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Civil and Environmental Engineering Graduate Program

Overview

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers programs leading to:

  • Master of Science in Civil Engineering
  • Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy Civil Engineering

The department also participates in university programs leading to the M.S. in Engineering and the Ph.D. in Engineering Science.

Master of Science Programs

Generally, the M.S. thesis program requires one and a half to two years to complete. A professional M.S. non-thesis program is also available which emphasizes an extended amount of coursework and a final project. This professional program can typically be completed in a 12-month period.

For current WSU undergraduates who want to continue a MS study, please visit here for BS/MS Option.

Focus Areas

Environmental Engineering

Required Courses for the Air Group:

  • CE 502 – Applied Meteorology
  • CE 503 – Air Quality Management
  • CE 515 – Environmental Measurements

Required Courses for the Water Group:

  • CE 541 – Physicochemical Water and Wastewater Treatment
  • CE 542 – Biochemical Wastewater Treatment
  • CE 518 – Hazardous Waste Engineering
    OR
    CE 583 – Aquatic Chemistry

Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering

The Masters degree program consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours with a comprehensive examination and research or design project.

Geotechnical Engineering
Coursework for a degree specializing in geotechnical engineering should include the following core courses:

  • CE 510 – Advanced Geomaterial Characterization
  • CE 527 – Advanced Soil Mechanics
  • CE 528 – Advanced Foundation Design

Transportation Engineering
Course work for a degree specializing in transportation engineering should include the following core courses:

  • CE 473 – Pavement Design
  • CE 527 – Advanced Soil Mechanics

Other coursework is determined in consultation with the student’s graduate advisor to meet the particular needs of the student. A number of other courses are avilable through the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Idaho.

Hydraulics and Water Resources

Students may choose from a variety of graduate and selected undergraduate courses offered in the Hydraulics and Water Resources Program. In addition, courses may be selected from a number of related courses in other programs in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as in other departments of the University. Possible plans of study focused on a variety of topics are:

  • Environmental Fluid Mechanics
  • Aquatic Restoration
  • Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport
  • Water Resources Management
  • Advanced Hydrology

Coursework for a degree specializing in hydraulics and water resources should include the following core course:

  • CE 560 – Advanced Hydrology

Structural Engineering, Materials, and Sustainability

Suggested Core Courses:

  • CE 514 – Advanced Mechanics of Materials
  • CE 512 – Dynamics of Structures and/or CE 538 – Earthquake Engineering
  • CE 430 – Analysis of Indeterminate Structures and/or CE 532 – Finite Elements

Common Electives:

  • CE 534 – Prestressed Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Design
  • CE 533 – Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design
  • CE 539 – Advanced Design of Timber Structures
  • CE 530 – Advanced Design of Steel Structures
  • CE 535 – Advanced Finite Elements
  • CE 505 – Sustainability Engineering II
  • CE 520/521 – Integrated Design Experience

 

Doctor of Philosophy Program

The doctorate program is individually tailored to each student’s need and interest. Normally, a Master’s degree in engineering is required for entrance to the doctorate program.

Master’s Program Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate the knowledge and skills that are necessary to achieve success as a practicing engineer.
    • A thorough foundation and advanced knowledge in fields of civil or environmental engineering.
    • The ability to apply their knowledge to solve novel and emerging problems in civil or environmental engineering.
    • The ability to present their knowledge through publications and oral presentations.
    • Employment in industry, consulting firms, or government agency.
    • Leadership in professional practice and service.
  • Become effective researchers in civil or environmental engineering.
    • Knowledge of current state of research in selected technical areas of civil or environmental engineering.
    • Define a research problem, apply sound research methods, draw well-supported conclusions, and effectively communicate findings to problems in an areas of study.
    • Employment in industry, government agencies, or acceptance into PhD or other advance degree program.
  • Engage in activities of life-long learning.
    • Engagement in continuing education and professional development.
    • Participation in professional organizations.
    • Obtained advance degree. 

Ph.D. Program Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate the knowledge and skills that are necessary to achieve success as practitioners, teachers or researchers in civil or environmental engineering.
  • A thorough foundation and advanced knowledge in fields of civil or environmental engineering.
  • The ability to apply their knowledge to solve novel and emerging problems in civil or environmental engineering.
  • Able to teach in a variety of settings.
  • The ability to present their knowledge through publications and oral presentations.
  • Employment in industry, consulting firms, government agency, or academia.
  • Leadership in professional practice and service.
  • Apply sound research methods, draw well-supported conclusions, and effectively communicate findings.
  • Become effective researchers in civil or environmental engineering.
    • Original contributions to selected technical areas in civil or environmental engineering.
    • Able to secure funds and manage resources to conduct research
  • Have records of achievements that enhance the reputation and visibility of the doctoral program in civil engineering at Washington State University.
    • Hold responsible position in academia, national laboratory or industry.
    • Participation in professional organizations.
    • Recognition and awards

Additional Resources

More Information

Kelly Caraher Graduate Academic Coordinator cee.graduate@wsu.edu (509) 335-4547