CEES has a longstanding tradition of excellence in graduate education in the environmental field and offers degrees at both the master’s and doctoral levels including:
Both thesis and coursework only options are available for all master’s degree programs. The coursework only option requires completion of 32 semester credit hours, and the thesis option requires completion of 30 semester credit hours including five hours devoted to thesis research and one hour to a course on technical communications. The thesis option also requires a final defense.
Entrance Requirements
MSCE Program: Admission to the MSCE program in Water Resources Engineering requires an undergraduate degree in a related engineering or science discipline and completion of the following courses:
Courses not completed prior to admission will be assigned as deficiency courses (see below). Because of diverse student backgrounds, either PHYS 2514 and 2524 or PHYS 2414 and 2424, or equivalent, can be used to satisfy the MSCE admission requirements for physics. If an applicant has not completed the equivalent of either of these two-semester physics sequences, then PHYS 2514 and 2524 will be assigned as *deficiency courses (see below).
Entrance Requirements
MSEE Program: Admission to the MS Environmental Engineering program requires an undergraduate degree in a related engineering or science discipline and completion of the following courses:
Courses not completed prior to admission will be assigned as deficiency courses (see below). If an applicant has not completed the equivalent of either of the two-semester physics sequences, then PHYS 2514 and 2524 will be assigned as *deficiency courses (see below).
Entrance Requirements
MSCE Program: Admission to the MSCE program in Water Resources Engineering requires an undergraduate degree in a related engineering or science discipline and completion of the following courses:
Courses not completed prior to admission will be assigned as deficiency courses (see below). Because of diverse student backgrounds, either PHYS 2514 and 2524 or PHYS 2414 and 2424, or equivalent, can be used to satisfy the MSCE admission requirements for physics. If an applicant has not completed the equivalent of either of these two-semester physics sequences, then PHYS 2514 and 2524 will be assigned as *deficiency courses (see below).
*Deficiency Courses:
Students who have completed some, but not all, of the entrance requirements for the MES, MS Env. Engr., or MSCE degree programs may be conditionally admitted, with the condition that they successfully complete certain deficiency courses at the beginning of their degree program. Deficiency courses are required in addition to stated program course requirements (Tables 1-3) and do not count toward the master’s degree.
Before applying to any master’s degree program, prospective students should carefully review the entrance requirements to determine the number of deficiency courses that would be required and to determine which degree program is best for them. If conditionally admitted, it is the responsibility of each student to consult with his or her advisor to determine if he or she has the prerequisite knowledge prior to enrolling in deficiency courses.
A letter grade of “B” or better is required for all deficiency courses. Please note that completion of these deficiencies will not necessarily qualify students to pursue licensure following completion of the master’s degree. Students should consult with the appropriate state board of licensure for current requirements.
Entrance Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) CEES offers doctoral degrees in environmental science, environmental engineering, and civil engineering. A master’s degree in a related discipline is typically required for admission to all CEES PhD degree programs, although students who have outstanding academic credentials and a documented record of research experience at the undergraduate level may occasionally be admitted to the doctoral program without a master’s degree.
Admission to the doctoral program in environmental engineering or civil engineering also requires at least one degree in engineering, or completion of the entrance requirements forthe MS Env. Engr. or MSCE degree program. For applicants to the PhD program in environmental engineering who do not have at least one degree in engineering, Open Channel Flow (CEES 4123G or equivalent) can be substituted for Water Resources Engineering (CEES 3213 or equivalent) as an entrance requirement.
In addition to coursework, the doctoral program is tailored to the specific interests of the student and requires completion of research that expands their professional knowledge in the fundamental concepts of environmental science, environmental engineering, or civil engineering.
The student is expected to produce a research dissertation that describes significant new findings in their field, and that is sufficient in scope to form the basis of two or more papers published in refereed journals.
The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 48 hours of post-bachelor’s coursework, a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 41 hours of dissertation research, and Technical Communications, all totaling at least 90 post bachelor’s hours. Twenty-four hours of CEES courses or equivalent and at least 6 hours of courses outside CEES are required. The coursework required for the doctoral program is determined by each student with the approval of their advisor and a faculty committee and is based on the student’s educational background and chosen research program.
Enrollment as a graduate student in CEES requires:
No more than 9 hours of eligible graduate coursework may be transferred from another institution for the master’s degree. No more than 30 hours of eligible graduate coursework, including a maximum of 5 hours of master’s thesis research, may be transferred from another institution for the doctoral degree.
The University of Oklahoma provides research and teaching assistantships to qualified graduate students. These assistantships include a stipend, tuition wavier, and health benefits. Students with assistantships can enroll for a maximum of 9 credit hours per semester and are not subjected to tuition fees.
OU fellowships may be available for highly qualified students pursuing a doctoral degree. CEES also has fellowships funded by the Grand River Dam Authority for students working on projects within the Grand Lake Watershed.
All applicants are considered for funding during admission review, and you may hear back from a faculty member once they begin to review applications. You may also contact a faculty member in your area of interest to see if financial assistance is available.
Research assistants typically write their thesis or dissertation on the subject for which financial support is received.
Teaching assistants typically supervise laboratory sections, hold office hours, and grade assignments. Instructor positions are occasionally available for doctoral students, particularly those interested in an academic career.
Graduate students whose native language is not English must first pass an English proficiency exam before being appointed as a teaching assistant or instructor with student contact.
Master’s students receiving financial assistance are almost always those who pursue the thesis option. Because students with assistantships typically spend 10-20 hours per week on their teaching or research responsibilities, such students may take up to an additional year to complete their master’s degree.
