the high earning potential that most graduates achieve swiftly after graduation.
Clarkson University is focused on the water quality and environmental sustainability verticals. Students holding graduate degrees in environmental engineering from this program are well positioned to work in a variety of industries and for a wide range of brands. Since sustainability is an issue for most industries, from construction and real estate to consumer goods sourcing and manufacturing, there are a wide range of opportunities for graduates.
While the tuition at Clarkson University is relatively high compared to other schools, it is often offset by awards and grants, making it far more accessible than it seems to be at first glance. If you have a strong educational track record, great professional references (if you already work in the field) and an interest in sustainability and water management, then Clarkson is likely a good match for you. Expect to complete a degree here in 3-5 years, working full or part time. Students wishing to pursue a degree online while maintaining a job will be delighted with the school’s virtual programs and convenient online class setup.
The MS in Environmental Science in Engineering at Clarkson requires the completion of 30 credit hours, at $1,388 per credit hour. Students can expect to pay additional fees as well.
Johns Hopkins University
Maryland’s top university may be known for medicine and healthcare, but Johns Hopkins also has a robust and diverse environmental engineering program. This elite school offers the ability to attend and complete a graduate degree on a part time basis – perfect for those already working in the field. You can take up to 5 years to complete your degree- with the bonus that the school’s name is instantly recognizable and synonymous with quality.
Johns Hopkins offers a collection of specialized tracks for environmental engineers. The program options focus on water management, mining and environmental impact and graduates have opportunities in a variety of locations and with employers large and small. The environmental engineering program at Johns Hopkins draws scholars, guest professors and educators from around the world; students interested in joining or supporting the armed services are particularly large in number, thanks to nearby institutions and government facilities. A robust online program makes it easy for those who want to get the best possible education, without leaving an existing job.
The Master of Environmental Engineering program at Johns Hopkins requires the completion of 10 courses over a five year period. The typical tuition for 2019 – 2020 for graduate courses was $4,440 per course.
Lehigh University
The environmental engineering degree from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania prepares students to handle the challenges they may face as environmental engineers. The school focuses on leadership and innovation in water management, air quality management, and waste management.
Lehigh University’s environmental engineering degree addresses important issues in air and water quality. Students in the undergraduate program focus on pollution control, geo-environmental engineering, chemistry, and environmental science. A focus on the science of environmental engineering sets Lehigh’s program apart and prepares students to handle the challenges of a complex system upon graduation.
Graduate students focusing on environmental engineering build on their undergraduate degree with research projects on such topics as subsurface soil characterization, aquatic transport of toxins, and product recovery (for example). Building on a solid foundation of science from the undergraduate level, graduate students focus on identifying and assessing potential solutions to existing environmental challenges. The program also enhances leadership skills to help students pursue higher level employment and innovate existing technology to make a difference in the world.
Tuition costs at Lehigh University are the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Since the university is a private research institution, it sets a single tuition cost that applies to each student for the year. Scholarships and grants may reduce actual costs based on the amount and the situation. The tuition at Lehigh University is $54,790 per year. Additional costs, like lab fees and technology fees, apply, but the exact rates depend on the classes students take each semester.
Once you’ve chosen a school, completing your master’s in environmental engineering will take anywhere from three to five years. With a master’s degree in hand, you can expect to have more potential job opportunities and to earn a higher salary, no matter where you live or what aspect you focus on. This increase in potential makes earning a degree a priority for many in the field and ensures your hard work will truly pay off.