The Division of
Environmental Science and Engineering at
POSTECH
Environmental research in Korea has been quite limited to the traditional fields such as water and waste treatment and air pollution control engineering, which have been mainly approached by environmental engineers, civil engineers and some chemical engineers.
However, the diversifying industrial and social needs for a cleaner environment and the sustainable development are compelling environmental researchers to have a comprehensive view which extends to almost all aspects of science and engineering.
Nowadays, environmental research has become so multifaceted that it can be no longer classified into a few academic disciplines. Responding to the need of change in environmental education and research, POSTECH now plays a pivotal role by creating a unique graduate program in environmental science and engineering. The Division of Environmental Science and Engineering (DESE) at POSTECH was established in 1995 under the financial support of the Ministry of Education, Korea. It was also designated as a Graduate School of Excellence in environmental engineering by the Ministry of Education.
The research interests of the DESE faculties are so diverse that environmental research being performed here is beyond the scope of the traditional field of environmental research.
Since this program is the first and the only of its kind in Korea, it is now getting much nationwide attention as a new model of environmental education and research among universities.
DESE offers master's and Ph.D. programs in both environmental science and environmental engineering, which are open to students with any background in science and engineering. DESE admitted its first graduate students in the fall semester of 1996 and has continued attracting top-quality students not only from domestic universities but also from foreign universities.
Graduating students from DESE are expected to play leading roles in various environmentrelated fields such as industries, research institutes, universities, governmental and non-governmental organizations, small businesses, and others.