COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainable Engineering (ESE) at University at Albany (UAlbany) offers a flexible 30-credit program designed to build advanced expertise in environmental engineering and sustainability. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, allowing them to tailor the program based on their career goals—whether focused on research or practical, project-based experience.All students begin with required core courses that provide a strong foundation in environmental systems and engineering processes. These include Environmental Physical and Chemical Processes, Biological Treatment Processes, Sustainable Air Pollution Management, and Nonpoint Source Pollution Engineering. Together, these courses equip students with the knowledge to understand and address complex environmental challenges related to air, water, and pollution control.For the thesis option, students complete 6 credits of electives within their concentration, 3 credits outside their concentration to broaden their perspective, and a 9-credit thesis involving in-depth research under faculty supervision. This pathway is ideal for those interested in research roles or pursuing a doctoral degree.The non-thesis option is more practice-oriented, requiring 15 credits of electives within a chosen concentration and a 3-credit culminating experience. This can be either a project course, where students explore advanced topics through research, presentations, and applied work, or a master’s project completed under faculty guidance, resulting in a final report.Overall, the program combines core scientific knowledge, specialized coursework, and hands-on experience to prepare graduates for careers in environmental engineering, sustainability, and public health protection across industry, government, and consulting sectors.