Prospective Graduate Students

Applicants for graduate study do not need to have an undergraduate degree in civil and environmental engineering. Solutions to the major societal problems tackled by civil and environmental engineers often require teams of people with diverse backgrounds to design appropriate solutions.

Graduate students and faculty in CEE have experience in areas as diverse as economics, political science, architecture, urban and regional planning, management, electrical engineering, biology, microbiology, chemistry, computer science, geology and oceanography.

In evaluating prospective graduate students, we look for keen intellect combined with capability and interest in quantitative approaches to real-life problems.

All graduate students must complete a thesis research project; its nature depends on the degree objectives. Much of the research in CEE is sponsored by public organizations and private industry, and the work spans a wide variety of topics. Research is education of the most personalized nature. Students and faculty members typically work in teams, as colleagues. Wisdom and process are learned along with concepts and techniques. Students are encouraged to publish their results.

For descriptions of current and exemplary research projects to which incoming graduate students may be assigned as research assistants, visit Research Projects.

For information about specific degree programs, visit Overview of Graduate Degrees.