Program Overview

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers advanced studies leading to the Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Engineering with specialization in Civil Engineering. The goals of the Ph.D. program are listed under the College of Engineering and administered by the Associate Dean of Engineering for Graduate Studies and Research. The goal of the MS program is to provide the strong academic programs necessary to prepare students to become educated members of society who can join and make significant contributions to the civil engineering profession.

This is accomplished by allowing MS graduate students to specialize in specific engineering topics through advanced and in-depth studies in these topics; by providing guidance to students in fundamental and applied research; by helping them to develop powers of analysis, synthesis and critical thinking; and by preparing outstanding graduate students to continue academic and research careers through doctoral-level studies.

The department offers the Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering with concentrations in environmental engineering, structural engineering, and transportation engineering. The departmental faculty have expertise and conduct research in the following areas: environmental and water resources engineering; structural engineering, transportation and paving materials; engineering mechanics; and computational mechanics. Faculty advisors assist graduate students in developing individual programs of study depending on their career goals and thesis research interests. The student’s advisory committee assists the student in the development and execution of the program of study and monitors and evaluates the student’s work towards the degree.

Many departmental faculty actively participate in research related to the three Centers of Excellence operated within the University: two within the College of Engineering and one under the Office of Research & Economic Development. The resources and facilities of the Centers greatly enhance the graduate program of the Department.