Environmental Engineering

For any graduate degree offered by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, candidates should possess a baccalaureate degree in engineering from a regionally accredited institution. Students in engineering, physical sciences, or mathematics with a 3.00 grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) may be considered for admission. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 grade-point average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests. Students without a baccalaureate degree in engineering would be admitted on a provisional basis pending successful completion of entrance requirements (completed concurrently with degree requirements and listed below).

U.S. applicants will upload unofficial copies of their transcripts, a statement of objectives, and three references for letters of recommendation when applying to the program. If admitted, applicants will be required to provide the Graduate School with OFFICIAL transcripts of all their previous course work (in duplicate). In addition, all applicants must submit scores from the General Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical). For the M.Eng. degree, the GRE requirement will be waived for students who have graduated with a degree from the College of Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University with a cumulative grade-point average of greater than 3.30.

International applicants will upload unofficial copies of their transcripts, a statement of objectives, and three references for letters of recommendation when applying to the program. If admitted, applicants will be required to provide the Graduate School with OFFICIAL transcripts (or attested copies), degree, and diploma certificates in both English and native language. Photocopies will NOT be accepted. All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, which requires completion of specified remedial English courses ESL 114G (American Oral English for Academic Purposes) and/or ESL 116G (ESL/Composition for Academic Disciplines) and attainment of a grade of B or higher. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5 on all subjects. International applicants who have received a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college, university, or institution in any of the following countries are exempt from the TOEFL requirement: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States, or Wales.

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Scholarships

Assistantships

The most common form of graduate support, teaching and research assistantships, include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. Recipients are assigned to a faculty adviser who supervises the experience. Graduate assistants support undergraduate instruction or undertake research projects. A specified time commitment of 10-30 hours per week is required depending on the unit (a half-time/20 hour per week commitment is typical). Appointments are available only to graduate students who are registered for courses and enrolled in degree programs.

Fellowships

Fellowships are highly prestigious financial support packages that typically include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. They derive from University or outside awards. Unlike assistantships, they do not have a required work commitment; they are duty-free. Recipients must be enrolled in degree programs and be registered full time. Fellowship recipients are not permitted to accept employment without obtaining approval from the unit and/or agency supporting the fellowship.

Traineeships

Training grants are derived from agencies outside the University and are intended to support specific student learning experiences in core curricular areas and research methods. Institutional awards, typically under the direction of a faculty principal investigator, afford funding to support selected students with stipends, tuition grants-in-aid, and often include a subsidy for medical insurance.

The Pennsylvania State University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering through its College of Engineering. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in protecting the environment and solving complex water, air, and soil pollution problems. The curriculum encompasses fundamental engineering principles, environmental science, and specialized courses that focus on sustainable development, wastewater and water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, and environmental health and safety. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, design projects, and internships, which facilitate the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating aspects of civil, chemical, and mechanical engineering to address environmental challenges comprehensively. Graduates are well-equipped to work in environmental consulting firms, government agencies, industry, and research institutions, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for environmental protection. The program also provides pathways for graduate study and research opportunities in environmental engineering and related fields. State-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities support student learning and innovation. The department maintains strong industry connections, offering students valuable networking opportunities and exposure to current environmental issues. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest technological advances and regulatory requirements, ensuring graduates are prepared for evolving professional demands. Overall, the Environmental Engineering program at Penn State is committed to fostering engineers who are socially responsible, environmentally conscious, and technically proficient, capable of making meaningful contributions to environmental quality and public health.