New Degree Prepares Students to Tackle Environmental Challenges

Water contamination, air pollution and waste management are just some of the environmental challenges at the forefront of public consciousness in today’s world. An engineering degree offers the problem-solving and technical skills to help tackle these challenges.  

A new degree offered by the University of Arizona Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering offers an even more specialized form of preparation for such endeavors. The non-thesis Master of Engineering (ME) in Environmental Engineering degree was designed to prepare graduate students for professional careers or further graduate studies.

“This one-year program emphasizes process design, rather than research,” said Reyes Sierra-Alvarez professor of chemical and environmental engineering. “The program provides essential training not only in engineering, but also in business management.”

By taking courses in engineering, applied mathematics and entrepreneurship, students can poise themselves for careers in the broad field of environmental engineering. Possibilities range from managing environmental restoration projects and overseeing wastewater treatment plants to conducting research at national laboratories and acting as an environmental engineering consultant.

Environmental engineering ME students will be part of the same department as faculty members who are leading NASA-funded missions to research the impact of aerosols on the environment, building solar-powered water purification systems for Indigenous nations, and improving the sustainability of the mining industry.

"Environmental engineering is an area in which you can really see your work have a direct benefit,” said Sierra-Alvarez, who is currently developing methods to remove toxic contaminants from water. “It's meaningful."