Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the fields of infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and innovative engineering solutions. This program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines fundamental principles with advanced topics, equipping graduates with the technical expertise and practical skills necessary to address complex challenges in civil and environmental engineering. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with leading faculty, and participate in interdisciplinary projects that span sustainable design, construction management, water resources, environmental systems, and infrastructure resilience. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating engineering theory with real-world applications to foster innovative problem-solving capabilities. Students can tailor their coursework and research experiences to align with their career interests, whether in urban planning, environmental protection, transportation, or structural engineering. Additionally, Duke’s strong industry partnerships and active alumni network provide valuable opportunities for internships, professional development, and career advancement. The program also promotes a culture of sustainability and ethical responsibility, inspiring graduates to develop infrastructure solutions that are both effective and environmentally responsible. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue roles in consulting firms, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industry, contributing to society’s infrastructure needs and environmental stewardship. Overall, the Duke University Civil and Environmental Engineering Master of Engineering program is committed to fostering innovative, sustainable, and impactful engineering professionals for a rapidly evolving world.

• 6 credits in the department courses
• 9 credits in study track specific CEE core courses
• At least 9 credits from other approved graduate courses, with preference for engineering courses.
• 6 research credits to support their MS thesis. The student takes an oral exam on the thesis.
• Participation in the Graduate Colloquium
• Completion of the rubric form (thesis or non-thesis)

A maximum of 12 of the total 30 credits may be earned via transfer of earlier graduate credits under the Graduate School rules.

Study Tracks

STUDY TRACK: COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS AND SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING

Computational mechanics encompasses the development and use of computational methods for studying problems governed by the laws of mechanics. Modern computational mechanics is embodied in the broad field of computational science and engineering. This discipline plays a fundamental role in a vast number of many important problems in science and engineering. Duke University has unique facilities and world-renowned faculty in this area. Students of computational mechanics at Duke receive premier training in the core disciplines of applied mathematics, numerical methods, computer science, and mechanics.

Students must take a total of at least five courses from the set listed below, with at least one course in each of the four principal areas.

Mathematics

• Math 531. Basic Analysis I
• Math 541. 
 Applied Stochastic Processes
• Math 551. Applied Partial Differential Equations and Complex Variables
• Math 561. Scientific Computing I
• Math 635. Functional Analysis
• CEE 690. 
 Mathematical Analysis of the Finite Element Method

Numerical Methods

• CEE 530. Introduction to the Finite Element Method
• CEE 531. Finite Element Methods for Problems in Fluid Mechanics
• CEE 630. Nonlinear Finite Element Method
• CEE 690. Numerical Optimization

Computer Science

• CS 201. Data Structures and Algorithms
• CS 308. Software Design
• ECE 551D. 
 
Programming, Data Structues, and Algorithms in C++

Engineering Sciences and Mechanics

• CEE 520. Continuum Mechanics
• ME 531. Thermodynamics
• ME 555. Computational Materials Science
• ME 631. Intermediate Fluid Dynamics
• ME 632. 
 Advanced Fluid Dynamics

STUDY TRACK: ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENTAL GEOMECHANICS AND GEOPHYSICS

The Engineering and Environmental Geomechanics and Geophysics (EEGG) focus mirrors modern developments in Geomechanics and Geophysics, which address applications to new technologies in contemporary energy, global health issues related to the geo-environment and environmental protection industry: conventional and unconventional fossil fuel exploration and exploitation, including shale gas and oil, nuclear, industrial and municipal waste disposal, CO2 sequestration, geothermal energy production, storage, procurement of clean water in arid areas, to mention a few.

The core area of interest encompasses multi-physics and multi- scale problems for studying problems related to mechanics and a variety of physical and chemical processes of geomaterials. Duke University has world-renowned faculty in this area and offers possibilities for intense international collaboration and engagement. Students of EEGG at Duke receive premier training in the core disciplines of applied mechanics of geo- materials and non-invasive geophysical methods in characterizing geomaterials for engineering and environmental purposes and involves laboratory and field testing.

