Program Overview

Overview of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Program

The Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a comprehensive education in the field, with a focus on systems thinking and innovation. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in civil and environmental engineering, with a strong emphasis on research and practical application.

Academics

The program offers a range of academic options, including:

• Undergraduate Study: The undergraduate program in Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree, with specializations in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering.
• Master's Program: The Master's program offers a range of specializations, including Environmental Engineering and Science, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering and Design, and Transportation Systems Analysis and Planning.
• PhD Program: The PhD program offers specializations in Environmental Engineering and Science, Geotechnical Engineering, Mechanics, Materials, and Structures, and Transportation Systems Analysis and Planning.

Undergraduate Study

The undergraduate program in Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a range of courses and specializations, including:

• Civil Engineering Major (BS Degree): This major offers a comprehensive education in civil engineering, with a focus on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure systems.
• Environmental Engineering Major (BS Degree): This major offers a comprehensive education in environmental engineering, with a focus on the development of sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
• Environmental Engineering Minor: This minor offers a range of courses in environmental engineering, with a focus on the development of sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
• Architectural Engineering & Design Minor: This minor offers a range of courses in architectural engineering and design, with a focus on the development of sustainable and innovative building systems.

Master's Program

The Master's program in Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a range of specializations, including:

• Environmental Engineering and Science Specialization: This specialization offers a comprehensive education in environmental engineering and science, with a focus on the development of sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
• Geotechnical Engineering Specialization: This specialization offers a comprehensive education in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on the design and construction of infrastructure systems.
• Structural Engineering and Design Specialization: This specialization offers a comprehensive education in structural engineering and design, with a focus on the development of innovative and sustainable building systems.
• Transportation Systems Analysis and Planning Specialization: This specialization offers a comprehensive education in transportation systems analysis and planning, with a focus on the development of sustainable and efficient transportation systems.

PhD Program

The PhD program in Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a range of specializations, including:

• Environmental Engineering and Science Specialization: This specialization offers a comprehensive education in environmental engineering and science, with a focus on the development of sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
• Geotechnical Engineering Specialization: This specialization offers a comprehensive education in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on the design and construction of infrastructure systems.
• Mechanics, Materials, and Structures Specialization: This specialization offers a comprehensive education in mechanics, materials, and structures, with a focus on the development of innovative and sustainable building systems.
• Transportation Systems Analysis and Planning Specialization: This specialization offers a comprehensive education in transportation systems analysis and planning, with a focus on the development of sustainable and efficient transportation systems.

Research

The Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Northwestern University is committed to advancing the field through innovative research. The program offers a range of research areas, including:

• Material Systems: This research area focuses on the development of new materials and systems for civil and environmental engineering applications.
• Ecosystems: This research area focuses on the development of sustainable solutions to environmental problems, with a focus on ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Urban Systems: This research area focuses on the development of sustainable and efficient urban systems, with a focus on transportation, energy, and water management.
• Human Systems: This research area focuses on the development of sustainable and innovative solutions to human-centered problems, with a focus on health, safety, and well-being.

Combined BS/MS Program

The Combined BS/MS program in Civil and Environmental Engineering offers students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in five years. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in civil and environmental engineering, with a focus on research and practical application.

Application Procedures

To be considered for admission to the Combined BS/MS program, students must:

• Meet with the appropriate MS program director to develop an MS study plan.
• Submit the application forms and documents listed below to the undergraduate adviser, the MS adviser-to-be, and the director of graduate studies for their signatures.

MS Program Directors

The following faculty members are available to discuss the application package with students:

• Environmental engineering science: Jean-Francois Gaillard
• Geotechnical engineering: Giuseppe Buscarnera
• Structural engineering: Gianluca Cusatis
• Transportation engineering: Pablo Durango-Cohen

Undergraduate Students with 3.50 GPA or Above

Students with a GPA of 3.50 or above must submit:

• McCormick Application for Admission to Combined Degree Program
• Official or unofficial Northwestern University transcript

Undergraduate Students with GPA Below 3.50

Students with a GPA below 3.50 must:

• Meet with the MS program director to discuss their application.
• Submit two recommendation forms to support their application to The Graduate School.

Deadline

The application submission deadline is at least one month prior to the start of the new quarter. Students should consult The Graduate School website for the exact deadline.