Brown University’s one or two-year, on-campus master’s in environmental engineering equips you with the tools to develop and implement engineering solutions that protect human health and ecosystems from environmental pollution.
The master’s in environmental engineering prepares you to develop sustainable solutions for complex ecological problems — integrating risk assessment, sustainability, life-cycle principles and environmental impacts. Whether you aspire to design climate-resilient infrastructure or ensure safe drinking water and sanitation, this program propels you toward your career goals.
This master of science (Sc.M.) program offers options to customize your intellectual and practical experiences:
- Part-time or full-time study
- Interdisciplinary coursework
- Research engagement and thesis completion
- Experiential learning experiences
The interdisciplinary, research-based curriculum offers advanced training in engineering, mathematics, biology and chemistry. The program’s flexibility enables you to craft a unique learning experience that aligns with your interests through a broad range of topics:
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Air pollution control
- Soil and groundwater remediation
- Site characterization and risk assessment
- Life cycle assessment
- Climate change mitigation
- Emerging contaminants
Along with the coursework, you’ll have opportunities to engage in experiential learning with industry partners and research in Brown’s state-of-the-art facilities. Further course, faculty, and FAQ information can be found on the School of Engineering’s environmental engineering master’s program page.
Additional Information
Brown undergraduates can apply to this program as a fifth-year master’s degree.
Application Information
Spring Start Deadline: November 1, 2024
Fall Start Deadline: February 1, 2025
Final Deadline: April 1, 2025
If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please email masters_admissions@brown.edu.
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not Required.
GRE General:
Required; the GRE General Test at home version is accepted.
TOEFL/IELTS:
Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia).
The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator exam are accepted.
Students from mainland China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus exam.
Official Transcripts:
Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before class start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or The Evaluation Company) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.
Letters of Recommendations:
Three (3) recommendations required.
Two (2) recommendations required for 5th year master's only.
Personal Statement:
1000-1500 word personal statement that gives your reasons to pursue graduate work in the field of your study. The statement should include examples of your past work in your chosen field, your plans for study at Brown, issues and problems you'd like to address in your field and your professional goals.
Resume/CV:
Required.
Dates/Deadlines
Priority Deadline
Application Deadline
5th Year Deadline
Tuition and Funding
Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Student Financial Services Office for up-to-date tuition rates.
The program offers limited need-based assistance in the form of tuition scholarships. These scholarships are evaluated on financial need as a need basis and are determined through the submission of a FAFSA form for US students or a CSS profile for international students.
Brown University's Graduate Office of Financial Aid determines loan eligibility and offers counseling to help you determine if Brown can be an affordable financial investment for you. Although the Office of Financial Aid offers no funding of its own, they can help you pursue educational loans or discover known funding opportunities from other sources.
Completion Requirements
Non-thesis
Students take a total of eight courses to satisfy the degree requirements. Students are expected to complete this program option in three semesters, taking three courses in the first and second semesters, and two courses in the third semester.
Thesis
Students take a total of eight courses, including independent reading and research courses. Students are expected to complete this program option in four semesters, taking three courses in the first semester, two in the second and third semesters, and one in the fourth semester. Students can switch between degree options during the program for greater flexibility. Students interested in pursuing the thesis option usually identify a faculty advisor during their first or second semester at Brown.
Professional
Non-thesis and thesis* students can also complete the professional track. In addition to the above requirements, a paid or unpaid experiential learning experience of three to six months is a required component of the professional track. Experiential learning can include a summer internship or completion of ENGN 2960 (Experiential Learning in Industry (ELI)) as an elective course. Assistance in obtaining internships will be provided by the School of Engineering and the Center for Master’s Student Excellence.
*Thesis students need permission from their thesis advisor to pursue this track.
More information can be found on the School of Engineering’s ScM Requirements page.
Leadership
Contact and Location
School of Engineering
Mailing Address
Box D, 184 Hope Street
Providence, RI 02912