Master�s Degree (Thesis Option)

A minimum of 24 semester hours (of which 18 must be in the student�s major area), exclusive of thesis and research, with an average of at least �B� in courses approved for graduate credit, is required.  The student is also required to register for six (6) semester hours of research and thesis work.  Upon completing thesis work, each student must successfully pass a final oral examination on the thesis.  The minimum number of hours required for the degree is 30. 

Master�s Degree (Non-Thesis Option) 

Students selecting this option are required to take a minimum of 30 semester hours of approved courses and maintain a �B� average.  Upon successful completion of course work, each student is required to pass a comprehensive examination in his area of specialization.  The non-thesis option is generally not available to students who receive financial support from research grants or from the university. 

In addition to the above requirements each student is required to: 

• Obtain approval from his/her advisor for the courses to be included in the program of study no later than the start of the second semester in residence.  Failure to obtain prior approval may result in a course not counting toward degree requirements.

• Participate in the graduate seminar course for two semesters.

No foreign language is required, however students who are research oriented or intend to pursue further study are encouraged to take a foreign language pertinent to their field of study. 

Other Degree Options 

In addition to the traditional MS degree, students can obtain a MS degree through an Internet-based curriculum based on distance learning.  This option is ideal for students who work full time or are not in the immediate vicinity of Howard University.  This option will be especially suitable for employees of government agencies (EPA, DOE, etc) who may take web-based courses.   

Description of the Unique Attraction of the Program 

A typical course of study in environmental engineering would be as follows:

Undergraduate Courses

Graduate Core Courses

Electives