Online master’s in environmental and water resources engineering
KU’s online master’s in environmental and water resources engineering prepares engineers to design and manage water systems, infrastructure, and environmental solutions. This flexible, fully online program is built for working professionals seeking an environmental engineering master’s degree without relocating.
About KU’s online master’s in environmental and water resources engineering
KU’s online master’s in environmental and water resources engineering prepares engineers to address complex challenges in water systems, infrastructure, and environmental engineering. Students build advanced technical expertise in areas such as water quality, air quality, stormwater systems, and environmental remediation.
Designed for working professionals, this online environmental engineering master’s degree offers flexible course delivery while maintaining the rigor of KU’s School of Engineering. Students can complete the program through coursework, a research project, or a thesis, depending on their career goals.
The program emphasizes applied learning and industry relevance. Students have opportunities to engage with engineering design and consulting firms—particularly in the Kansas City region—while developing skills in environmental analysis, system modeling, and regulatory compliance.
Environmental and water resources engineering jobs, salary, and career outcomes
Graduates of environmental and water resources engineering programs work at the intersection of infrastructure, sustainability, and public health—designing systems that manage water, protect ecosystems, and support resilient communities.
Graduates pursue roles such as:
Environmental engineer
Water resources engineer
Health and safety engineer
Engineering project manager
Engineering manager or director
Professionals in these roles may:
Lead infrastructure and water systems design projects
Manage environmental compliance and regulatory strategy
Oversee engineering teams and project delivery
Analyze environmental data and model system performance
Support sustainability, resilience, and risk mitigation initiatives
Environmental engineering jobs, salary, and outlook
Demand for environmental and water resources engineers is driven by infrastructure investment, water system modernization, environmental regulation, and sustainability initiatives across industries. These factors continue to support steady job growth, strong hiring demand, and competitive salaries nationwide.
($60.95 / hourly)
*Source: Lightcast. Information shown is national aggregate data and is not specific to the KU program. KU students are not guaranteed to achieve these positions or income levels.
Why choose KU for an online master’s in environmental and water resources engineering
KU’s online master’s in environmental and water resources engineering combines research excellence, applied learning, and flexibility for working professionals.
A top-tier research university
The University of Kansas is an AAU member and Carnegie R1 institution, placing it among the nation’s leading research universities. Your degree reflects the same academic rigor and faculty expertise as KU’s on-campus programs.
Designed for working engineers
Complete your degree fully online with flexible course options that allow you to balance graduate study with your career. The 30-credit-hour program can be completed in as little as 1–2 years full-time or 2–4 years part-time, with options for coursework, a thesis, or a research project.
Applied, industry-relevant curriculum
Coursework focuses on real-world environmental challenges, including:
- Water and air quality
- Stormwater systems
- Solid and hazardous waste
- Wetlands and environmental systems
Connections to industry and practice
KU’s location and partnerships provide opportunities to engage with engineering design and consulting firms, particularly in the Kansas City region, helping you build relevant, career-ready experience.
Learn more about this online program
Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.
How flexible is online learning at KU?
KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind and offer the flexibility to study wherever is most convenient for you. Our online courses are taught by the same highly regarded faculty and expert instructors and consist of the same rigorous curriculum and instruction as our on-campus programs.
Program Details
Costs
Admissions
FAQ: online master’s in environmental engineering
The priority deadline is Dec. 1 for fall and summer admission and Sept. 1 for spring admission. Applications received past the priority deadline are considered on the basis of rolling review, until two business days before the start of classes.
Students typically complete this degree in one to five years, depending on the number of courses taken per semester.
Yes, the online master’s is offered fully remote.