Why an M.Eng. in Environmental Engineering?
As the world decarbonizes its energy system in line with climate protection goals, opportunities open up for environmental engineering from renewable and nuclear energy to energy storage and carbon capture and sequestration. At the same time, water treatment and wastewater infrastructure needs modernization and strengthening, and coastal and river protection systems need upgrading and innovation in a world with increased droughts, floods, and extreme weather.
Careers in Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineers work on project management related to new energy generation, transmission, distribution, and storage. They also work on projects to upgrade water treatment plants, wastewater treatment systems, water distribution, and flood protection systems. Careers are available in both the private sector and government agencies such as departments of transportation and departments of environmental conservation.
Curriculum
Our curriculum builds domain knowledge, advancing your technical toolkit and skills that are desired by a variety of sectors including engineering design and consulting, data analytics and technology innovations, industry, research and and policy analysis. Students learn to identify problems, analyze data, and interpret the results to inform technical solutions. Our robust curriculum equips students with the skills to design and implement sustainable solutions for complex environmental challenges.
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M.Eng. Capstone Thesis Project
Students must complete a semester-long project in either the first or second semester
- CEE 5051 or CEE 5052 Project in Environmental Engineering (3 credits)
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Engineering Methodology
Students should choose one from the following courses: CEE 5930 or CEE 5980
- CEE 5930 Data Analytics (4 credits)
- CEE 5980 Decision Framing and Analytics (3 credits)
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Sustainable Water and Energy Applications
Students should choose two from the following courses: CEE 6880 or CEE 6210 or CEE 6530 or CEE 6560
- CEE 6880 Applied Modeling and Simulation for Renewable Energy Systems (3 credits)
- CEE 6210 Renewable Energy Systems (3 credits)
- CEE 6560 Physical and Chemical Processes (3 credits)
- CEE 6530 Water Chemistry for Environmental Engineering (3 credits)
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Environmental Engineering Electives
Students must complete additional credits from 5000-level or higher courses from an extensive list in environmental engineering and supporting disciplinary areas that enhance technical skills. Minimum of two courses (6 credits) required.
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General Electives
Students have the option to choose courses at the graduate level (5000-level or higher) from within or outside Cornell Engineering to fill out credits needed to meet the 30-credit minimum. Course selection should align with the student’s background, career goals, and academic advisor’s guidance, ensuring a well-rounded professional foundation. This opportunity is a great strength of Cornell University, as there is a wide variety of departments and programs from which students can choose.
Your Instructors
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![Matthew Charles Reid]()
Matthew Charles Reid
Director of Undergraduate Studies for Environmental Engineering Major Associate Professor
Environmental Engineering Project Examples
| Faculty Advisor | Project Title |
|---|---|
| Francis Vanek | Carbon Neutral Cornell: Effluent Thermal Energy Recovery (ETER) |
| Francis Vanek | Carbon Neutral Cornell: Relocation of Human Ecology Building Solar PV Array |
| Francis Vanek | Solar Canopies for Green Power Production and Community Shade |
| Francis Vanek | Investigation and Design of Green Senior Living Communities (SLCs) |
| Matthew Reid | Sustainable Extraction of Minerals in Andean Region of Ecuador |