SMU Lyle graduate students in the Environmental Engineering master's program get real-world experience.

Graduate programs

Master’s in environmental engineering

At the forefront of energy, water and sustainability.

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Program format

In-person and online

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

Two years

Overview

Our research-driven M.S. in environmental engineering equips students to find innovative solutions for improving the well-being of people and the planet. There is an increasing demand for skilled environmental engineers, and this program answers that call by producing graduates who are ready to lead and innovate. Part of SMU Lyle’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, this environmental engineering graduate degree emphasizes analysis and design of both technological and management-oriented solutions to environmental problems while broadly addressing the fundamental science and regulatory aspects of the field.

With a curriculum designed by expert faculty and experienced industry professionals, students benefit from a program rooted in real-world considerations. Designed with working professionals in mind, students have the opportunity pursue their degree in-person or online. 

Specializations

M.S. environmental engineering + Cox MBA dual degree

Lyle master’s students can pursue their MBA simultaneously at Cox in this two-year program geared toward STEM students and professionals who desire to broaden their skills.

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Envisioning a brighter future? Think grad school at SMU, where you join a lifelong family network and see immediate returns on your educational investment. Take your new big step at SMU.

Student success

Our graduates consistently secure positions in leading companies in the technology and manufacturing sectors as well as agriculture, government and social services. SMU environmental engineering master’s students become leaders across industries finding innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Environmental engineering
  • Environmental consulting
  • Environmental science
  • Water/wastewater engineering
  • Remediation engineering
  • Air quality control
  • Hazardous waste management
  • Regulatory compliance

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

9:1

Graduate student-to-faculty ratio

26%

of Lyle Engineering graduate students are women

Student stories

M.S. environmental engineering graduate Erin Morris

Erin Morris ’23, ’24

“The faculty and fellow students in the environmental engineering department created a welcoming, fun and supportive environment to learn in while exploring different aspects of the field and preparing for the workforce.”

M.S. environmental engineering graduate Kristin Edwards

Kristen Edwards ’24, ’26

“I’ve had more opportunities at SMU Lyle than my friends have had at larger schools. You have the chance to be an individual among the masses. That individual, one-of-a-kind experience helps to build your resume.”

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Find answers to Lyle application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts
  4. English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
  5. A Bachelor of Science in one of the engineering disciplines or in a quantitative science closely related to environmental engineering

All applications are holistically reviewed.

View all requirements

Ready to apply?

Get started here.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

CEE 7331

Air Pollution Management and Engineering

Understand the sources and properties of air pollutants, air quality management and regulations, and the design of air pollution control systems.

CEE 7325

Disaster Management

Covers the fundamentals of disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. Provides analysis of natural, technological and man-made disasters.

CEE 8325

The Sustainable Urban Plan

Explores critical aspects of developing a sustainable urban plan, such as the potentials and limits of government, finance, stakeholders and urban design.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

  • Centers and institutes

    Grow as an engineer with collectives that promote leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.

  • Maria Murad with friends in Jordan

    Internships

    Get practical experience to develop industry skills, build a professional network and gain valuable insights. Internships can open doors to future opportunities and contribute to long-term career success.

  • Clubs and organizations

    Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.

  • SMU students working with plants at Bontham Family Farms

    Community engagement

    Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.

Research

Participate in graduate research opportunities and tackle real-world challenges in cyber security, health care, defense, emergency response, infrastructure and more.

Lyle students and faculty perform research that has global implications, taking advantage of state-of-the-art facilities and funding from government agencies, foundations and private companies. 

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty are industry leaders and subject matter experts, bringing real-world experience and industry insights to the classroom. SMU Lyle maintains small class sizes, allowing students to develop meaningful mentorships with their professors.

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Dr Usama El Shamy

Usama El Shamy, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Department Chair of Civil & Environmental Engineering

davila carlos

Khaled Abdelghany, Ph.D.

Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Headshot of Professor Ali Dogru of SMU Lyle.

Ali H. Dogru, Ph.D.

