THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

Degree Types: MS, PhD

Graduates in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering develop proficiencies in the theories and practices that allow to sustain human societies, and frame their future given the environmental changes to come. They acquire specialized knowledge through core courses specific to various research area and elective courses within and outside of the department.

PhD candidates are mentored by a faculty member and collaborate with peers within research groups to develop and pursue their own research program to address current and future societal needs. MS candidates can pursue research with the thesis option.

Current research topics in the department are organized into four foci:

• Ecosystems
• Human Systems
• Materials Systems
• Urban Systems

These research domains are supported by the traditional sectors of research and education in Civil and Environmental Engineering:

• Environmental Engineering and Science
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Mechanics, Materials and Structures
• Transportation Systems Analysis and Planning

Additional resources:

• Department website
• Program Handbook(s)

Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.

Total Units Required: 12

Specializations:

1. Environmental Engineering and Science
2. Geotechnics
3. Transportation Systems Analysis and Planning
4. Structural Engineering

Each Program consists of a combination of (A) core required courses, (B) approved elective courses, and (C) a zero-unit program-specific seminar series. Individual programs have different breakdowns on these course requirements; additional information is available on the departmental website.

Other MS Degree Requirements

Additional course requirement information available on the Department website.

Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.

PhD

Total Units Required:

The total course units required varies by the Specialization and the student’s educational background, and typically supersedes the required minimum courses specified by TGS.  Students completing an MS degree in a related field may be able to reduce the required number of units, depending on the requirements of the specialization and approval of the PhD advisor.  PhD students may also earn an MS degree along the way to meeting degree requirements for the PhD, although this is not required.   Transfer credits are not allowed.  Additional information on course requirements is available on the departmental website.

Specializations:

The Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD program has four specializations:

• Environmental engineering and science
• Geotechnics
• Mechanics, materials, and structures
• Transportation systems analysis and planning

Other PhD Degree Requirements

• Candidacy:  Admission to Candidacy is a milestone where faculty assess whether a student has acquired sufficient knowledge and experience to proceed with PhD research. The initial offer of admission to the PhD program does not guarantee Admission to Candidacy. In order to advance to Candidacy the student must: a) meet the TGS English Proficiency Requirement b) Identify research advisor c) achieve cumulative 3.5 GPA d) pass the Qualifying Exam.
• Prospectus: The Prospectus process typically involves development of a written research proposal that will culminate in the dissertation. This research proposal is presented and defended in oral form to the prospectus committee.
• PhD Dissertation: PhD students must complete a written dissertation that is a significant and original research contribution, based on the research proposal in the Prospectus. PhD students defend the dissertation in a presentation open to the public. The details of the individual dissertation and defense are up to the advisor and PhD student, and subject to the requirements available on the TGS website.