Civil Engineering in United States

Astani CEE PhD Programs

The Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at the University of Southern California offers two doctoral degrees: Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering. These programs allow students to specialize in various research areas within these broad fields. A Master's degree is not a prerequisite for admission, though applicants are expected to have completed a four-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. Students with a prior Master's degree may be eligible to transfer up to 30 units towards the 60-unit requirement for the PhD. The program emphasizes research, engagement with the academic and professional community, and provides opportunities for students to develop into independent scholars.

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

City & Regional Planning, MCP: Public & Private Development

The Master of City Planning (MCP) program at the University of Pennsylvania offers a core curriculum designed to equip students with essential planning skills and knowledge. This program provides a practical and cutting-edge approach to urban planning education, covering the legal and historical foundations of planning, methods for analyzing population and economic data, and understanding the spatial organization of cities. Graduates will be adept at identifying effective planning strategies for various contexts. The Public & Private Development concentration focuses on the entrepreneurial, design, and financing aspects of developing both for-profit and community-focused housing and commercial projects. Students will learn to create development proposals that balance tenant needs, market demands, and community benefits, while emphasizing economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This concentration also explores collaborative models between private developers and public entities, including cities, redevelopment agencies, non-profits, and community groups, to foster affordable housing and public-private partnerships. The skills acquired are highly transferable and valuable internationally, particularly in rapidly developing regions.

City and Regional Planning

City and Regional Planning is an interdisciplinary field focused on improving the quality of life in human settlements. Planners address societal challenges like urban sprawl, unemployment, environmental pollution, and urban decay by guiding development, analyzing transportation, encouraging economic growth, and protecting the environment. They work across public, nonprofit, and private sectors for local, state, and federal governments, advocacy groups, development companies, and consulting firms. For undergraduate students, this program offers foundational coursework, practical experience opportunities, and an academic minor. It's designed for those who want to learn about cities and planning processes, enrich their understanding of urbanization, or explore a potential career in planning. The courses help students apply arts and sciences knowledge to enhance the prosperity and livability of communities, and some may fulfill General Education requirements.

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering (B.E.)

The Civil Engineering program at Stony Brook University aims to educate the next generation of engineers to address critical societal infrastructure challenges. Supported by world-class faculty, dedicated staff, and advanced research facilities, this program provides an excellent foundation for a career in Civil Engineering. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle complex problems in infrastructure development and maintenance.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Civil Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University provides advanced study and research opportunities for students aiming to become leaders in various specialized areas of civil and environmental engineering. This program emphasizes rigorous academic training and independent research, culminating in a dissertation. Students will engage with a diverse faculty and have access to cutting-edge research facilities. The program requires all PhD candidates to pass a comprehensive Qualifying Exam, which typically includes both written and oral components, usually completed within the first year of study. Students can also apply directly to the 96-credit hour PhD program after completing a bachelor's degree, allowing for a streamlined path to doctoral research. With a strong emphasis on innovation and real-world impact, the program offers 13 areas of specialization, including traditional civil engineering fields and emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Automation in Civil Infrastructure, Future Cities, and Sustainable and Resilient Natural and Built Environments, with the latter four exclusively for doctoral students.

Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Urban and Regional Planning (M.U.R.P.) Dual Degree

This dual degree program allows you to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) from the School for Environment and Sustainability and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (M.U.R.P.) from the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. It's designed to equip you with the analytical skills, scientific knowledge, and understanding of socio-behavioral dynamics needed to become an effective practitioner in fields like environmental or land use planning, open space preservation, environmental policy, and environmental justice. The program integrates the requirements of both degrees, enabling you to complete them in three years with 75 credit hours instead of the 90 hours normally required if pursued separately. This is achieved by 'double-counting' 15 credit hours, meaning certain courses fulfill requirements for both degrees. You will need to meet all individual program requirements for both the M.S. and M.U.R.P. degrees.

Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering

The Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering is a thesis-based graduate program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and research skills in the field. Graduates will possess a strong foundation in civil and environmental engineering principles, the ability to apply this knowledge to complex technical challenges, and the capacity to conduct independent research. The program emphasizes developing professional written and oral communication skills, preparing students for impactful careers or further doctoral studies. This program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study, including coursework and thesis research. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 and achieve a grade of B- or higher in core courses. The curriculum typically spans two academic years and an intervening summer, culminating in the defense of an original research thesis. Students interested in pursuing a PhD should be aware that an MS degree is not automatically awarded upon completion of PhD requirements without a satisfactory master's thesis.

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Master of Science in Civil Engineering - Environmental Engineering

The University of Washington offers a Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Environmental Engineering. This program is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in environmental engineering, preparing graduates for leadership roles in research, industry, or public service. Students can choose between a research-focused thesis option or a coursework-only professional master's program. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in core environmental engineering principles, including water quality, air quality, and environmental chemistry. Students have the flexibility to tailor their studies through elective courses, focusing on areas such as water treatment, air pollution control, environmental systems, and ecological engineering. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning, drawing on expertise from various departments across the university. Graduates of the Environmental Engineering MSCE program are well-equipped to address complex environmental challenges, contribute to sustainable development, and advance the field through innovative research and practical application.

Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning

The Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning program equips students with the knowledge and skills to address complex planning challenges. The curriculum includes foundational courses in planning history, theory, and ethics, quantitative and qualitative methods, sustainable land use, GIS, planning law, and public economics. Students will engage in an integrative planning studio and complete either a thesis or a professional report to synthesize their learning. The program allows for individual customization based on student interests, guided by a graduate advisor.

Ph.D. in Construction Science

The Ph.D. in Construction Science at Texas A&M University is designed for students seeking to advance the construction industry through rigorous research. This program focuses on applying scientific methods, emerging technologies, and advanced management theories to solve complex problems across the construction lifecycle. Students will develop expertise in research processes related to construction, project management, and sustainability, ultimately contributing to improvements in safety, productivity, and efficiency within the industry. This is the first Ph.D. program of its kind in Texas and one of the largest nationally, offering a diverse range of research topics. Typically, 8-10 students are admitted each year, and all admitted students receive full financial support. The program prepares graduates to become interdisciplinary scientists who create new knowledge and leadership for the construction sector.

PhD in Civil Engineering

Structural Engineering

The Structural Engineering program focuses on the analysis and design of structures, preparing students for careers in structural engineering. It covers fundamental principles of mechanics, materials, and design, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and the application of engineering knowledge to real-world challenges. Students will gain expertise in areas such as structural analysis, mechanics of deformable solids, and design of various structural systems.