Sample Statement of Purpose for Environmental Engineering

Name : ********

Program Sought: MASTERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Semester Sought: Fall 2012

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

There is a very famous adage, “If you think education is expensive, and then try ignorance”. I could not agree more. I believe research is necessary to acquire data and formulate theories, but it is just as important to know how to apply those theories and use that data in the real world. To be competent and competitive I will require a master’s degree. A master’s degree will give me the up-to-date tools and knowledge that is the need of the hour.

It is after a good deal of self-evaluation that I have decided to pursue graduate studies in environmental engineering leading to a doctorate. This decision followed naturally after carefully considering my academic background, the areas of my interest, and my ultimate professional ambition, which is to pursue a research career, either as a teaching faculty member, or in an R & D department of the industry.

My undergraduate education at [college name], has provided me with a strong and comprehensive background in environmental management. The curriculum included all the basic courses such as Ecology, Environmental science, Air pollution and control, Environmental engineering, Solid waste management and water supply and sewage treatment, Industrial waste management.

I was highly impressed by the environmental management and its vast applications in my undergraduate studies. My special interest in environment and ecology made me to think in a different way and made me visualize pollution and control of different components. Taking this into concern, I made an attempt in the area of “Solid Waste Management”. Finally my paper on “Feasibility Of usage of Poultry Litter as Manure in Agricultural Practices” was published in the prestigious environmental journals. I was the only undergraduate student who submitted a paper to the international environmental journals in the last year. 

I have just completed my Master’s in Environmental Science &Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University. As a part of my Master’s curriculum I had worked on a project which involved the – Design of 11.5 MLD Water Treatment Plant for Kerala Water Authorities In Detail Engineering, in IVRCL Infrastructures and Projects Ltd. 

I am aware that the universities in United States offer a great scope for intellectual and academic development. It is for this reason; I am applying for a Masters degree in Environment at your distinguished university.

I am a person who believes that a particular field of study can only develop when it deals with interdisciplinary subjects. I am very much interested in interlinking life sciences with engineering subjects. I presented five papers in the topmost universities of India in connection with their National and International Seminars. 

A good research career can only be built above the firm foundation of a good education. With my long term goal in mind, my immediate objective is to work towards a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. 

There are two reasons why I believe that graduate study in a reputed department, such as yours, is important for a person aspiring for a research career. Firstly, working for a thesis under the guidance of an expert whose work can serve as a model is the most effective method of transforming a student into a largely independent researcher making significant original contributions. Secondly, the emphasis of graduate study on intensive and independent study of a specialized area is an ideal way of making a student capable of reaching the frontiers of knowledge in a subfield quickly and keeping abreast of the latest developments.

Having done my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at undoubtedly in the best institutions in India, I would consider it my privilege to be able to pursue my doctoral studies at your university and avail of the excellent infrastructural facilities and research opportunities it has to offer. I am sure that the stimulating academic environment and interaction with the distinguished faculty at your university will prove immensely fruitful and facilitate my development as an individual researcher in my field. I am confident that I would be able to make a positive contribution to on-going research work at your university.

I feel that with its comprehensive facilities and competent faculty doing quality research work in the field of Environmental Engineering will be the ideal place for me to pursue graduate studies. The working atmosphere of a vigorously active department will be helpful in motivating me towards excellence.

In short, I believe that a good graduate program is an essential step for realizing my professional ambition of becoming a competent researcher. I also believe that I possess the motivation, intellectual ability and preparation to do justice to a demanding graduate program.

I, therefore, look forward to joining your department as a graduate student.

(NAME)
Please don't copy this Statement of Purpose(SOP) for MS in Environmental Engineering or use it for admissions.