Created by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a doctoral degreegranting research university serving the educational, cultural, economic, and healthcare needs of the state, region, and nation. The Norman campus serves as home to all the university’s academic programs except health-related fields. The OU Health Sciences Center, which is in Oklahoma City, is one of only four comprehensive academic health centers in the nation with seven professional colleges.
Both the Norman and Health Sciences Center colleges offer programs at the Schusterman Center, the site of OU-Tulsa. OU enrolls approximately 30,000 students, has nearly 3,000 faculty members and has 20 colleges offering 152 majors at the baccalaureate level, 160 majors at the master’s level, 75 majors at the doctoral level, and 20 majors at the professional level. The university’s annual operating budget is approximately $2.4 billion and is an equal opportunity institution.
Norman, Oklahoma is a community of about 124,000 located 18 miles south of Oklahoma City and 190 miles north of Dallas. A variety of recreational, cultural, and social activities are available in Norman and surrounding areas. Lake Thunderbird, 10 miles east of Norman, provides an excellent setting for numerous water activities.
Norman was recognized as one of the most progressive cities in the state and the Norman Public School system has been acknowledged as one of the top school systems in Oklahoma. Oklahoma City, with a metropolitan population of approximately 1.4 million, is the state’s capital and largest city, and boasts a minor league ballpark and a canal that flows beside choice restaurants, shops, and quaint cafes in the historic Bricktown entertainment district. In the downtown Oklahoma City area, you'll also find the Myriad Botanical Gardens, the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
There's never a shortage of fun in the metro. With more than 50 attractions, you can catch a movie in the OmniDome large-format theater at the Science Museum Oklahoma (formerly called the Omniplex) or tour one of the nation's top zoos right next door. Don't miss a stroll through the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, where galleries are full of priceless Western art and treasures.
To apply:
| 1. MES Thesis Option Core Courses - select three of the following: | Subject | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CEES 5114 | Aquatic Chemistry | 4 |
| CEES 5324 | Environmental Biology and Ecology | 4 |
| CEES 5843 | Hydrology | 3 |
| CEES 5853 | Groundwater & Seepage | 3 |
| Total | 10-11 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| *Choose from list of MES electives | Total | 13-14 |
*one 3000G course outside CEES may be used toward the degree; (ii) no more than 9 credits of 4000G courses from CEES, including required core courses, may count toward the master’s degree; (iii) no more than 12 credits of 4000G courses from all departments, including CEES, may count toward the master’s degree; and (iv) no more than 9 hours from departments outside CEES may count toward the master’s degree. CEES limits the number of S/U to 5 credits excluding 5980. Complete list of electives are maintained by the University: https://ou-public.courseleaf.com/gallogly-engineering/civil-engineering-environmental-science/environmental-science-master-environmental-science/
| I. Env Engr Thesis Option Core Courses (required) | Subject | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CEES 5114 | Aquatic Chemistry | 4 |
| CEES 5243 | Physical-Chemical Water Treatment | 3 |
| CEES 5233 | Biological Waste Treatment Design | 3 |
| Total | 10 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| *Choose from list of MS Env. Engr. and MSCE electives | Total | 13-14 |
| II. Env Engr Thesis Option Core Courses (required) | Subject | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CEES 5114 | Aquatic Chemistry | 4 |
| CEES 5243 | Physical-Chemical Water Treatment | 3 |
| CEES 5233 | Biological Waste Treatment Design | 3 |
| Total | 10 | |
| Elective Courses | Total | 20 |
| *Choose from list of MS Env. Engr. and MSCE electives | Total | 30 minimum |
*one 3000G course outside CEES may be used toward the degree; (ii) no more than 9 credits of 4000G courses from CEES, including required core courses, may count toward the master’s degree; (iii) no more than 12 credits of 4000G courses from all departments, including CEES, may count toward the master’s degree; and (iv) no more than 9 hours from departments outside CEES may count toward the master’s degree. CEES limits the number of S/U to 5 credits excluding 5980. Complete list of electives are maintained by the University: https://ou-public.courseleaf.com/gallogly-engineering/civil-engineering-environmental-science/environmental-engineering-master-science/course-list/
I. MSCE Thesis Option—Water Resources Engineering Program Area Core Courses (required) | Subject | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CEES 5843 | Hydrology | 3 |
| CEES 5853 | Groundwater & Seepage | 3 |
| CEES G4123 | Open Channel Flow | 3 |
| Total | 9 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| *Choose from list of MS Env. Engr. and MSCE electives | Total | 15 |
| Writing and Research | ||
| CEES 5021 | Technical Communications | 1 |
| CEES 5980 | Research for Master’s Thesis | 5 |
| Total | 30 minimum |
| II. MSCE Coursework Only Option—Water Resources Engineering Program Area | Subject | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CEES 5843 | Hydrology | 3 |
| CEES 5853 | Groundwater & Seepage | 3 |
| CEES G4123 | Open Channel Flow | 3 |
| Total | 9 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| *Choose from list of MS Env. Engr. and MSCE electives | Total | 30 minimum |
*1 (i) one 3000G course outside CEES may be used toward the degree; (ii) no more than 9 credits of 4000G courses from CEES, including required core courses, may count toward the master’s degree; (iii) no more than 12 credits of 4000G courses from all departments, including CEES, may count toward the master’s degree; and (iv) no more than 9 hours from departments outside CEES may count toward the master’s degree. CEES limits the number of S/U to 5 credits excluding 5980. Complete list of electives are maintained by the University: https://ou-public.courseleaf.com/gallogly-engineering/civil-engineering-environmental-science/civil-engineering-bachelor-science-civil-engineering-master-science/
