The Division of Environmental Science & Engineering operates as a graduate program that integrates multiple fields within science and engineering. Because environmental research spans a wide range of disciplines, mastering every area in depth is not feasible. Thus, our curriculum is designed to broaden students’ understanding of environmental research as a whole, while simultaneously enabling them to develop independent research capabilities in specialized subfields.
Courses offered directly by the division focus on understanding the significance and interconnected nature of environmental issues, acquiring core technologies for preventing or treating pollution, and developing the ability to analyze and improve industrial processes from an environmental perspective.
On the other hand, advanced and highly specialized courses necessary for cutting-edge environmental technology development are not provided solely by the division. Instead, students are encouraged to take relevant courses from other departments, allowing them to reinterpret and apply detailed disciplinary knowledge from various fields through an environmental lens.
The division recommends or requires the following:
Students in the MS, PhD, or integrated program must complete at least three core environmental courses to establish essential foundational knowledge in the field.
| No. | Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EVSE510 | Introduction to Environmental Engineering |
| 2 | EVSE520 | Air Pollution |
| 3 | EVSE525 | Water Pollution |
| 4 | EVSE540 | Environmental Biotechnology |
| 5 | EVSE575 | Global Environment |
| 6 | EVSE579 | Environmental Statistics |
| 7 | EVSE581 | Environmental Physical Chemistry |
| 8 | EVSE583 | Environmental Inorganic Chemistry |
| 9 | EVSE584 | Geophysical Fluid Dynamics |
| 10 | EVSE587 | Environmental Organic Chemistry |
| 11 | EVSE588 | Climate Physics |
| 12 | EVSE591 | Environmental Risk Assessment |
| 13 | EVSE593 | Introduction to Big Data for Environment |
In consideration of the diversity and rapid development of environmental fields, a variety of advanced special topics courses are offered to help students understand emerging technologies. The department also provides opportunities for field research and independent study. Additionally, students are required to complete at least 2 seminars for the MS program, 3 for the PhD program, or 5 for the integrated MS/PhD program to develop a broad understanding of current trends in environmental engineering.
According to Article 23, Chapter 4 of the Graduate School Regulations, “The minimum credits required for completion are 28 for the MS program, 32 for the PhD program, and 60 for the integrated MS/PhD program. The specific number of coursework and research credits required for each program is determined by the respective departmental handbook.”
For students admitted up to the Class of 2022, the minimum coursework requirements are
18 credits for the MS program, 12 credits for the PhD program, and 24 credits for the integrated MS/PhD program.
For students admitted from the 2023 academic year onward, the minimum coursework requirements are
18 credits for the MS program, 15 credits for the PhD program, and 27 credits for the integrated MS/PhD program.
Students must also complete two common graduate courses—GEDU501 (Academic Writing in English) and ICE501 (Research Ethics),
which are mandatory but do not count toward graduation credits.
| Program | Course Credits | Research Credits | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s Program | 18 credits | 10 credits | 28 credits |
| Ph.D. Program | 12 credits | 20 credits | 32 credits |
| Integrated Program | 24 credits | 36 credits | 60 credits |
| Program | Course Credits | Research Credits | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s Program | 18 credits | 10 credits | 28 credits |
| Ph.D. Program | 12 credits | 20 credits | 32 credits |
| Integrated Program | 24 credits | 36 credits | 60 credits |
Master’s students applying for the Integrated Program must complete three core environmental courses. Students who pass all areas are eligible to enter the integrated program, and the Ph.D. qualification exam is waived.
Undergraduate Course Credit Recognition| Category | Up to Class of 2018 | From Class of 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Courses (Up to 6 credits) |
400-level (G or S/U) |
200–400 level (G or S/U) |