Environmental Science and Engineering

Students in Environmental Science and Engineering study the fundamental processes underlying environmental systems and explore the nexus between scientific knowledge, regulatory frameworks, and engineering solutions for some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems. This program is structured around the view that the environmental system is comprised of a complex set of chemical, physical, and biological processes, made even more complicated by the various activities of human society. Throughout their coursework, students learn to understand complex environmental problems in an integrated fashion through a range of approaches from theory and modeling to experiments and observations. As part of the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), students in ESE are encouraged to participate in experiential learning and state-of-the-art research with faculty. ESE is uniquely positioned to serve as a point of convergence for science and engineering, and exemplifies the pursuit of a technical liberal arts degree. Students interested in ESE may also pursue the Engineering Sciences SB concentration with a specialization in environmental science and engineering through the ESE Track. Students are also eligible to apply for an A.B./S.M. degree program.

Students interested in Environmental Science and Engineering may pursue the Engineering Sciences SB concentration with a specialization in ESE through the Environmental Sciences and Engineering Track. Students in Environmental Science and Engineering study the fundamental processes underlying environmental systems and explore the nexus between scientific knowledge, regulatory frameworks, and engineering solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental problems. This program is structured around the view that the environmental system is comprised of a complex set of chemical, physical, and biological processes, made even more complicated by the various activities of human society. Students learn to understand complex environmental problems through a range of approaches from theory and modeling to experiments and observations and are encouraged to participate in experiential learning and state-of-the-art research with faculty.

Confronting the ways that human activities are affecting our planet is a fundamental challenge for society. Environmental Science and Engineering is focused on this challenge. The program features highly accomplished faculty, state-of-the art laboratories, instrumentation and computation facilities, and a friendly, collaborative culture to support the education and training of graduate students. Whether you are engaged in laboratory work, field observations, developing new instrumentation, theoretical studies, or modeling, you will find people in ESE who share your research interests and can further your intellectual development.