Waste Management Master's Degree Programs

<h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInEarthResourcesEngineeringSustainableWasteManagementConcentration">Master of Science in Earth Resources Engineering, Sustainable Waste Management Concentration</h3> <p>A graduate degree in earth resources engineering with a waste management concentration equips students for an engineering career in energy development companies, environmental organizations, consultancy firms, and government agencies. In this program, students will examine various waste management strategies such as recycling, composting, landfilling, and waste-to-energy facilities. It usually takes three semesters to complete on a full-time basis. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in engineering or science to qualify for the program. Application requirements include official transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and an interview in some cases. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInCivilEngineeringWaterAndWasteManagement">Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Water and Waste Management</h3> <p>A master's program in civil engineering with a water and waste management track focuses on designs for sustainable infrastructures, construction oversight, and social norms and regulations that impact engineering decisions. Completion of this program prepares graduates for employment in the infrastructure industry as specialists in sustainable engineering and construction principles. The coursework, which takes about 1.5 to 2 years to complete, usually includes courses in pressurized hydraulic systems design, water resources and coastal engineering, sustainable infrastructure systems, groundwater management, geohydrology, water and air quality management, and waste treatment and disposal. Prospective students should have a baccalaureate degree in civil engineering, although other majors such as aerospace and mechanical engineering are also acceptable prerequisites. Applicants must also complete a course on fluid mechanics and must have competitive GRE scores to qualify for the program. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInEnvironmentalSafetyAndHealthManagement">Master of Science in Environmental, Safety and Health Management</h3> <p>A graduate program in environmental, safety and health management tackles concepts in occupational health, environmental policy, and business management. It usually leads to careers as environmental health specialists, industrial hygienists, and safety engineers. Students can expect to take courses in epidemiology, industrial hygiene, public policy, disaster mitigation, industrial and hazardous waste management, pollution prevention and control, and toxicology, among others. The program usually takes 2-3 years to finish and requires an undergraduate degree as well as prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. Applicants must also have a demonstrated knowledge of statistics, math, and US environmental laws. Some schools require prerequisite credits in occupational health and safety along with a minimum undergraduate GPA. Graduation from this program qualifies candidates to take the credential exam for environmental health specialists and sanitarians. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInEnvironmentalManagement">Master of Science in Environmental Management</h3> <p>A master's degree in environmental management, typically a two-year program, focuses on utilizing interdisciplinary theories, management strategies, and key technologies to address environmental issues. The program prepares students to work in government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations as ecologists, environmental scientists, researchers, sustainability planners, and environmental risk consultants. The coursework usually tackles environmental law and policy, environmental risk assessment, hazardous waste management, toxicology, soils and groundwater contamination, water and wastewater treatment technologies, air quality and land use management, and community development. Prospective students with a bachelor's degree in any major can apply, but some schools require credits in biology, chemistry, or other related science courses. Other common application requirements include transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae, and, for some schools, a minimum GPA from the undergraduate program. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Degree Program </th><th>Program Length </th><th>Program Requirements </th><th>Related Careers</th></tr> <tr><td>Master of Science in Earth Resources Engineering, Sustainable Waste Management Concentration </td><td>3 semesters </td><td>*B.S. degree in engineering or science </td><td>*Environmental engineer<br /> *Renewable energy engineer</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Water and Waste Management </td><td>1.5 to 2 years </td><td>*Undergraduate degree in civil, aerospace, or mechanical engineering </td><td>*Civil engineer<br /> *Water resource engineer</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Science in Environmental, Safety and Health Management </td><td>2-3 years </td><td>*Undergraduate degree </td><td>*Industrial hygienist<br /> *Environmental health specialist</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Science in Environmental Management </td><td>2 years </td><td>*Undergraduate degree </td><td>*Environmental scientist<br /> *Hazardous materials specialist</td></tr> </table><p>A waste management track in various graduate programs offers specialized training in waste and energy reduction, efficient resource management, and sustainable methods in infrastructure systems. These programs equip students to work on environmental initiatives and waste management issues in their respective industries.</p>