Programs of Study

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Kentucky offers three graduate degrees: the Master of Science in Civil Engineering, the Master of Civil Engineering, and the Doctor of Philosophy. There are basically eight broad areas of graduate study and research in the Department:

Civil Engineering Materials
Environmental Engineering
Hydraulic Engineering
Transportation Engineering
Construction Engineering and Management
Geotechnical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Water resources Engineering

I. Masters Programs

The University of Kentucky offers both Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE), and Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) degrees. Three programs are available for these degrees:

1. MSCE Program, Plan A:
   This MSCE plan requires the satisfactory completion of 24 semester hours of graduate course work plus a thesis. The thesis generally discusses an organized research topic and must be actively supervised by a member of the graduate faculty.
2. MSCE Program, Plan B:
   This MSCE plan requires the satisfactory completion of 30 semester hours of graduate course work. The 30 hours include a three semester hour independent study course. The independent study course must be taken under the supervision of a faculty member who will assign the work to be performed, monitor its progress, and assign a grade at its completion. A written report will generally be required for all projects.
3. MCE Program:

   The primary objective of the MCE program is to provide a broad but integrated program designed to:

• provide better preparation for students for the professional practice of civil engineering, and
• enable practicing engineers to continue their pursuit of technical knowledge suited to their individual needs.

The MCE program incorporates sufficient flexibility to accommodate the needs of a diverse student body. The requirements for this program are the satisfactory completion of 30 semester hours of graduate course work, and passing of a comprehensive examination in areas essential to civil engineering practice.

II. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program
There are no credit hour requirements for the Ph.D. The type and number of courses required varies, depending on the background of the student. Normally, at least one year of full-time graduate course work beyond the master's degree will be required before a student is ready to take the Qualifying Examination. At least one additional year will be required for the dissertation, which must significantly advance knowledge in the field.