MS in Environmental Engineering

4 Years On Campus Masters Program

Southern Methodist University

Program Overview

The MS in Environmental Engineering at Southern Methodist University prepares students to develop innovative engineering solutions for environmental challenges involving water, air quality, pollution control, and sustainability. The program combines advanced scientific knowledge, engineering design, and environmental management, with flexible in-person and online learning options suitable for both full-time students and working professionals.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a strong foundation through core courses such as CEE 7313 – Environmental Chemistry, CEE 7321 – Physical and Chemical Processes and Treatment, and CEE 7322 – Biological Processes and Treatment. They further develop expertise through subjects such as Environmental Organic Chemistry, Groundwater Hydrology and Contamination, and Air Pollution Management and Engineering.

Year 2: Students advance their specialization through electives such as CEE 7312 – Risk Assessment and Health Effects, CEE 7325 – Disaster Management, and CEE 7334 – Fate and Transport of Contaminants. They can also undertake thesis research, depending on their approved degree pathway, or complete additional coursework and applied projects.

Degree requirements: 30 credit hours, including 9 credits of core courses, at least 3 credits in processes and treatment, at least 3 credits in tools and applications, and approved electives. The standard duration is approximately two years.

Focus Areas

Environmental Chemistry, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Air Pollution Control, Groundwater Hydrology, Environmental Biotechnology, Soil and Water Chemistry, Hazardous Waste Management, Environmental Risk Assessment, Sustainable Development, Environmental Regulations and Compliance.

Learning Outcomes

Environmental problem-solving, pollution control and remediation, water and wastewater treatment, environmental risk assessment, air quality management, contaminant analysis, sustainable engineering design, regulatory compliance, environmental research, project management.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program develops advanced competencies in environmental engineering, pollution management, remediation, and sustainable resource management. ABET accreditation: SMU identifies ABET accreditation for its undergraduate Environmental Engineering program; separate accreditation for this master's program is not stated.

Reputation & Employability

U.S. News & World Report 2026: SMU is ranked among the Top 20% of National Universities.
Graduate student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1.
Industry opportunities: Graduates secure positions in technology, manufacturing, agriculture, government, social services, environmental consulting, and engineering sector

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

SMU's M.S. in Environmental Engineering combines research-driven teaching with practical learning opportunities that help students apply engineering concepts to environmental challenges. Students engage with faculty expertise, research activities and industry-relevant learning experiences, developing skills in environmental analysis, sustainable technology and engineering problem-solving. The programme is available in flexible in-person and online formats, making it suitable for both recent graduates and working professionals.

Practical Learning and Research Opportunities:

Research-driven learning: Students can participate in graduate research addressing real-world challenges in environmental processes, infrastructure, energy, water and sustainability. Faculty research is supported by funding from government agencies, foundations and private companies.
Environmental processes research: Explore environmental processes engineering, environmental biotechnology, soil and water chemistry, and the application of scientific methods to environmental problems.
Water and hydrology: Develop knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology and water-related engineering challenges, including the analysis of systems relevant to environmental protection and resource management.
Air pollution management: Through Air Pollution Management and Engineering, students examine air pollutants, air-quality management, regulatory requirements and the design of pollution-control systems.
Disaster management: The Disaster Management course introduces practical approaches to disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery, including natural and technological hazards.
Sustainable urban planning: The Sustainable Urban Plan course explores how government, finance, stakeholders and urban design influence sustainable urban development.
Internships: SMU encourages students to pursue internships to gain practical industry experience, develop professional networks and understand workplace expectations.
Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity: Students can engage with an institute that connects academia, businesses, NGOs and government organisations to develop solutions for local and global challenges.
Deason Innovation Gym: This innovation facility provides tools and workspace for hands-on design projects. Students can receive training in 3D printing, power tools and metal-shop machinery.
Community engagement: Students have opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world issues through community-focused activities and initiatives

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.S. in Environmental Engineering prepares graduates for specialised roles addressing environmental protection, pollution control, water management and sustainable development. Its combination of engineering analysis, research and management-oriented learning helps students develop the technical and problem-solving capabilities required across consulting firms, engineering organisations, government agencies and environmental industries. Graduates can also pursue opportunities in emerging areas involving sustainability, environmental technology and resource management.

Career Opportunities:

Environmental Engineer: Develop engineering solutions for pollution prevention, environmental protection, waste management and sustainable infrastructure.
Environmental Consultant: Advise organisations on environmental assessments, regulatory compliance, pollution control and sustainability practices.
Environmental Scientist: Investigate environmental conditions, analyse scientific data and support strategies for managing environmental risks.

Industry Sectors: Graduates can pursue careers in environmental consulting, engineering design and construction, water and wastewater services, manufacturing, agriculture, government, social services, sustainability and environmental protection. SMU specifically identifies technology, manufacturing, agriculture, government and social services among the sectors in which its graduates secure positions.

Career Development and Industry Exposure: SMU provides internship opportunities to help students gain practical experience, build professional networks and develop industry skills. The Lyle School's faculty bring industry experience into teaching, while its research activities connect students with challenges addressed by government agencies, foundations and private companies. These opportunities can support professional development and help students prepare for specialised environmental engineering roles.

Career Support: Students can access the Lyle School's Career Development Center for career-related resources and support. The university also identifies potential professional pathways in environmental engineering, environmental consulting, remediation, air-quality control, water and wastewater engineering, and hazardous waste management.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue doctoral study in Environmental Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering or related disciplines, with potential research interests in environmental biotechnology, water resources, environmental chemistry, pollution control and sustainable infrastructure. Students interested in combining technical expertise with business and leadership skills can also consider SMU's M.S. in Environmental Engineering and Cox MBA dual-degree pathway, which allows students to pursue both qualifications through a two-year programme.