Programs Graduate ProgramThe Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers students the opportunity to focus on one of the following major areas of civil engineering for graduate study.
Description of Courses Associated with the Graduate Program Master of Science Program
The first two options require passing a comprehensive examination based upon the completed graduate course work, and an oral defense of the thesis or project. The comprehensive examination is oral, and is normally combined with the final defense. At the discretion of the MS committee, a student may also be required to pass a written comprehensive examination. Students supported as graduate research assistants and all students intending to continue for a Ph.D. degree are required to pursue the thesis option. All other students may elect to pursue either option, following consultation with the faculty advisor. The professional track requires completion of 30 course credits (ten courses) at the 2000 or higher level, within the limitations outlined below. No thesis, project, or comprehensive examination is required. Click here to view the requirements for the professional master for each program area.Doctor of Philosophy ProgramEngineering students may use the Ph.D. program as a more intensive preparation for engineering practice, as a way to enhance their current professional career in industry, or as a springboard into academia or with research organizations. They may combine courses in civil engineering with other programs, including mechanics and fluids from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, materials science from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and operations research from the Department of Industrial Engineering. Extensive courses in mathematics, physics, management, public health, computer science, etc. are also chosen. While most applicants apply directly to one of the four specialized programs in the Department (Structural Engineering & Mechanics, Construction Management & Sustainability, Environmental Engineering & Water Resources, Geotechnical Engineering & Pavements), prospective students may also consider interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs. These disciplines require preparations with a wide selection of courses such as project management, decision analysis, probability and statistics, materials of construction and environmental risk assessment, as well as courses from water resources, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, pavements and structures. In addition, students may select courses in economics, operations research and management. To complete a Ph.D. in any of the areas, as student must complete 45 semester course or special investigation credits in the major area, which must include at least ten actual courses, 9 semester course credits in a minor area, and 18 semester credits of dissertation. In addition, a minimum of two terms of residency is required. Comprehensive and final examinations on course work and dissertation are required. The timing of such examinations is done in consultation with a student's advisor and in accordance with regulations of the School of Engineering. The plan of study for the Ph.D. degree is prepared individually for each student according to his/her interest and intended research work, in consultation with the advisor. The courses completed for M.S. degree in the same program will be included in the plan of study. For courses completed for the M.S. degree at another program or university, only relevant courses can be applied, with a maximum of 30 course credit limit. |
Structural Engineering & Mechanics
Environmental Engineering
Geotechnical & Pavements Engineering
Construction Management & Sustainability
Sustainability & Green Design
Transportation Engineering (Masters only)
Water Resources Engineering
The Master of Science degrees are primarily designed for students with an undergraduate degree in engineering, although students with other backgrounds can be accommodated with specially designed programs. An MS degree can be pursued by a full-time or part-time student in one of three ways:
Real world application
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