Academics

Develop world-class expertise to tackle global-scale problems. Working alongside faculty mentors, you’ll help develop novel technologies with real-world impact. You’ll build a broad understanding of the field and in-depth knowledge in areas of specialization. In programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels you’ll prepare to apply your training and address challenges related to climate change, sustainable industry, renewable energy, and the scaled systems modern societies rely upon.

At a Glance

7:1

Student to faculty ratio

Small class sizes mean you’ll work closely with faculty and foster strong connections in preparation for your future.

Meet the faculty

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MS specializations

Focus your studies and research on Water Resources and Climate Risks, Sustainable Energy, or Sustainable Mining and Materials. Or, design your own specialization to match your career aspirations.

Learn more about our specializations

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Undergraduate degree options

Choose from our broader BS program in Earth and Environmental Engineering or specialize your studies with our BS in Mining Engineering. If you have diverse interests, you also have the option to undertake our Combined Program and earn both an Engineering BS from Columbia and a BA in Liberal Arts from your primary institution.

Learn more about our undergraduate programs

Programs

A satellite view of a river carving through the surrounding landsacpe

BS in Earth and Environmental Engineering

Prepare for a future of impact with rigorous interdisciplinary training, hands-on lab work, collaborative projects, and inspiring faculty mentors.

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Sun rays shining over a foggy forrest

MS in Earth and Environmental Engineering

Get equipped to lead in environmental management and sustainable engineering. Choose from three concentrations to match your career goals.

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A birds-eye view of turquoise blue coastal waters

MS in Carbon Management

Learn the mechanisms and technologies needed to effectively and safely balance carbon management and sustainable resource production.

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A close-up satellite view of Earth

Doctoral Program

Contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world impact as you develop your expertise for advanced roles in research and industry.

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Open pit mine, extractive industry for coal. The sunsets over an cloudy orange sky in the distance.

BS in Mining Engineering

Play a vital role in powering the modern world with this pioneering undergraduate program.

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Research

A professor and two lab coat-wearing researchers standing at a table-top machine

Research Areas

From sustainable energy systems and water resource management to carbon capture and global hydrology, our faculty specialize in a wide range of areas within earth and environmental engineering.

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Student Research Opportunities

As a student, you’ll have numerous opportunities to participate in our interdisciplinary research programs associated with our affiliated research centers.

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Daniel Steingart

Stanley-Thompson Professor of Chemical Metallurgy; Professor of Chemical Engineering; Chair, Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering

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Shaina Kelly

Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Engineering

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Kartik Chandran

Professor of Earth and Environmental Engineering