Environmental engineers in the department are actively researching the fate and impact of pharmaceuticals in wastewater, analysis and remediation of toxic pollutants in soils and other environments, the processes governing atmospheric chemistry and aerosol pollution, and advanced real-time modeling and monitoring of groundwater-surface water conditions.

Students can choose from three degree pathways for a MS degree in Environmental Engineering (ENEN):

• thesis pathway 
• project pathway
• course-only pathway

Degree Requirements
A minimum of 30 credit hours are required for all three pathways (thesis, project or course-only). Each students works with the their advisor to select the courses to meet the degree requirements and prepare them for their professional career. All students must satisfy the GPA and course requirements for their field of specialty within five years of admission.

For the project pathway, student must complete a research project under the advisment of a faculty member within the department.

For the thesis pathway, students must complete a qualifying examination, write a research thesis and pass an oral defense of the thesis.

ENEN Core Curriculum
Four core courses are required for all students in the environmental engineering area.

ENEN 610 Environmental Chemistry
ENEN 612 Environmental Physicochemical Processes
ENEN 614 Environmental Biological Processes
ENEN 660 Air Pollution

Elective Courses

In addition to the core curriculum, students work together with their advisor to select courses to meet their career goals. The elective courses can include courses within the Environmental Engineering program, or other programs or departments across campus.

Transfer Credits

No more than six credits may be transferred from another university. Credit transfer and/or exceptions to the 6-credit transfer limit must be approved by the Graduate Program Director and the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.

Graduate Program Application Requirements

Applicants may have undergraduate degrees in engineering, or other disciplines. All applicants are expected to have completed the necessary prerequisites to begin the core curriculum for the degree program of interest.

All applicants should be aware of the financial support available for the students within our graduate programs

Those interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering can apply after earning an undergraduate degree or master’s degree as long as the necessary program requirements are fulfilled.

Master’s Programs

1. Unofficial transcript(s)
   • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
   • Completion of required prior coursework 
     • ENEN MS
     • CENG MS
2. Two (2) or more letters of recommendation from professional or academic references.
3. C.V. or Resume (optional, but recommended)
4. Statement of academic goals and research interests* (optional; highly recommended)
5. English Language proficiency** scores are required for International students

Doctoral Programs

1. Unofficial transcript(s)
   • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
   • Completion of required prior coursework
     • ENEN PhD
     • CENG PhD
2. Three (3) letters of recommendation from professional or academic references.
3. C.V. or Resume
4. Statement of academic goals and research interests (see additional details below)*
5. English Language proficiency** scores are required for International students

* Statement of academic goals and research interests: 

• • PhD applicants are required to submit a ‘Statement of academic goals and research interests’ as part of their application. This must include the names of potential advisors.
  • MS applicants are highly encouraged to include a ‘Statement of academic goals and research interests’ in their application, especially if for those applicants interested in the project or thesis-based programs.
  • Suggestions for writing this component of the application from UMBC’s Career Center

** English Language proficiency requirements:

• • CBEE accepts TOEFL, IELTS and DuoLingo test scores for Spring 2022 & Fall 2022 applications.
  • Minimum scores & exceptions to this policy can be found on The Graduate School’s website
  • This requirement is automatically waived for applicants who obtained a BS or MS degree from a US or Canadian institution.

*** GRE scores are NOT required as part of MS or PhD applications. 

Application Deadlines

Master’s Programs

Fall admission:
January 7 (priority deadline)*
March 1 (final deadline international students)
July 1 (final deadline for domestic students)

Spring admission:
July 1 (priority deadline)
August 1 (final deadline international students)
October 1 (final deadline domestic students)

Doctoral Programs

Fall Admission:
January 7*
Please note new students are not admitted for the Spring term

The application for Fall term opens by October of the prior year. Example: Fall 2023 application will open by October 2022.

* Please note UMBC Campus is typically closed during between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Faculty and administrative staff will NOT be available to answer emails or phone calls during this time.

Application Process

Each candidate is evaluated individually by a department faculty committee that has the authority to make admission recommendations to the Graduate School. The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering’s graduate admission committee makes a determination of an applicant’s qualification for admission based on the evaluation of the entire application materials list.

1. Prepare Application Materials, see Application Requirements listed above.
2. Complete the Online Graduate Admissions Application 
   Our online applications are managed by our trusted partner, CollegeNET. Our application process is safe and secure. When you Apply Online, you can create an account, submit your application information and pay the $50 application fee by credit card over a secure internet connection.

    

   • Application Fee Waiver is available. Email cbeegrad@umbc.edu to request an application fee waiver.

Tuition fee-2 years$50,000

Total fee-2 years$80,000