The selection of graduate courses and research opportunities offered in the department permits the development of individual program objectives that may be concentrated in one of the technical specialty areas, or, alternatively, may extend over the broad field of civil engineering. The department offers advanced work in the specialty areas of structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, and environmental engineering, leading to the degrees of master of science, master of engineering, and doctor of philosophy.

  A graduate program leading to the M.S. normally is concentrated in one, or possibly two, of the technical specialty areas, and consists of a number of courses designed to fulfill the individual student's program objectives. Each candidate for the M.S. is required to submit a thesis representing three to six credit hours (CE 491, listed below), or alternatively, a report based on a research course of at least three credits (CE 429, 439, 449, 469, or 479). The balance of the program will consist of courses in the specialty area(s).

  A graduate program leading to the M.Eng. degree stresses engineering applications and design. The courses may extend across the various specialty areas in civil engineering. Each candidate for the M.Eng. is required to complete an individual engineering project representing three to six credits in place of the thesis or research report required for the M.S. (CE 480).

  The doctoral program, which leads to the Ph.D., normally includes courses in the major field, courses in minor fields, and a dissertation presenting results of original research. Holders of master's degrees planning to become candidates for the Ph.D. take a qualifying examination at the first opportunity following one semester in residence. After qualification, the program of work is formulated by the candidate, the candidate's departmental Ph.D. committee, and the department chairperson.

  The laboratories of the department are located in the Fritz Engineering Laboratory. The laboratory offers outstanding facilities for research and instruction in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, hydrology, coastal engineering, environmental engineering, and related fields. In particular, the structural testing equipment includes dynamic testing machines, a five-million-pound universal hydraulic testing machine, and other special loading apparatus. Included in the latter are the facilities of the NSF-ERC ATLSS center located on the mountain top section of the campus. These include the largest 3-dimensional test bed in the U.S.A. and specialized earthquake testing facilities. The recently expanded hydraulic facilities include a wave tank, several flumes, a 10 cfs recirculating flow system, and two multipurpose tanks for model studies. An interdisciplinary relationship with the Environmental Studies Center facilitates the development of research programs in environmental engineering. Brochures describing the research facilities and programs are available on request.

  In addition to departmental courses, a number of courses offered by the departments of mechanical engineering and mechanics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, geological sciences, and biology may also be considered a part of the major field in civil engineering. A list of such courses is available through the department chairperson.

  A number of research assistantships and teaching assistantships are available to provide financial aid to students of outstanding promise. The half-time research or teaching activities required of holders of assistantships provide a valuable educational experience that supplements the formal course offerings. The graduate course offerings of the department are programmed to fit the schedule of half-time assistants, and to accommodate part-time students. A very limited number of scholarships and fellowships are available to provide financial aid for full-time study.