Mines Environmental Engineering students capture data in a stream at Chatfield Reservoir.

Environmental Engineering (Thesis)

Masters of Science

Delivery Options

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Fall 2026 Deadline

Priority: December 15th
Domestic: July 1st
International: March 1st

Program Overview

Develop advanced technical expertise and research experience focused on protecting human health and managing environmental systems with a master’s degree in environmental engineering science at Colorado School of Mines.

At Mines, you will strengthen skills in environmental analysis, chemistry, system modeling and applied research. This degree will prepare you to evaluate environmental problems holistically and develop solutions grounded in sound scientific practice.

What sets Mines apart is its applied approach to problem solving. Through the thesis requirement, you will conduct original research, work closely with Mines faculty and contribute new insight to the field. You graduate with experience in research environments, positioning you for advanced laboratory roles or doctoral study.

Program Details

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (Thesis) combines advanced coursework with independent research. You will take graduate-level courses in areas such as environmental chemistry, fate and transport, and microbial processes. Coursework can be tailored to support your research interests while maintaining a strong environmental science foundation.

The thesis is a defining component of the program. You will partner with a faculty advisor to identify a research problem, conduct analytical, experimental or computational work and communicate your findings through a written thesis and oral defense. Research topics often address applied challenges related to environmental chemistry, water and wastewater treatment, and remediation processes.

Program Opportunities

Applied research experience:

Engage in faculty-led research addressing real environmental engineering science challenges.

Interdisciplinary collaboration:

Environmental engineering science at Mines intersects with civil engineering, geosciences and applied chemistry.

Laboratory and field work:

You gain experience through laboratory analysis, modeling and field-based data collection.

Faculty Expertise

As a graduate student in environmental engineering science you will work closely with faculty who bring strong research leadership and applied expertise. Faculty routinely collaborate with industry partners, government agencies and national laboratories, creating applied research and professional pathways for students

Shiling Pei profile picture

Shiling Pei

Professor

Reza Hedayat profile picture

Reza Hedayat

Associate Professor

Christopher Bellona profile picture

Christopher Bellona

Associate Professor

Application Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree

  • GRE: Not Required

  • Letters of Recommendations: (3 letters)

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Transcripts

  • International students please review the English proficiency requirements

Program Curriculum

View Academic Catalog

World-Class Labs, Centers and Facilities

PFAS@Mines

The PFAS@Mines Initiative adopts an interdisciplinary, solutions-based approach to the challenge of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. Led by Professor Chris Higgins, the initiative is at the forefront of charactering environmental behavior, studying human exposure and developing treatment technologies for PFAS-impacted soils and drinking water.

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Center for Underground Construction and Tunneling

The Center for Underground Construction and Tunneling (UC&T) advances knowledge and state-of-the-art practice in underground construction and tunneling. Led by Professor Mike Mooney, the center’s research includes soil conditioning, tunnel boring machine techniques and cross passage design and construction.

Two men in lab coats working in a factory.
Colorado Center for a Sustainable WE2ST Water Technology Hub

The WE2ST Water Technology Hub promotes academic-industry collaboration to solve municipal and industrial water problems across scales. Led by Professor Tzahi Cath, the hub provides an environment to develop, test and validate technologies for global water challenges.

Career Outlook

Median salary for recent graduates of this program is $71,125Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

Explore Mines Career Center

Employers who seek Mines graduates include

Engineering and consulting firms

Companies such as WSP (formerly Golder Associates), Stantec, Arcadis, AECOM, Jacobs, Tetra Tech, Brown and Caldwell, Carollo Engineers, Burns & McDonnell, Kimley-Horn, CDM Smith

Environmental services and infrastructure

Brown and Caldwell, Tetra Tech, TRC Companies, APTIM, Arcadis

Energy and industrial organizations

Companies such as Newmont Corporation, Freeport-McMoRan, Rio Tinto, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Xcel Energy, BP, Phillips 66

Government and public agencies

Organizations such as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State environmental agencies, Municipal water utilities

Research and national laboratories

National Laboratory of the Rockies, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of a graduate degree in Environmental Engineering Science?

A graduate degree in Environmental Engineering Science prepares you to solve complex environmental challenges with advanced technical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills. By building expertise in areas such as water treatment, environmental chemistry, microbiology and remediation, you'll be prepared to take on more technical roles, expand your career opportunities and help organizations protect human health and the environment.

What advances are shaping environmental engineering science today?

Environmental Engineering Science is rapidly evolving as environmental systems become more connected to data science, AI, advanced sensing and climate resilience technologies. Key advances include:

  • Increased use of modeling and data analysis in system design
  • Greater integration of engineering and environmental chemistry
  • Expanded focus on system performance and regulatory compliance
  • Growth in monitoring and assessment technologies
What career opportunities will I have with this graduate degree?

Graduates pursue roles such as environmental engineer, water resources engineer, project engineer, environmental consultant or research engineer. Many continue to doctoral programs.

What industries hire individuals with this degree?

Industries include engineering consulting, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, government agencies and research organizations.

What types of research are common in this program?

Research areas often include water and wastewater treatment, environmental process analysis, system modeling, field-based studies and applied environmental engineering challenges.

Featured Alumni

Meet Jennie Callahan, MS ’19, PhD ’23

After 22 years of service in the U.S. Army, Jennie Callahan pursued environmental engineering at Colorado School of Mines to focus on sustainable infrastructure and community impact. A 2018 Pat Tillman Scholar, her work in anaerobic wastewater treatment reflects the leadership and real-world problem-solving Mines graduates bring to global water and sanitation challenges.