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Environmental Engineering

Master of Engineering in Civil & Environmental Engineering

Aerial view of Madison's Lake Mendota and Picnic Point

The UW–Madison fully online Master of Engineering named option in Environmental Engineering provides the leadership, communication, and project management skills that employers demand.


Is this program right for you?

With the UW–Madison fully online Master of Engineering named option in Environmental Engineering, you obtain a broad and deep understanding of environmental challenges and environmental engineering solutions for our most pressing problems, and develop the skills to lead teams and build relationships with stakeholders.

Our curriculum was designed based on extensive surveys of engineers and employers, as well as on “body of knowledge” guidelines developed by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.

As a leader in engineering and environmental sciences, our degree program is ideal for recent engineering graduates and mid-career engineers who want to take on more advanced roles and responsibilities.

Our delivery method sets us apart from other degree programs. Though the classes are online, the courses are very interactive. You work closely with world-class faculty based at a highly respected institution, recognized by top employers around the world. You also have daily interactions with your cohort of other professional engineers to share knowledge, expertise, and networks.

All applicants who do not have a bachelor of science degree in engineering are advised to determine whether this program meets requirements for professional engineering licensure in the state where they live. See the National Society of Professional Engineers website for contact information for state licensing boards.

Is this program right for you?

With the UW–Madison fully online Master of Engineering named option in Environmental Engineering, you obtain a broad and deep understanding of environmental challenges and environmental engineering solutions for our most pressing problems, and develop the skills to lead teams and build relationships with stakeholders.

Our curriculum was designed based on extensive surveys of engineers and employers, as well as on “body of knowledge” guidelines developed by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.

As a leader in engineering and environmental sciences, our degree program is ideal for recent engineering graduates and mid-career engineers who want to take on more advanced roles and responsibilities.

Our delivery method sets us apart from other degree programs. Though the classes are online, the courses are very interactive. You work closely with world-class faculty based at a highly respected institution, recognized by top employers around the world. You also have daily interactions with your cohort of other professional engineers to share knowledge, expertise, and networks.

All applicants who do not have a bachelor of science degree in engineering are advised to determine whether this program meets requirements for professional engineering licensure in the state where they live. See the National Society of Professional Engineers website for contact information for state licensing boards.

Admissions requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an accredited institution, however a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, showing a strong foundation in math (calculus), physics and chemistry, will be considered.*
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credits of degree.*
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.

*The admissions committee may consider an applicant that does not meet these requirements. Supporting factors include a strong academic record, a successful career track, and references.

Application materials required:

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation

Connect with us

Current Events: Environmental Remediation & Management

April 02
noon-12:30 p.m.
Join the Master of Science in Environmental Remediation & Management program staff as they discuss current events impacting the environment and how recent program graduates are effecting change in their new positions.
Register for Current Events: Environmental Remediation & Management

Application Assistance: Accelerated Engineering Master's Programs

August 22
9-9:30 a.m.
Join program staff to learn about the College of Engineering Accelerated Master's programs and application best practices. You’ll leave knowing what you need, and how to successfully apply.
Register for Application Assistance: Accelerated Engineering Master's Programs

View all events

Program highlights

  • Our program is completely online, so you can complete your degree from anywhere in the world.
  • Customize your graduate degree program by choosing the electives that fit your personal and professional objectives.

How you'll learn

  • Complete the online curriculum on a semester schedule. You choose when you do most of your work each week so that your career, family life, and travel schedules are not interrupted.
  • Use the internet, live web conferencing, and software applications to participate.
  • Interact on a daily basis with other professional engineers and our renowned faculty.

Sample curriculum

Core Courses

  • Hydraulics and Applied Fluid Mechanics for Environmental Engineers
  • Chemical Principles of Environmental Engineering
  • Energy Principles of Environmental Engineering
  • Biological Principles of Environmental Engineering
  • Biological Treatment Processes
  • Physical-Chemical Treatment Processes
  • Environmental Engineering and Science Seminar
  • Environmental Engineering Design Project

Elective Courses

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Hydraulic Design
  • Water Treatment Plant Design
  • Design of Wastewater Treatment Plants
  • Solid and Hazardous Waste Engineering
  • Hazardous Waste Management
  • Mentored Independent Study
  • Sustainable Microgrids

Job outlook

Top Job Titles
  • Environmental Engineers
  • Environmental Project Managers
  • Environmental Engineers/Scientists
  • Environmental Coordinators
  • Water/Wastewater Engineers
Top Industries
  • Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
  • Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
  • Government
  • Industry

Market Salary
$92.1K in 2020

Projected Job Growth
5.8% for Environmental Engineers (2020-2030)

Top Employers
  • CDM Smith
  • Target
  • AECOM
  • Environmental Protection Agency

Source: Lightcast™ 2022

Ready to learn more about Environmental Engineering?
View the UW-Madison Guide

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Connect with our enrollment coaches

Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:

  • Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
  • Get help with your application
  • Determine if financial aid is available

Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.

Connect with a coach

Christine Hengel-Prom

A huge reason [for choosing this program] was because it’s an ME degree and not an MS. [This program] focuses so much on the practical aspect of environmental engineering and how you apply it to the real world. I’m able to apply it right now to my job, which is huge because I’m a practicing consulting engineer and that’s what I care about.

Christine Hengel-Prom | MEx'25, project engineer, Black & Veatch