{"id":11516,"date":"2026-07-01T15:09:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T15:09:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/?p=11516"},"modified":"2026-07-01T18:00:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T18:00:36","slug":"engineering-a-more-resilient-tomorrow-college-of-engineering-introduces-new-sustainability-engineering-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/engineering-a-more-resilient-tomorrow-college-of-engineering-introduces-new-sustainability-engineering-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"Engineering a more resilient tomorrow: College of Engineering introduces new sustainability engineering degree"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the demand for more sustainable practices grows, Purdue University\u2019s College of Engineering<\/a> is introducing a new online sustainability engineering master\u2019s degree with two majors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The majors, Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering<\/a> and Master of Science in Sustainable Building Design and Operation<\/a>, are focused on designing, analyzing and managing systems to help industries increase profitability while decreasing negative environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis recognizes that sustainability is no longer a niche specialization \u2014 it is a core engineering competency,\u201d said Fehsenfeld Family Head of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering John W. Sutherland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of the Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering program, students will explore topics like life cycle assessment, recycling and remanufacturing, and how to create and implement sustainable solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those majoring in Master of Science in Sustainable Building Design and Operation will learn how to design energy-efficient buildings and systems, optimize the performance of smart buildings and enhance indoor building quality.<\/p>\n\n\n

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By grounding students in life cycle assessment, systems thinking and real-world applications, we are preparing graduates to make informed, data-driven decisions that reduce environmental impact while delivering value for industry and society.<\/p>\n\n <\/blockquote>\n

john w. sutherland<\/p>\n

Fehsenfeld Family Head of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

According to Sutherland, the program prepares \u201cprofessionals to tackle engineering challenges while remaining cognizant of sustainability considerations, including the long-term viability of the environment, economy and society.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both majors are designed to allow students to customize their academic journey to fit their professional goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cA strength of this offering is that it leverages multiple engineering disciplines and departments across Purdue Engineering in its design and implementation,\u201d said John Howarter (pictured left), associate professor of materials engineering\/sustainability engineering and environmental engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt positions the program to uniquely address important needs that our industry partners have identified. The curriculum, format and goals of the degree prepare our students to do just those things.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) calls sustainability one of the \u201cfour realms of human concern.\u201d In a 2023 NAE article, authors Michael Lepech and James Leckie said engineers are uniquely positioned to address sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen viewed through the triple lens of relevancy, measurement, and differentiation, engineering disciplines present a unique value proposition in addressing the global sustainability challenge,\u201d Lepech and Leckie said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEngineers are potentially highly relevant to overcoming this challenge by inventing and creating new technological solutions that meet societal needs in less impactful ways. Further, engineers are relevant to the sustainability challenge by creating new, less impactful goods and services that empower consumers to meet their needs in more sustainable ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The median wage for environmental engineers was $104,170 in 2024, with about 3,000 openings expected over the next eight years, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics\u2019 Occupational Outlook Handbook.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Graduate education should empower professionals to address the challenges that matter most to society,\u201d said Tamara Kinzer-Ursem (pictured left), associate dean for graduate and professional education in Purdue\u2019s College of Engineering.

\u201cThe launch of these sustainability-focused programs reflects Purdue Engineering’s commitment to providing flexible, high-quality educational opportunities that respond to emerging industry needs. Whether students are seeking to advance their careers or broaden their expertise, these programs will help them develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to make a meaningful impact.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Learn more about the Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering and the Master of Science in Sustainable Building Design and Operation by visiting the program’s website.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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