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Graduate Program

Why study Civil Engineering at the University of Kentucky?

The department offers programs of study leading to an M.S. degree in civil engineering or a Ph.D. degree. Graduate students work closely with faculty on research projects at the forefront of technology.

The department is internationally known for water resources research and computer software developed by faculty members. The department has a close partnership with the Kentucky Transportation Center, enabling students to study alongside practicing engineers. The Construction Engineering and Project Management (CEPM) program is supported through a number of dedicated endowments and extramural funding and is renowned for its research excellence.

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Highlights of the program

  • Be part of a tradition and culture of excellence at a national research institution.
  • Study under renowned faculty and licensed professional engineers with practical experience in the field.
  • Collaborate with industry partners and renowned faculty to tackle real-world challenges.
  • Benefit from personalized support, including career services and access to faculty mentors and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
  • Join a community of dedicated, forward-thinking engineers who are making a difference in the world.
  • Get hands-on experience with innovative projects and research.

Graduate students choose to specialize in one of the seven technical areas:

  • Construction Engineering and Project Management (CEPM)
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Material Engineering
  • Structure Engineering
  • Transportation Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering

Financial Support

The Department of Civil Engineering offers generous financial support to graduate students through various fellowships and assistantships, providing competitive stipend, full tuition and fees, student health insurance, and more.

The graduate fellowships including CSX, Durr, Garver, Nichols, Raymond-Terrell, Vaughn-Melton, Walker, Dean Fellowships, Lauderdale, and Raymond Fellowships. To be considered for one of these fellowships, the student must be nominated by his/her faculty advisor. For further information, applicants may discuss with their faculty advisor or the director of graduate studies.

College of Engineering Fellowships

Varying types of graduate student aid are available. Contact Monica Mehanna regarding college-wide funding for engineering graduate students.

Graduate School Fellowships

Various types of fellowships are also available from the Graduate School of the University of Kentucky.


Department Chair
Dr. L. Sebastian Bryson
(859) 257-3247

Director of Graduate Studies
Dr. Mei Chen
(859) 257-9262


Refer to the Graduate Handbook for additional program information and admission criteria.