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Environmental engineers are specialized professionals who analyze and create solutions for ecological challenges. Their work focuses on safeguarding nature from human impact, defending communities against environmental threats like floods and illnesses, and rehabilitating ecosystems for both environmental and public health.
Historically, these engineers ensured clean water access, managed waste treatment and disposal, preserved air standards, mitigated water contamination, and cleaned up hazardous sites. Today, they still perform these vital functions while also tracking air, water, and soil quality and innovating new environmental protection methods. The environmental engineering curriculum is designed with a shared foundational core, while offering flexibility for students to customize their studies. The core combines essential coursework with interdisciplinary classes, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving. Students can further expand their knowledge through diverse electives, leveraging Northwestern's expertise across scientific, engineering, and managerial disciplines.
Superior students who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or chemical engineering are eligible for admission to the graduate program without remedial coursework.
Internet-based TOEFL: MS applicants should score 85 or higher.
Computer-based TOEFL: MS applicants should score 213 or higher.
Paper-based TOEFL: MS applicants should score 550 or higher.
The IELTS exam: should score 7 or higher.