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College of Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Master's

This program integrates the physical, chemical, and biological processes behind water and wastewater treatment, hazardous waste management, water resources management, and air quality management.

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Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
2 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
Yes

Program overview

Engineer a healthy environment

Environmental engineers are on the frontlines of protecting human health and the planet by developing solutions for clean water and air, managing hazardous waste, and tackling emerging threats like PFAS, one of this generation’s defining environmental challenges.

The program integrates the physical, chemical, and biological processes behind water and wastewater treatment, hazardous waste management, water resources management, and air quality management, giving you the technical depth to develop and implement real environmental solutions.

Depending on your preferred pace and course electives, this degree can be completed in two, three, or four semesters. You may also choose to incorporate a co-op experience and/or a master’s project or thesis, which will increase the time to graduation.

Part-time enrollment and a selection of asynchronous online classes are available.

This program accepts applicants from a wide variety of academic and career backgrounds. If you are unsure if your background fits this degree, contact us to discuss your suitability.

Students in all MS programs must complete a minimum of 32 semester hours of approved coursework with a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.000 to graduate.

Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real-world engineering challenges.

Our cooperative education program, also known as co-op, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world. Northeastern is one of the few universities that offers this unique learning model for graduate students. Through co-op, you’ll gain up to eight months of professional work experience in your field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving you a competitive advantage after graduation. Northeastern has over 3,900 employer partners worldwide, from large companies to startups, allowing you to choose the right fit for your career goals. Dedicated co-op coordinators will guide you through the entire process.

As an R1 research university, Northeastern offers all students the opportunity to participate in a wide range of interdisciplinary research projects, along with the resources and support that foster innovation. You’ll be able to perform research with faculty in their labs, as part of research centers, on co-op, or on your own as part of an individual research project. You can also present your research at university events and participate in regional, national, and global competitions.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.

Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

*Decision notification: Applicants will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis as they are completed.


Fall Semester Entry

Early Action deadline:December 1
Final deadline for international applicants out-of-country: June 15
Final deadline for international applicants in-country: July 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants: August 1

Spring Semester Entry

Final deadline for international applicants out-of-country: November 1
Final deadline for international applicants in-country: December 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants:December 1

  • Completed online application form

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • Transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2025-2026 academic years

  • Statement of purpose

  • Resumé

  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants unless the waiver requirements are met

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Our master’s degree in engineering is designed to prepare you for whatever you choose to do next by deepening your technical expertise, giving you real-world experience, and building your network.

Technical expertise

Develop advanced knowledge and specialized skills, guided by faculty at the forefront of their fields. Achieve the credibility you need to advance in your current career or pivot into a new one.

Learning by doing

Apply your coursework in professional settings through co-op, research, and student-led groups—gaining the kind of applied experience that accelerates your path from day one.

A network that lasts

Become part of a diverse, driven community of engineers from around the world, connected by a shared commitment to solving the problems that matter most.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $63,264
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2026-2027 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
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