Graduate environmental and water resource engineering programs at KU
What is environmental and water resources engineering?
Development decisions impact the environment, water quality and the lives of people in the region. Environmental engineers help balance economic and environmental needs for civil engineering projects, as well as overall sustainability. An environmental engineer working in water resource helps measure a project’s environmental impact on water resources, such as aquifers, rivers or lakes—as well as a project’s effect on local economy and public health.
An environmental engineer working in water resource might apply their knowledge in the following ways:
- Working with civil engineers on a plan to site a new dam route
- Overseeing the planning of an irrigation network
- Measuring the possible environmental impact of a proposed project on a body of water and the surrounding community
- Helping organizations make environmentally sustainable decisions regarding proposed building projects
What does an environmental engineer do with a water resource graduate degree?
Environmental engineers use a water resource specialization in a variety of fields, including air quality, water quality, solid and hazardous waste, stormwater treatment and wetlands management.
What graduate environmental and water resource programs are available at KU?
KU’s school of engineering offers two online programs of study for environmental and water resource. The graduate certificate in environmental and water resource management allows working professional engineers the opportunity to specialize and enhance their skills in water resources, without the need for a full degree. The Master of Science in Environmental and Water Resource provides further education in up-to-date theory and practical techniques in civil and environmental engineering. Both programs are offered live online, with recorded sessions available.
How are the programs structured?
The graduate certificate in environmental and water resource consists of 12 hours of required courses. The Master of Science in Environmental and Water Resource features two options of study. Option A requires 30 credit hours, including a thesis of 6-10 hours, and a final oral examination, including a thesis defense. Option B requires 30 credit hours, including a 3-4 hour special problem investigation in the student’s specialization, as well as a final oral examination. Option B does not require a thesis.