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College of Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Master's

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering includes study in water and wastewater treatment and disposal, hazardous waste management, surface water and groundwater quality, and water resources 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

Create environmental solutions

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering integrates the study of physical, chemical, and biological processes and fundamental principles for water and wastewater treatment and disposal, hazardous waste management, surface water and groundwater quality, water resources management, and air quality management.

You will learn environmental engineering principles and applications, gaining the core skills necessary to practice environmental engineering as a professional, explore research methods and new discoveries, and build knowledge in the field of environmental engineering and environmental health.

As part of the program, you will learn to develop and implement technologies for various environmental applications with the goal to improve and protect the environment and human health.

  • Choose coursework, project-based, or thesis curriculum options.
  • The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering degree can be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate or another graduate certificate from the College of Engineering.
  • Students have the opportunity to participate in Northeastern’s leading cooperative education program, gaining up to eight months of professional experience.

The interdisciplinary curriculum includes required core courses from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, complemented by electives in civil and environmental engineering, mechanical and industrial engineering, earth and environmental sciences, and mathematics. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a variety of academic, industrial, and government careers that will provide sustainable solutions to ensure a safe environment for public health protection.

Advance your career with a paired degree: earn a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering while completing a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership through Northeastern’s Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership. This powerful combination lets you gain deep technical expertise alongside hands-on leadership experience, including a 16-semester hour certificate with an industry-based challenge project guided by multiple mentors. Prepare to lead and innovate in engineering organizations.  To pursue this path, you must be admitted to The Gordon Institute.

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.


Fall Semester Entry

Early ActionDecember 1
Final Deadline International Students outside the USJune 1
Final Deadline: International Students Inside the USJuly 1
Domestic applicantsAugust 1

Spring Semester Entry

International Students Outside the USNovember 1
International Students Inside the USDecember 1
Domestic ApplicantsDecember 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

  • The application fee is waived for all new applicants applying to any of our Master of Science or Graduate Certificates for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 application terms.

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Northeastern’s environmental engineering students learn how to tackle interconnected challenges related to water, energy, air quality, and related fields.

Gain world-improving insights

Develop and implement technologies for various environmental applications with the goal to improve and protect the environment and human health.

Sharpen your communications skills

Learn to to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems and explain and apply engineering principles.

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

  • $61,728
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 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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