Gain the skills to address today's most pressing environmental challenges with the Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering Sciences Option at UMass Lowell.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    MS

MS in Environmental Studies

Environmental Engineering Sciences Option

The Master of Environmental Studies program at UMass Lowell empowers you to make a lasting difference in protecting and sustaining our planet. Offered through the Francis College of Engineering, this program provides the advanced knowledge and hands-on experience you need to thrive in the environmental sustainability and engineering sectors.

If you are committed to driving sustainable solutions and want to address issues such as environmental degradation, pollution control and resource management, this program is an ideal fit. Designed for students without a degree in engineering, this degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in a wide variety of environmental roles.

Program Quick Facts

  • No Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Required
  • STEM Designated Degree Program
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
  • F1 Visa Eligible

Environmental Studies Curriculum

The Master's in Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering Sciences Option offers a thesis and non-thesis track.

For non-engineering focus areas, please visit our M.S. in Environmental Studies, Atmospheric Science Option or Environmental Geoscience Option.


Core Courses
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total9
CIVE.5670Environmental Aquatic Chemistry3
CIVE.5730Solid Waste Engineering3
ENVE.5230  OR
ENVE.5710		Air Pollution Control OR
Air Pollution Phenomenology		3


Elective Courses (Up to 5 total for thesis, 6 for non-thesis students)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total Required15 - 18
CIVE.5640Hydraulics and Hydrology3
CIVE.5610Physical and Chemical Treatment Process3
CIVE.5620Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology3 
CIVE.5660Environmental Application & Implications of Nanomaterials3
CIVE.5680Environmental Fate and Transport 3
CIVE.5690Micropollutants in the Environment3
CIVE.5720Marine and Coastal Processes3
CIVE.5760GIS Applications in Civil and Environmental Engineering3
CIVE.5750Groundwater Modeling 3
CIVE.5950Hazardous Waste Site Remediation3
ENVE.5010Wetlands Ecology3
ENVS.5020Freshwater Ecologyxxx
CHEM.5140Advanced Analytical Chemistryxxx
ENVI.5200Methods in Environmental Impact Assessment and Analysis3
GEOL.5100Geology of New Englandxx
ENVE.5720Energy and Environment 3
ENVE.5810Understanding the Massachusetts Contingency Plan 3

Total credits for the program = 30

Thesis track = 9 core credits + 15 elective credits + 6 credits of thesis for a total of 30 credits

Non-Thesis track = 9 core credits + 21 credits of electives

Updated 12/12/24

Why Study Environmental Studies at UMass Lowell?

UMass Lowell environmental engineering student in lab

Research Opportunities

You’ll have access to state-of-the-art labs and research centers, allowing you to contribute to projects that address global environmental challenges. UMass Lowell is at the forefront of developing solutions that make a tangible impact on both local and global scales.

Girl in environmental engineering lab with water sample

Comprehensive Curriculum

The program covers topics including water quality, environmental systems, hazardous waste management, climate change mitigation and sustainable infrastructure.

UMass Lowell Professor Pradeep Kurup working with a male student in a lab coat.

Experienced Faculty

Learn from leading experts in environmental engineering and studies who bring both academic and real-world experience to the classroom. Our faculty are committed to helping you succeed in this dynamic field.

A UMass Lowell environmental student holds a white pole with a cup over a small stream to take a water sample.

Hands-on Learning

Our program emphasizes practical experience. Through internships, research projects and fieldwork, you'll apply what you learn to real-world environmental issues. This experiential learning prepares you to transition seamlessly into your career.

Environmental Studies Career Outlook

  • +19%

    Increase in job openings between 2022-2033

    (Lightcast, 2024)

  • $102.1K

    Mean Annual Wage for Environmental Engineers

    (Lightcast, 2024)

Where Our Graduates Work

  • AECOM
  • Weston & Sampson
  • BAE Systems
  • GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
  • US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • National Grid
  • TRC Companies
  • US Army Corps of Engineers
  • CDM Smith
  • Mass DOT
  • Raytheon
  • Woodard & Curran
  • Tetra Tech
  • Stantec

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages)
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required.
  • Test Scores: Please send test scores to EngineeringCAS using school code 4530. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all Doctor of Philosophy programs and for the Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. It is accepted but not required for other master's applicants.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

International Applicants

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

For the TOEFL, please send your scores to EngineeringCAS using the school code B887.

Take the Next Step

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email: 
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu