College of Engineering Launches Master’s Degree Program in Sustainable Engineering

As investment in sustainable business and industry practices grows, so does the demand for engineers who can navigate this changing landscape. To better position students for success in this growing job market, Villanova University’s College of Engineering has launched a unique national master’s of science degree program in Sustainable Engineering.

“Today, engineers must be able to deliver solutions that balance high performance and low environmental impact. We are thrilled to be among the first universities in the country to offer a full graduate degree in Sustainable Engineering,” says Dr. Gary Gabriele, Drosdick Endowed Dean of the College of Engineering, which is ranked among the top 10 “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” according to U.S. News & World Report.

Through this multidisciplinary degree program, students establish a foundation of sustainability in engineering design and practice, policy, economics, societal implications, and ethics. From there, they choose a specialized track of study, such as alternative and renewable energy technology, watershed sustainability, environmental sustainability, or sustainable infrastructure and built environment. The program also aligns with the University’s goal of promoting ecological literacy and environmentally sound practices among its students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

“In developing the requirements for this degree, we focused on providing flexibility for students, especially those who are currently working engineers,” says Dr. Alfonso Ortega, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research. Students, including those without an engineering background, may attend full-time or part-time, choose to incorporate a thesis option, pursue a full degree or a graduate certificate, and take classes online or on campus.

This flexibility also benefits employers. “As concepts of sustainability evolve for different industries, we encourage companies to send their employees to the courses that make the most sense for their businesses, even if employees are not enrolled for the full degree,” says Dr. Randy Weinstein, Chair of the College’s Chemical Engineering Department and director of the new degree program.

With the inaugural semester underway, students are already seeing the value a master’s of science in Sustainable Engineering promises. "Sustainable engineering is not just about engineering; it is about politics, social responsibility, ethics, and faith. After completing my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at Villanova, I stayed to pursue the new MS in Sustainable Engineering because Villanova nurtures interdisciplinary connections that are crucial for sustainability," says Justin Yeash, current student.

For more information about Villanova’s master’s of science degree in Sustainable Engineering, please visit www.VUEngineering.com