Environmental Science and Engineering

Environmental Science and Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing environmental challenges. The program aims to develop experts who can analyze complex environmental systems, develop innovative solutions for pollution control, resource management, and sustainable development, and contribute to the global efforts for environmental preservation. Students are introduced to fundamental sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology, which form the basis for understanding environmental processes. They also engage with specialized courses in environmental engineering, including water and air quality management, waste treatment, renewable energy technologies, and environmental policy and economics.

The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and collaborative projects with industry and research institutions. Students are encouraged to participate in cutting-edge research initiatives, focusing on sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and technological innovations for environmental improvement. The program fosters an interdisciplinary approach, integrating engineering principles with ecological and social sciences, thereby preparing graduates to work effectively in diverse professional settings.

Pohang University of Science and Technology's state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities provide an ideal environment for students to undertake innovative research and practical training. The faculty members are distinguished scientists and engineers committed to mentoring students and advancing knowledge in environmental science and engineering. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, industry, government agencies, and international organizations dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. The program also encourages students to participate in international exchanges and internships, broadening their global perspective and professional network. Overall, the Environmental Science and Engineering program at POSTECH is designed to cultivate environmentally responsible leaders capable of making significant contributions to society through science and engineering solutions.

Comprehensive subjects in major areas of environmental science and engineering are offered to provide essential bases of understanding environmental problems for students with diverse backgrounds. Programs of study are highly flexible to encourage students to develop intensive and diverse research abilities. In addition to the SEE courses listed below, students are encouraged to take courses in other departments such as chemistry, life science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and others depending on their interests.

Major Electives

• Introduction to Environmental studies
• Introduction to Environmental Engineering
• Air Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Waste Management
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Experimental Engineering Laboratory
• Reaction Engineering
• Global Environment
• Environmental Statistics
• Polymers and the Environment
• Environmental Physical Chemistry
• Introduction to Climate Change
• Environmental Inorganic Chemistry
• Earth Environmental Fluid Dynamics
• Basic Principles in Environmental Materials
• Environmental Nanoporous Materials
• Environmental Organic Chemistry
• Bioremediation Engineering
• Wastewater Treatment Engineering
• Ocean biogeochemical cycles
• Environmental Instrument Analysis and Experiments
• Mass Spectrometry
• Pollutant Analysis
• Special Topics in Environmental Engineering A-Z
• Alternative Energy
• Advanced Environmental Processes A-D
• Photocatalysis for Energy and Environemtnal Applications
• Environmental Bioprocess Engineering
• Introduction of Marine Environments and Biotechnology

Research

• Seminar 
• On-site Process Study
• Master Thesis Research

Requirements

• Applicants must fill out the online application.
• Personal Statement and Research Plan - Download format from the website: http://admission.postech.ac.kr/linkUsen.do?f=sub3-2
• Curriculum Vitae (Free style personal resume)
• Copy of Passport
• Signed Consent Form - Download format from the website: http://admission.postech.ac.kr/linkUsen.do?f=sub3-2
• List of Honors and Awards (optional) - Applicants who have received any honors, awards, or fellowships during their undergraduate or graduate studies may list them in the order of importance.
• Application fee: 80 USD or 80,000 KRW
• Official Transcript(s)
• Degree Certificate(s)
• Recommendation Letters - From two recommenders (academic faculty) - Must be e-mailed or sent by post directly by each recommender, enclosed in a sealed envelope.
• Score Report of English Proficiency Test - The official TOEFL/IELTS Score Report issued by ETS/British Council can be sent to POSTECH Graduate Admissions and Student Affairs directly by requesting it at the ETS/ British Council website. Applicants must enter POSTECH’s institution code (0329) in order for ETS to send the official score report to our office. - TOEFL ITP organized only by POSTECH is accepted
• Degree Theses (option

Scholarships

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
• Global Education
• POSCO Asia Fellowship
• SK hynix Fellowship
• POSTECH Teaching or Research Assistantship
• POSTECH Fellowship for Excellent International Students(PFES)
• POSTECH Settlement Allowance for New International Students

The Environmental Science and Engineering program at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary academic track designed to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. This program aims to equip students with a solid foundation in natural sciences, engineering principles, and environmental management strategies to develop innovative solutions for sustainable development. The curriculum integrates coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and earth sciences, along with specialized classes in environmental engineering, pollution control, renewable energy systems, and environmental policy. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on research projects, fieldwork, and internships with industry partners and governmental agencies to gain practical experience. The program emphasizes cutting-edge research areas such as air and water pollution mitigation, waste management, climate change adaptation, and environmental impact assessment. Faculty members are distinguished researchers and professionals committed to advancing knowledge in environmental sciences through published research, technology development, and policy advising. The program is designed for students passionate about protecting the environment, mitigating human impact on ecosystems, and contributing to global sustainability initiatives. Graduates of this program typically pursue careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and industries focused on green technology and sustainable practices. The university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers provide an ideal environment for innovative environmental research and development. Moreover, postgraduate opportunities include master's and doctoral degrees, enabling students to deepen their expertise and contribute meaningfully to the field. The program aligns with POSTECH’s overall mission to foster scientific and technological advancement through rigorous education, research excellence, and international collaboration. It also encourages students to develop leadership skills, ethical responsibility, and a global perspective to effectively address environmental issues worldwide.