Herman Brown Chair of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering…
Headshot of Professor Easton John, PH.D. of SMU Lyle.

John Easton, Ph.D.

Assistant Provost for Student Academic Engagement and Success Assistant Athletic…
Headshot of Monika U. Ehrman, faculty member at SMU Dedman School of Law.

Monika U. Ehrman

Professor of Law Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering (by Courtesy)

Halit Uster Headshot

Halit Uster, Ph.D.

Fellow, Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity Professor of Operations Research &…
Headshot of Zhong Lu, a member of the Lyle School of Engineering faculty

Zhong Lu

Shuler-Foscue Chair Professor of Earth Sciences Professor of Civil & Environmental…
Headshot of Nicos Makris, Ph.D of SMU Lyle.

Nicos Makris, Ph.D.

Addy Family Centennial Professor in Civil Engineering Professor of Civil & Environmental …
Barbara Minsker

Barbara E. Minsker, Ph.D, P.E.

Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Professor of Leadership & Global Entrepreneurship Senior Fellow in …
Headshot of Reza Moghimi, Ph.D. of SMU Lyle.

Reza Moghimi, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
A headshot of Andrew Quicksall, a member of the Lyle School of Engineering Faculty

Andrew Quicksall

Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Headshot of Professor Saeed Salehi of SMU lyle.

Saeed Salehi, Ph.D.

Herman Brown Chair of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering…
Janille Smith-Colin headshot

Janille Smith-Colin, Ph.D., P.E.

Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Kate Smits headshot

Kate Smits, Ph.D, P.E.

Solomon Professor for Global Development Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Brett Story headshot

Brett A. Story, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Dr. Zarazaga

Jessie Marshall Zarazaga, Ph.D., RIBA, LeedAP

Clinical Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering Director of…

Facilities

SMU Lyle students have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can conduct research, meet with industry leaders, and gain skills on new and established technologies. 

Lyle Civil Engineering graduate students work with nonprofits, businesses and government to solve challenges.

Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity

A national and international hub partnering with business leaders, academia, NGOs and government to develop solutions for local and global challenges. 

SMU Lyle Engineering students build prototypes in the Deason Innovation Gym, aka The DIG

Deason Innovation Gym

The Deason Innovation Gym (the DIG) provides the tools and space to work on immersion design projects to accelerate learning, innovation and leadership. Get trained on 3D printers, power tools, metal shop machines and more.

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Frequently asked questions

A master’s in environmental engineering can help you land leadership and specialized roles including senior environmental engineer, hydrologist, engineering project manager, wastewater engineer, process engineer, energy engineer and sustainability engineer.

SMU Lyle’s environmental engineering master’s is a flexible program allowing students to tailor their experience to their schedules. The program employs our Lyle Anywhere® flexible learning platform, which gives students the ability to choose in-person, synchronous online, recorded or weekend format classes. Virtual sync sessions offer the chance to gain valuable face time with professors for students pursuing an online environmental engineering degree.

A master’s in environmental engineering can help accelerate your career by providing technical specializations, leadership skills and industry connections. Skilled environmental engineers are in high demand as the world grapples with critical environmental challenges. 

Working students can complete the program within the typical two-year duration. The environmental engineering master’s program at Lyle was designed with working professionals in mind. Students can take advantage of our flexible learning options, including online and weekend classes, to pursue their degree while working full time. 

For a complete breakdown of cost per term for graduate programs, visit the Lyle section of Student Financial Services graduate tuition and fees.  SMU also has financial aid options for graduate students. 

Students go on to become leaders in construction and engineering design, sustainability, environmental protection and resource management, among many other industries.

SMU Lyle’s M.S. in environmental engineering is a hands-on, research-driven program. In state-of-the-art teaching facilities, students conduct research dedicated to environmental processes engineering, hydraulics and hydrology, environmental biotechnology, soil and water chemistry, energy and the environment. This project-based learning model focuses on implementing sustainable solutions in urban and rural environments.

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