Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Graduate Program

 

Degrees Offered

The breadth of research conducted in the areas of Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering reflects the broad background of the faculty at WSU. Inter-disciplinary opportunities with programs in environmental engineering, hydraulic and water resources engineering, and structural engineering and materials also exist. In addition, WSU benefits from its proximity to the University of Idaho (Uof I). As a result, WSU and Uof I participate in cooperative cross-listing of classes providing an even greater variety of course options.

 

 

Graduate Degrees Offered

The Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering Program offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Civil Engineering.

The high level of research activity in the department reflects our philosophy of providing graduate students with direct, first-hand experience within each specialty. Through externally funded research programs, graduate students are thrust into the solution of problems of national and international importance.

 

 

Master of Science Degree Requirements

The Masters degree program consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours with a comprehensive examination and research or design project. Course work for a degree specializing in geotechnical engineering should include the following core courses:

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

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

At the Master's level, thesis and non-thesis options are available.

 

 

Ph.D Program

The Doctorate program in Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering is individually tailored to each student's needs and interest. Normally, a Master's degree in engineering is required for entrance to the Ph.D. program.

Admission Requirements

At the graduate level, the university requires a 3.0 GPA for admission. Application materials MUST be submitted to both the office of the Graduate School and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. A detailed listing of the required documents is provided here.

The department encourages applications from students with civil or other engineering backgrounds as well as from students with backgrounds in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences. In the latter case, certain math and engineering deficiencies must be satisfied for proper progress through the program. Admission to Washington State University is granted without regard to age, sex, race, religion, color, creed, handicap, national or ethnic origin, or marital status.

 

 

Courses Offered

Students may choose from a variety of graduate and selected undergraduate courses offered in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. In addition, courses may be selected from a number of related courses in other programs other departments of the University.

 

 

Financial Assistance

Financial support is available in the form of teaching assistantships and research assistantships. These can include resident and non-resident fee waivers. The stipends are typically on the order of $1,000/month. For exceptional graduate students, $5,000/year scholarships in addition to the stipend, are available. Financial aid is also available in the form of scholarships from the Department and the University. Finally, loans are available through the University's financial aid office.

 

 

Research Program

Geotechnical engineering research includes studies in collapse mechanisms of compacted soil, soil mechanics, numerical analysis, earth retention systems, seismic site response, soil dynamics, soil structure interaction, landslide mechanics, and geo-environmental mechanics. The projects are experimental (laboratory and field) and analytical (numerical). Transportation engineering research includes weigh in motion, alternative pavement materials, numerical analysis, and repair and retrofit. These projects have been supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences, the Federal Highway Administration, the United States Geological Survey, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center and several private industry sources.

 

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