Students must take a total of at least five courses from the set listed below, with at least one course in each of the four principal areas.

Mathematics

• Math 551. Applied Partial Differential Equations and Complex Variables
• Math 557. Introduction to Partial Differential Equations
• Math 561. 
 Scientific Computing I
• Math 557. 
 Mathematical Modeling

Numerical Methods

• CEE 530. Introduction to the Finite Element Method
• CEE 630. Nonlinear Finite Element Method
• CEE 635. Computational Methods for Evolving Discontinuities and Interfaces

Geomechanics and Geophysics

• CEE 525. Wave Propagation in Elastic and Poroelastic Media
• CEE 560. 
 Environmental Transport Phenomena
• CEE 621. 
 Plasticity
• CEE 642. Environmental Geomechanics
• CEE 686. Ecohydrology

Engineering Sciences and Mechanics

• CEE 520. Continuum Mechanics
• CEE 541. Structural Dynamics
• ME 531. Thermodynamics
• ME 631. Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
• ME 632. Advanced Fluid Mechanics

STUDY TRACK: DYNAMIC SYSTEMS, UNCERTAINTY, AND OPTIMIZATION

Dynamics are prevalent in the mechanics of diverse engineered and natural systems and system failures often depend on factors that can can only be estimated with considerable uncertainty. The engineering (or optimization) of failure mitigation measures therefore re- quires modeling the transient dynamic aspects of failure mechanisms, the uncertainties in system capacities and, importantly, the uncertainties in system loading. This graduate con- centration focuses on modern methods of dynamic systems analysis, numerical modeling, and parallel computing: tools that can be used to quantify risks with unprecedented realism. The curricular program leverages premier courses in the core disciplines of applied mathematics, numerical methods, uncertainty modeling, and mechanics.

Students must take a total of at least five courses from the set listed below, with at least one course in each of the four principal areas.

Mathematics

• Math 551. Applied Partial Differential Equations and Complex Variables
• Math 555. Ordinary Differential Equations
• Math 561. 
Scientific Computing I
• ME 627. 
Linear Systems Theory

Numerical Methods

• CEE 530. Introduction to the Finite Element Method
• CEE 630. 
 Nonlinear Finite Element Method
• CEE 690. Numerical Optimization

Uncertainty Modeling

• Stat 611. Introduction to Modern Statistics
• ME 555. Uncertainty Quantification Methods
• Math 541. Applied Stochastic Processes
• Math 641. Probability

Engineering Sciences and Mechanics

• CEE 520. 
 Continuum Mechanics
• CEE 541. Structural Dynamics
• CEE 629. 
 System Identification
• ME 527. Buckling of Engineering Structures
• ME 742. Nonlinear Mechanical Vibration
• BME 590. 
 Viscoelastic Biomechanics

STUDY TRACK: HYDROLOGY AND FLUID DYNAMICS

Graduate study in environmental engineering is highly interdisciplinary and offers students tremendous flexibility in crafting a graduate program that suits individual interests. Research focuses on some of the most modern open problems in environmental fluid dynamics, hydrology and water resources. Ongoing research topics include: hydrometeorology (rainfall dynamics, land-atmosphere interaction, remote sensing), eco-hydrology (impact of hydroclimatic variability on ecosystems and feedbacks on the hydrologic cycle and local climate), contaminant transport hydrology (surface-subsurface interactions), water cycle dynamics and human health, and stochastic hydrology.

In addition to courses offered within the Pratt School of Engineering, students may take courses from Duke's professional schools and institutes including the Nicholas School for the Environment and Earth Sciences, the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, and the Sanford Institute of Public Policy.

Within the MS/PhD course and research opportunities offered for Duke graduate environmental engineering students, there are two tracks of study encompassing water resource engineering, hydrology, environmental fluid dynamics, and chemical and biological aspects of pollution ofwater, atmosphere, and soil, among others.

Students must take a total of at least five courses from the set listed below, with at least one course in each of the four principal areas.

