Carbon Removal Degree Path

[Terraforma]

Apologies if this is not allowed, but this seems like a better forum for this question than the students section, since I am seeking advice from those with experience in the field. I am about to finish a degree in Industrial Engineering Technology this coming summer, and am currently exploring masters programs that can help me delve into the carbon removal space. I am currently employed as a quality control technician at an aggregates quarry, and so have a lot of interest in enhanced rock weathering in particular.

The masters programs I am considering are as follows:

Masters of Business and Science in Sustainability - https://mbs.rutgers.edu/academic-programs/sustainability
- Course work in business management, combined with environmental engineering and policy
- Flexibility in course selections, allowing me to tailor my education to my interests
- May not be as readily accepted as an engineering credential compared to other degree options, except in management/entrepreneurial roles

Masters of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering - https://cee.rutgers.edu/master-science
- Course work in environmental engineering, all very relevant to carbon removal
- Most accepted and relevant credential to my interests
- Would require me to take 4 fundamental EE courses to begin the program

Masters of Science in Systems Engineering - https://engineering.kennesaw.edu/systems-industrial/degrees/ms-systems.php
- Course work in systems engineering, project management, etc
- Less directly applicable to carbon removal, but lots of transferrable skills, which could open careers in other areas of focus besides carbon removal
- Already completed one of the courses for my undergraduate degree, as part of a double degree program

Another potential option is to just take a break once I graduate and put my time in at my current company, hopefully advancing to a quality/industrial engineer role, and then make the move to a carbon removal role once I have enough experience in the industry. Any input or thoughts on these potential degree paths (or the alternative industry experience path) for someone considering a career in carbon removal would be appreciated.

 

[TugboatEng]

Keep in mind that the entire concept of carbon removal is a sham.and you're too late to the game to profit from it. People are going to realize that spending money to remove plant food from the sky is fruitless. At that point you will have chosen a dead end career.

 

[Terraforma]

Keep in mind that the entire concept of carbon removal is a sham.and you're too late to the game to profit from it. People are going to realize that spending money to remove plant food from the sky is fruitless. At that point you will have chosen a dead end career.

I didn't really come here to debate on whether or not carbon removal is worth doing, but since I guess that is your preference, I'll bite. The IPCC and has started to consider carbon removal as essential to meet the target to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. (https://www.mckinsey.com/capabiliti...-to-addressing-climate-change-its-time-to-act) Calling CO2 "plant food" demonstrates a lack of understanding both of plant physiology and atmospheric chemistry. Numerous charitable foundations and organizations have been donating and investing money to develop this field and its associated market mechanisms, including the Musk Foundation (https://www.xprize.org/prizes/carbonremoval), the Bezos Earth Fund (https://www.bezosearthfund.org/news...enhouse-gas-removal-technology-ideation-prize), and many others (https://frontierclimate.com/).

All that aside, I appreciate your concern for my choice in career, but I feel pretty confident that the skills I learn along the way will be applicable across various fields, and simply because you view a particular activity as not worth doing does not mean that others don't feel differently. Do you think those who got involved in the algae boom of the 2010's regret their decision to learn chemical or biological engineering skills, even though that industry has not panned out for them?

 

[GregLocock]

Well if it is going to work (bearing in mind there are zero CCS units operating successfully at scale across the globe) then yes it'll need engineers to design it and debug it, at least until taxpayer's money runs out.

Of the three I'd skip Systems. It's a great masters (depending on specifics), once you are an SME.

The first looks like trendy waffle, leaving Rutgers.

Late edit, after 8 years they got one to work at 90% in Canada. The ones used for oil field yield are fun, different economics of course.

 

[SnTMan]

I'd sorta think Chemical Engineering would be relevant, but what do I know

 

[dik]

Keep in mind that the entire concept of carbon removal is a sham

Don't pay any attention to him when it comes to climate change... do some research and make up your own opinion.

 

[TugboatEng]

Figure out how to make carbon free energy before you start using carbon based energy to remove plant food from the atmosphere. That is all. Studying carbon removal is a waste of an intelligent mind.

 

[MintJulep]

Regardless of what the future environment looks like, there will be one, and civil engineering projects will need to interact with it.

The civil and environmental program seems like it opens the door that you're interested in now without locking you behind it.