A PhD in Environmental Engineering is a doctoral-level research program focused on developing advanced scientific and engineering solutions to environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, water scarcity, and sustainable resource management. The program emphasizes original research in areas including water and wastewater treatment technologies, air quality modeling and control, solid and hazardous waste management, environmental systems modeling, soil and groundwater remediation, climate resilience, renewable energy integration, and sustainable urban infrastructure. Candidates conduct in-depth research using experimental studies, field investigations, computational modeling, and environmental data analysis to develop innovative methods for protecting ecosystems and improving human health. The program typically involves advanced coursework in the initial phase, followed by several years of independent research and a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. Graduates pursue careers in academia, environmental research institutions, government agencies, international organizations, and senior technical roles in sustainability, environmental consulting, and infrastructure development sectors.
NOTE: The university may have additional program-specific eligibility requirements. It is recommended to verify these on the official university website.
Extra Notes
1. Basic Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Both parents are non-Korean nationals, and the applicant holds foreign nationality.
A Korean national residing abroad or a foreign national who has completed their entire education abroad, where the education system is equivalent to Korea’s 12-year primary and secondary education and university curriculum.
2. Academic Qualifications
Master’s Program Applicants: Must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification recognized as higher education.
Doctoral Program Applicants: Must hold a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification recognized as higher education.
※ Applicants who are expected to graduate by August 28, 2026, may also apply. Those who have not yet graduated at the time of application must submit a Certificate of Expected Graduation. The official degree certificate (or diploma) and final academic transcript must be submitted no later than August 28, 2026.
3. Language Requirement
(Must meet at least one of the following criteria)
Test
Eligibility Criteria
TOEFL iBT
68
TOEIC
600
NEW TEPS
279
IELTS
5.5
TOPIK
Level 3
Applicants from English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland) are exempt from this requirement.
Language proficiency test scores must be valid as of the application deadline.
Applicants who receive a recommendation (Language Requirement Exemption) from their prospective supervisor at KMOU may apply without submitting a language proficiency test score.