M.S. in Engineering Science - Engineering Sustainability

Program Overview

The M.S. in Engineering Science (Engineering Sustainability) at UB is a 30-credit hour, course-based program. It is typically completed in 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. The program offers flexibility through the choice of a culminating experience: a 6-credit thesis, a 3-credit project, or a comprehensive exam/portfolio based on coursework. This structure allows students to tailor their academic journey to align with their career goals, whether they aim for technical roles, management positions, or further research. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing graduates for leadership in the transition towards a more sustainable global economy.

STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Engineering Science (Engineering Sustainability) program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This classification is highly beneficial for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation highlights the program's rigorous scientific and technical curriculum, which is crucial for careers in this field.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Engineering Science (Engineering Sustainability) consists of core courses, elective concentrations, and a culminating experience. Core courses provide fundamental knowledge in areas such as the "Economics of Engineering Sustainability," "Ethics of Engineering Sustainability," and "Sustainable and Alternative Energy." Students then select five to seven electives, depending on their chosen culminating experience. These electives allow for specialization in topics like energy systems (e.g., Renewable Distributed Generation and Storage, Power Systems Engineering), environmental quality (e.g., Air Pollution, Brownfield Restoration, Physical and Chemical Processes for Water Reuse), or engineering management. The curriculum is designed to provide both breadth and depth in sustainable engineering practices.

Research Focus: While the M.S. in Engineering Science (Engineering Sustainability) is primarily a coursework-based program, it is built upon the strong research foundation of UB's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The program trains students in sustainability fundamentals, renewable energy, economics, environmental quality, engineering practice, ethics, and manufacturing. Faculty across various engineering departments engage in research related to sustainable design, clean energy technologies, environmental impact mitigation, and resource management. Students pursuing the thesis or project options have the opportunity to engage in applied research that contributes to solutions for environmental and societal problems, leveraging UB's expertise in areas like smart and sustainable buildings, renewable energy systems, and climate change resilience.

Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Engineering Science (Engineering Sustainability) program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for direct impact in the growing sustainability and clean energy sectors. The curriculum is designed to impart practical skills and knowledge sought by employers in both traditional engineering disciplines and specialized areas such as sustainability planning and design, operations management, and life cycle analysis. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth in many sustainability careers. The program's focus on areas like renewable energy and environmental management directly aligns with industry needs. Graduates are prepared for roles in consulting firms, corporations seeking to integrate sustainable practices, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Engineering Science (Engineering Sustainability) at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. The principles of sustainable engineering are globally applicable, and the program encourages an understanding of how these issues manifest and are addressed in different parts of the world. As a major public research university with a diverse international student body and faculty, UB provides a rich environment for discussing various global approaches to sustainable development, energy policy, and environmental protection. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute to international initiatives and work effectively in multinational teams committed to a sustainable future.