UNU-CCNY Joint Master’s Program in Earth System Science and Environmental Engineering
Offered at The City College of New York in collaboration with United Nations University – Institute for Water, Environment and Health
Program Overview
The Joint Master’s Program in Earth System Science and Environmental Engineering (ESEE) is a unique graduate degree offered collaboratively by the City College of New York (CCNY) and United Nations University – Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU – INWEH). This interdisciplinary program addresses today’s most urgent global challenges related to water security, environmental degradation, and sustainable development.
The program provides students with the skills to integrate environmental engineering solutions with earth system science approaches, while equipping them to become impactful professionals in global environmental policy and governance.
Why Choose the Joint MS Program?
- UN-University Collaboration: A joint degree from a leading U.S. engineering institution (CCNY) and a UN University Institute (UNU-INWEH) committed to solving global water, environmental and health challenges.
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Integrates natural sciences, engineering, and policy to address complex, interconnected environmental systems. Empowering students to apply geospatial methods in areas such as disaster resilience, climate adaptation and sustainable development.
- Focus on Global Development and Sustainability: Offering students the opportunity to engage with real-world problems related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to interact with UN and international experts, fostering a sense of global connection and community.
Program Structure:
- Program Components: The Joint MS Program includes three core courses (9 credits), one non-STEM course (3 credits), two distribution courses (6 credits), three concentration courses (9 credits), and one final research project co-supervised by UN or UNU-affiliated experts (3 credits). Detailed list of courses offered in the program.
- Degree Awarded: Master’s Degree in Earth System Sciences and Environmental Engineering from City College of New York and a Master Diploma from the United Nations University – Institute for Water, Environment and Health
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for the Joint MS program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be admitted to the ESEE program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
Application Timeline
- Open application: ESEE students can apply throughout the year
- Program Start: August 2025 (Fall Semester)
Career Pathways
Graduates will be prepared for careers in:
- UN agencies and international NGOs
- Environmental engineering and consulting firms
- Water resource management and planning authorities
- Public health and environmental policy organizations
- Doctoral studies and academic research
How to Apply
Visit our program application page to get started:
📨 For more information, contact us at: unu-hub@ccny.cuny.edu
