The M.S. in Environmental Engineering is designed
for the pursuit of advanced environmental engineering studies
at Michigan Tech. As identified by the American Academy of
Environmental Engineers, the professional discipline of environmental
engineering is defined as "the application of engineering
principles to improve and maintain the environment for the
protection of human health, for the protection of nature's
beneficial ecosystems, and for the environment-related enhancement
of the quality of human life."
Students with a B.S. degree in engineering are considered
for admission to the program. M.S. applicants holding non-engineering
degrees, provided that they meet ABET guidelines for a first
degree in engineering, are also considered for admission.
This is interpreted to mean that, including both the B.S.
and M.S. programs, the student must earn at least one and
one half year (48 credits) of engineering topics and one year
(32 credits) of basic mathematics and science.
A faculty Advisor is assigned by the Department Chair, based
on recommendation of the faculty and consultation with the
student. With the assistance of the Advisor, the student will
assemble an Advisory Committee that must be approved by the
Department Chair.
The primary focus of the M.S. in Environmental Engineering
is the integration of environmental science, mathematics,
and engineering application. Each student must take thirty
credits. Plan A (Thesis), Plan B (Report), and Plan C (Course
Work) are options for the M.S. in Environmental Engineering.
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Plan A -- Thesis Option
In addition to a minimum of 20 credits of course work, this
plan requires a research thesis (6 - 10 credits) for a 30
credit minimum total. The research and thesis, supervised
by the Advisor, describes an in-depth research investigation
and its results. Course work credit distribution must be at
least 12 credits must be from 5000-6000 level courses and
no more than 12 credits may be at the 4000-level. Up to 4
credits of 3000-level course work earned outside the major
department can be substituted for 4000-level courses.
Plan B -- Report Option
Of the total minimum 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned
in course work other than the project and 2-6 credits are
credited of project research. This plan requires a research
report, supervised by the Advisor, which describes a less-detailed
research investigation and its results. At least 12 credits
must be from 5000-6000 level courses and no more than 12 credits
may be at the 4000-level. Two to 9 credits are to be assigned
to a report describing the results of an independent study
project. Up to 4 credits of 3000-level course work earned
outside the major department can be substituted for 4000-level
courses.
Plan C -- Course Work Option
Of the minimum 30 credits of course work required, at least
12 credits must be from 5000-6000 level courses and no more
than 12 credits may be at the 4000-level. Up to 4 credits
of 3000-level course work earned outside the major department
can be substituted for 4000-level courses. The Plan C option
is intended primarily for persons with professional experience.
Otherwise, the prospective student is encouraged to apply
to the Master of Engineering – Environmental Engineering.
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Engineering,
there are no structured course requirements. Instead each
M.S. student, under the guidance of his or her Advisory Committee,
will tailor an academic plan of mutual interest and benefit.
The general requirements will be under the control of the
Advisory Committee to ensure that the student's course work
addresses the basic criteria of educational programs for environmental
engineers as defined by the American Academy of Environmental
Engineers. Specifically, the program must address "the
dependence of mankind on a healthy environment; the conception,
design and operation of engineered systems affording protection
of human health and the environment; the interactions and
transformations that occur across environmental media (i.e.
surface water, groundwater, land, and air); the behavior of
natural systems in response to outside stimuli caused by man's
activities; and the need to work closely and effectively with
other professionals in multi-disciplinary teams to meet the
challenge of environmental protection."
In addition to the general requirements, each student must
declare an emphasis area for focused study. Again, with consultation
of the Advisory Committee, a sequential development of course
work will be selected to increase exposure to one of the following
major focus areas of environmental engineering: Surface water
quality and water resources, environmental systems modeling,
pollution prevention, environmental chemistry, wastewater,
solid waste and hazardous wastes, atmospheric systems and
air pollution control, groundwater and subsurface remediation.
While candidates could fulfill all course requirements from
offerings in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
course work outside the Department will be encouraged when
appropriate.
Oral Examination or Defense
Examination by and approval of the Advisory Committee is required
for awarding the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering.
The Advisory Committee will examine the general professional
knowledge, course work, and in Plans A and B, the thesis or
report of each master's candidate.
An oral presentation of the thesis or report will be made
following the completion of the written work. Copies of the
thesis or report are to be distributed to the Advisory Committee
at least two weeks prior to the examination data.
The thesis, report, or course work examination is acceptable
if the Advisor and at least two of the other three Advisory
Committee members concur on its acceptance. The oral presentation
for the thesis or report is open to the public.
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