Program Overview

Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering prepares professionals to develop practical solutions to complex environmental and sustainability challenges across industries and infrastructure systems. Students build advanced expertise in life cycle assessment (LCA), systems analysis and the application of sustainability principles through interdisciplinary engineering coursework. 

As organizations continue to face material and energy constraints, the demand for professionals with expertise in sustainable engineering continues to grow. Through an industry-focused curriculum spanning multiple engineering disciplines, students gain experience in areas including regulation and compliance, hydrology, automation, manufacturing and industrial economics. 

This fully online graduate program leverages the expertise and research excellence of Purdue’s world-renowned College of Engineering faculty. 

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply interdisciplinary engineering principles and methodologies to analyze, design and implement innovative, sustainable solutions to complex engineering challenges
  • Communicate concepts effectively to both the technical and nontechnical audiences
  • Integrate sustainability principles into engineering analysis, design and decision-making while accounting for long-term environmental and societal impacts
  • Recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and the role engineers play in protecting natural and social systems

Curriculum

The Sustainable Engineering major equips graduates with advanced expertise in life cycle assessment (LCA), systems analysis and sustainability-drive engineering practices. Students gain interdisciplinary experience in areas including hydrology, automation, manufacturing and industrial economics while developing practical strategies to address evolving sustainability challenges.

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$71,600

average salary

Lightcast, 2025

5.4% growth

in annual openings 2023-2027

Lightcast, 2025

89,235

job openings in 2023

Lightcast, 2025

Career Outlook

The master's in sustainable engineering prepares graduates for roles like**:

  • Engineering Manager
  • Environmental Project Manager
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Building Operations Manager

Admissions Requirements

Criteria for Admissions

  • Minimum GPA of a 3.0
  • Math Background: No math is required. Calculus I, Calculus II and either Linear Algebra or Differential Equations is recommended.
  • Engineering Background: Preferred undergraduate degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Technology

Application Requirements

  • Transcripts from all universities attended
  • 3 recommenders
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • A professional resume
  • Math prerequisite checklist, if applicable
  • Full admissions requirements

Application Deadlines

  • For Fall Start:
    August 1
  • For Spring Start:
    December 1
  • For Summer Start:
    May 1

Tuition*

  • Resident of Indiana: $1,139 per credit hour
  • Nonresident of Indiana: $1,459 per credit hour
  • Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of financial aid: US
    • federal financial aid, Military, veterans, and military-connected students

*The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs. **Lightcast, 2025.

Explore All Online Sustainability Engineering Degrees

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Contact Us

You are not alone in taking your next giant leap. Connect with a Purdue University online enrollment counselor to get your questions answered, receive personalized application support and start planning your degree journey with confidence. Simply fill out this form to request more information and receive additional program materials. 

It’s your first step toward becoming a Purdue Boilermaker, joining a community of innovators, leaders and changemakers committed to making giant leaps that shape industries, advance ideas and move the world forward.