Program Overview
The master’s in environmental engineering at the University of Kansas, offered as a Master of Science in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (MS EWRE), provides a rigorous, research-driven graduate experience focused on solving complex environmental and water challenges. This environmental engineering master’s program prepares students for leadership roles in water resources, environmental protection, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable systems design.
Students pursuing the master’s in environmental engineering develop advanced technical expertise in areas such as hydrology, water quality modeling, contaminant transport, environmental chemistry, and infrastructure systems. The curriculum integrates core principles of water resources engineering with applied research and professional practice, equipping graduates to address global concerns related to water scarcity, climate variability, aging infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
The program emphasizes both theory and application. Students may pursue coursework-only, project, or thesis options depending on career goals. Those interested in research collaborate closely with faculty on funded projects spanning surface and groundwater hydrology, environmental remediation, municipal water and wastewater treatment, and emerging contaminants. Through these experiences, students in this master’s in environmental engineering program gain the analytical and modeling skills expected of a professional water resource engineer.
KU also offers an online option designed for working professionals seeking a flexible pathway to earn a water resources engineering master’s degree. The online format delivers the same high-quality curriculum as the on-campus experience, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while maintaining professional responsibilities. Courses are taught by the same faculty and emphasize practical, industry-relevant applications of water resource engineering principles.
The online environmental engineering master’s program option supports part-time study and is structured to accommodate engineers working in consulting firms, government agencies, utilities, and environmental organizations. Students engage in interactive coursework, applied design projects, and collaborative learning experiences tailored for remote delivery. This modality expands access to the master’s in environmental engineering while maintaining KU’s academic rigor and technical depth.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Environmental & Water Resources Engineering, MSKU School of Engineering
The Master’s in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering is part of the School of Engineering, where new technologies are developed to solve the problems facing the world.Master’s in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master’s in environmental engineering program will be able to:
- Analyze and design systems for sustainable water and environmental management using advanced water resources engineering methods.
- Apply advanced engineering principles to solve complex environmental challenges involving water quality, hydrology, and environmental systems.
- Conduct independent research and contribute to the development of new technologies in water resources engineering and environmental protection.
- Communicate complex technical solutions effectively to engineers, stakeholders, and policy makers.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering?
Graduates of this environmental engineering master’s program pursue impactful roles across the public and private sectors. Common career paths include:
- Water Resource Engineer
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Engineer
Professionals with a master’s in environmental engineering are increasingly sought after as communities invest in climate resilience, water reuse, and environmental restoration. Demand for engineers with expertise in water resources engineering continues to grow.
According to Lightcast, employment for graduates in this field is projected to grow 7% over the next decade, with a national median master’s in environmental engineering salary of approximately $153,000 per year.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The University of Kansas is committed to providing affordable education through various financial aid opportunities. Scholarships, assistantships, and loans are available for qualified students.
For more details on tuition, financial aid, and assistantships, please visit KU Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the master’s in environmental engineering program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- A personal statement outlining your career goals, research interests, and why you are pursuing an MS in Environmental Engineering.
For specific details about the application process, visit KU Graduate Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in the master’s in environmental engineering program benefit from collaborative research opportunities and applied engineering experiences.
Online students in the water resources engineering master’s degree option participate in interactive digital coursework designed to foster engagement and applied learning. This flexible pathway ensures that students pursuing the master’s in environmental engineering can advance their careers without relocating.
Master’s in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Sample Courses
Water resources engineering topics include hydrology, hydraulic systems, and water treatment technologies.
- Municipal Water Supply & Waste Treatment
- Corrosion Engineering
- Environmental Monitoring & Field Methods
- Pipe-Flow Systems
For a full list of courses, please refer to the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Application deadlines (priority and final) for each entry term are:
- Spring semester: Priority deadline of Oct. 2, final deadline Jan. 6.
- Summer semester: Priority deadline Dec. 3, final deadline May 1.
- Fall semester: Priority deadline of Dec. 3, final deadline Aug. 13.
Is the program fully online?
Yes. The MS in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering offers a fully online path designed for working professionals.
Is there a thesis option?
Both thesis and non‑thesis options may be available depending on your plan of study; consult with the program for current options.
How long does it take to complete?
Most students finish in 18–24 months full‑time; part‑time pacing is available and varies by course load.