Master of Engineering- Environmental Engineering

Program Overview

The M.Eng. in Environmental Engineering is a comprehensive 30-credit degree program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in environmental processes and control, while also offering flexibility through specialized electives. Students are required to complete three core courses (9 credits) and at least one course in mathematical methods (3 credits). A minimum of two design-intensive courses (6 credits) are also required, ensuring practical application of knowledge. The remaining elective courses (12 credits) allow for specialization in areas such as soil and groundwater pollution, environmental control processes, environmental management, or modeling and tools. The program is available both on-campus and fully online, accommodating diverse student needs, including working professionals. Stevens boasts impressive career outcomes for its environmental engineering graduates, with a reported 100% employment rate within three months of graduation for the Class of 2023, and a strong mean compensation of $68,000.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.Eng. in Environmental Engineering program is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation underscores the program's rigorous scientific, engineering, and quantitative focus, which is highly valued by employers in environmental consulting, government agencies, utilities, and industry.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum provides a deep dive into environmental engineering principles and practices. Core courses typically include "Fate and Transport of Environmental Contaminants," "Environmental Chemistry," and "Physicochemical Processes for Environmental Control." Students must also take a mathematical methods course, such as "Numerical Methods for Civil and Environmental Engineering." Design-intensive courses emphasize practical problem-solving in areas like air pollution control or wastewater facility design. Elective courses allow for specialization in areas such as "Groundwater Engineering," "Soil and Groundwater Remediation Technologies," "Air Pollution Principles and Control," "Biological Processes for Environmental Control," "Environmental Control Laboratory," and "Hazardous Waste Treatment and Management." The curriculum also integrates concepts of sustainability, pollution prevention, and industrial ecology.

Research Focus: The M.Eng. in Environmental Engineering program at Stevens has a strong research focus, with faculty members actively engaged in generating new knowledge, innovating technologies, and applying them to improve quality of life globally. Research in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering broadly centers on sustainability, coastal resilience, and smart infrastructure. Specific environmental engineering research areas include studying the fate, transport, and remediation of pollutants, energetic compounds deactivation, and green technology development for environmental protection. Stevens is home to the Center for Environmental Systems, a recognized leader in developing and implementing new environmental technologies through collaborations with government agencies and industrial partners. Students have ample opportunities to engage in hands-on research in state-of-the-art facilities, including the Davidson Laboratory, contributing to advancements in areas like "green" filters for water purification.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places a very high priority on industry engagement for its Environmental Engineering program. Its strategic location in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area provides unparalleled access to a vast network of environmental consulting firms, government agencies (e.g., EPA, state environmental departments), public utilities, and private industries involved in environmental compliance, remediation, and sustainable development. The curriculum is continuously updated to integrate rapidly evolving technologies and hands-on education, including AI electives. Faculty members often have strong ties to industry, bringing practical insights into the classroom. Stevens' strong alumni network and robust Career Center facilitate extensive networking opportunities, internships, and co-op experiences, leading to excellent job placement rates for graduates in public and private treatment facilities, government offices, utility companies, and consulting firms.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a global perspective within its M.Eng. in Environmental Engineering program through its diverse international student body and the inherently global nature of environmental challenges. The university attracts students from around the world, creating a multicultural learning environment that enriches classroom discussions with varied insights into international environmental policies, regulations, and sustainable practices. The skills acquired—such as designing processes to restore air, soil, and water quality, or managing hazardous waste—are universally applicable across international contexts. Stevens' research initiatives often address global climate change and resource management, further instilling a global mindset and preparing graduates to contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development efforts on an international scale.