MS in Biological and Environmental Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Cornell University

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University is a research-focused graduate program that combines engineering principles with biological systems, environmental science and sustainable technologies. It is designed for students interested in addressing challenges involving renewable energy, environmental protection, water resources, biotechnology and sustainable engineering through advanced research and interdisciplinary study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:

Students establish their advanced engineering and research foundation through coursework selected in consultation with their Special Committee. Depending on their research interests, they can explore subjects related to Biological Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Bioprocess Engineering, while undertaking graduate-level research and selecting at least one minor subject outside the Biological and Environmental Engineering field.

Year 2:

Students concentrate on their chosen research area, advance their independent investigation and develop expertise through graduate research activities. The second year includes student progress reviews, continued research coursework and preparation of an acceptable master's thesis, followed by the required master's examination and thesis submission.

Note: Cornell does not publish a fixed year-wise course list for this MS. Course requirements are determined by the student's Special Committee. The subjects above represent academic areas, not confirmed compulsory course titles.

Focus Areas

Bioenergy and integrated energy systems, bioenvironmental engineering, biological engineering, bioprocess engineering, ecohydrology, environmental engineering, food engineering, industrial biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, sustainable systems, synthetic biology.

Learning Outcomes

Advanced research skills, original contributions to biological and environmental engineering, interdisciplinary problem-solving, scientific scholarship, independent research, professional communication and ethical research practices.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MS is a research-oriented graduate degree requiring a thesis and an external minor subject. Cornell does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for this master's program. The ABET accreditation listed by the department applies to its undergraduate Biological Engineering program, not the MS.

Reputation (Research & Employability)

Research reputation: Cornell's Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering has six major research areas: Synthetic Biology, Physics of Biological Systems, Biomaterials, Sustainable and Resilient Systems, Climate, Hydrology and Water Resources, and Environmental Materials and Processes. This interdisciplinary research environment connects engineering with biological innovation and environmental sustainability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Cornell provides a research-intensive environment where students can develop practical engineering and scientific skills through faculty-led research groups, specialised laboratories and interdisciplinary projects. The department's facilities support investigations into biological materials, renewable energy, environmental processes, water systems and synthetic biology. Students can explore research opportunities aligned with their thesis topics and academic interests.

Key research facilities and practical opportunities include:

Ahner Lab: Research in environmental biotechnology, trace metal stress, plant metal uptake, detoxification and environmental processes.
Anderson Lab: Investigates renewable energy systems and methods for improving energy generation and integration.
Barstow Lab: Explores biological energy capture using microbial systems, genetic engineering and high-throughput research methods.
Datta Lab: Studies transport phenomena, including energy and water transport, fluid flow and biological processes.
Ecohydrology Group: Researches interactions between hydrology and ecosystems, with an emphasis on water quality and environmental protection.
Luo Lab: Focuses on DNA and RNA engineering, nucleic acids and molecular bioengineering.
Ma Lab: Develops advanced biomaterials for agricultural and biomedical applications.
Soil & Water Lab: Investigates water flow and physical, chemical and biological processes affecting water resources and ecological systems.
Steinschneider Lab: Explores sustainable water-resource management and decision-support approaches.
Shared Environmental Analysis Lab (SEAL): Provides chemical and elemental analysis services and sample-preparation facilities for soil, water and biological samples.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Biological and Environmental Engineering can pursue research and technical careers across environmental engineering, biotechnology, renewable energy, water-resource management and sustainable technology. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree supports opportunities in research organisations, engineering consultancies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and environmental organisations.

Potential career opportunities include:

Environmental Engineer
Biological Engineering Research Scientist
Bioprocess Engineer
Sustainability and Renewable Energy Specialist

Career development and professional opportunities:

Graduate Research Network: Students benefit from Cornell's interdisciplinary research community and faculty-led laboratories, supporting the development of research expertise and professional connections.
University Resources: Cornell's Graduate School and department provide graduate student resources, including academic guidance, graduate handbooks and research support.
Industry Relevance: Research areas such as industrial biotechnology, sustainable systems, bioenergy and environmental engineering align with technical challenges addressed by biotechnology, energy and environmental industries.
Alumni Network: The department maintains an official graduate alumni directory featuring MS, MEng and PhD graduates, providing visibility into its wider graduate community.

Employment statistics and salary: Cornell does not publish a specific employment rate, average salary or placement report for graduates of this MS program. No program-specific figures are available to report.

University–industry partnerships: The department's research and outreach activities connect engineering research with practical environmental and technological challenges. However, specific guaranteed industry placements or formal MS employment partnerships are not stated.

Professional accreditation value: The program provides advanced research preparation but does not advertise a separate professional accreditation for the MS degree.

Graduation outcomes: Cornell's official alumni directory identifies graduates with MS degrees in Biological and Environmental Engineering, alongside graduates of its other engineering graduate programs.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can consider pursuing a PhD in Biological and Environmental Engineering or related disciplines such as environmental engineering, biological engineering, biotechnology, biomaterials and sustainable systems. They may also pursue interdisciplinary doctoral research involving renewable energy, synthetic biology, climate science and water resources, depending on their academic preparation and research interests.