The department offers programs of study leading to an M.S. degree in civil engineering or a Ph.D. degree. Financial assistance is available in the form of teaching and research assistantships and fellowships. Graduate students work closely with faculty on research projects at the forefront of technology.
Graduate students choose to specialize in one of the program’s nine technical areas. Strong areas in graduate education include:
- Water resources engineering – the department is internationally known for water resources computer software developed by faculty members.
- Transportation engineering – thanks to the department’s close partnership with the Kentucky Transportation Center, students have an opportunity to study alongside practicing engineers.
- Structures and geotechnical engineering – the department has fostered an excellent reputation worldwide for research conducted in this area.
- Construction Engineering and Project Management (CEPM) – renowned for its dynamic curriculum and research excellence both nationally and abroad, the CEPM program is supported through a number of dedicated endowments and sustained extramural funding.
- Railway Engineering and Operations – the department has been a leader in the resurgence of this area of technology.
Programs of Study
I. Masters Programs
The University of Kentucky offers a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) degree. Two programs are available for these degrees:
- 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. - 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.
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.
III. Stream and Watershed Science Graduate Certificate
The Stream and Watershed Science Graduate Certificate provides students with an understanding of the complex physical, biological and social systems involved in stream and watershed related issues.