The committee chair has to be a civil and environmental engineering faculty member or an Institute of Northern Engineering research faculty. At least one committee member must be civil and environmental engineering faculty to oversee the student's academic program.

Career opportunities for graduates include hydrology, water supply, treatment and distribution, waste treatment, water and air pollution, solid waste disposal, hazardous and toxic waste management, pollution prevention, environmental impact evaluation, administration of environmental programs and regulatory compliance. Graduates are prepared to hold positions in government, industry, consulting or academia.