Graduate Programs

For Course Descriptions, see Rensselaer's Course Catalog (pdf)

Graduate programs leading to the M.Eng., M.S., D.Eng., and Ph.D. are available in both curricula. The selection of a graduate program and degree is based on student interest, area of graduate concentration, and satisfaction of prerequisites as indicated below.

Master’s Programs

Master of Science
This research degree is open to students with undergraduate degrees in engineering or the physical or natural sciences. In addition to the satisfactory completion of an approved set of advanced courses, candidates for this degree must complete a six-credit thesis.

In the civil engineering discipline, this thesis must provide documentation of an independent research-related effort and be approved by the student’s faculty adviser. Listed below are recommended core courses in each of the five civil engineering areas of concentration. M.S. candidates typically take all the courses listed below in their chosen area of concentration.

M.S. candidates in the environmental engineering discipline must also provide documentation of an independent research-related effort. In addition to approval of this written work, they are also required to give an oral presentation of the thesis work.

Master of Engineering
This is a 30-credit structured program of advanced professional study aimed at preparing students for professional practice. Except for computational mechanics, candidates for this degree in the civil engineering discipline must have an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering. In environmental engineering, a B.S. in the physical or natural sciences is also acceptable. There is no project or thesis requirement, but students may elect to do one, at either the three- or six-credit level, in consultation with their advisers.

Doctoral Programs

Advanced study and research are conducted under the guidance of an adviser. Usually 45 to 60 course credits beyond the bachelor’s degree are required in addition to the residence and thesis requirements. Each doctoral candidate must have at least 90 credits (course work plus thesis/project) beyond the bachelor’s degree. Environmental candidates are required to submit a draft of a journal article prior to graduation.

Doctor of Philosophy
This is a research-oriented degree focused on the development of new knowledge in the student’s chosen area of study. It includes the preparation of a dissertation that carefully documents the original contribution of the student’s research. The dissertation can represent up to 30 credits of the student’s approved plan of study. In addition to the examination processes required of all Rensselaer doctoral students, civil engineering and environmental students working toward this degree must pass a preliminary examination during their first year of doctoral study.

Environmental engineering students must also take a candidacy examination within two semesters after passing the preliminary examination. This is an oral examination based on a thesis proposal submitted by the student at least two weeks prior to the examination. The student’s thesis committee will administer the candidacy examination.

Doctor of Engineering
This is a specialized program aimed at advanced engineering problem solving. The degree includes the preparation of a dissertation that poses a significant engineering problem and develops a solution. The dissertation for this degree can also represent up to 30 credits of the student’s approved plan of study. The examination requirements for both disciplines are the same as those noted under the Doctor of Philosophy.