Applied Math/Statistics

• CEE 501(202): Applied Mathematics for Engineers
• CEE 502(200): Engineering Data Analysis
• STA 611(213): Introduction to Statistical Methods
• MATH 561(224): Scientific Computing
• MATH 577(229): Mathematical Modeling 

Environmental Fluid Dynamics

• ME 631(226): Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
• ME 632(227): Advanced Fluid Mechanics
• CEE 690(265): Introduction to Turbulence
• ENVIRON 856(356): Environmental Fluid Mechanics 

Hydrometeorology and Ecohydrology

• CEE 684(224): Physical Hydrology and Hydrometeorology
• CEE 686(220): Ecohydrology 
• CEE 690(265): Vegetation and Hydrology
• ENVIRON 564(282): Biogeochemistry 

Contaminant Transport Hydrology

• CEE 581(245): Pollutant Transport Systems
• CEE 585(260): Vadose Zone Hydrology
• CEE 683(227): Groundwater Hydrology and Contaminant Transport

STUDY TRACK: ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS ENGINEERING 

Graduate study in environmental engineering is highly interdisciplinary and offers students tremendous flexibility in crafting a graduate program that suits individual interests. Research focuses on phenomena that govern the origin, transport, transformation and impacts of contaminants on our environment and technologies for reducing the associated risks to human health and the environment. Research includes chemical processes that affect the fate of trace metals in the environment, transport and impacts of nanomaterials, molecular biological methods to monitor and improve performance of engineered microbial systems; biodegradation of organic contaminants, development of advanced membrane processes for water treatment and reuse, energy technologies and their impacts, and the properties, measurement and effects of ambient aerosols.

In addition to courses offered within the Pratt School of Engineering, students may take courses from Duke's professional schools and institutes including the Nicholas School for the Environment and Earth Sciences, the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, and the Sanford Institute of Public Policy.

Within the MS/PhD course and research opportunities offered for Duke graduate environmental engineering students, there are two tracks of study encompassing water resource engineering, hydrology, environmental fluid dynamics, and chemical and biological aspects of pollution ofwater, atmosphere, and soil, among others.

Students must take a total of at least five courses from the set listed below, with at least one course in each of the four principal areas.

Applied Math/Statistics

• CEE 501(202): Applied Mathematics for Engineers
• CEE 502(200): Engineering Data Analysis
• ENVIRON 710(210): Applied Data Analysis in Environmental Sciences
• MATH 541(216): Applied Stochastic Processes
• MATH 551(211): Applied Partial Differential Equations and Complex Variables

Transport Phenomena

• CEE 307(207): Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems 
• CEE 560(208): Environmental Transport Phenomena
• CEE 581(245): Pollutant Transport Systems 

Environmental Science

• CEE 561(242): Aquatic Chemistry
• CEE 563(240): Chemical Fate of Organic Compounds
• CEE 566(250): Environmental Microbiology
• CEE 569(229): Introduction to Atmospheric Particles

Environmental Design

• CEE 562(244): Biological Processes in Environmental Engineering
• CEE 564(241): Physical and Chemical Treatment Processes in Environmental Engineering
• CEE 571(249): Control of Hazardous and Toxic Waste
• CEE 575(247): Air Pollution
• CEE 576L(230L): Aerosol Measurements

Thesis Preparation

The Master's Thesis should follow the format defined in Guide for Preparation of Theses and Dissertations, and should include the following items:

• An abstract with objectives and clearly stated unique contributions,
• A survey and discussion/synthesis of pertinent literature, 
• Discussions of the completed research tasks, including theory development, data collection, analysis, and documentation, and
• A set of conclusions that emphasize new theoretical, modeling, or experimental contributions; or novel applications of existing theories.

The quality of the Master’s Thesis should allow the material to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Here is some more information on the master's thesis from Duke's graduate school website.

Thesis Defense

Upon the completion of the written thesis, the student must defend it orally. The thesis Advisor must approve the thesis for the defense before its final submission to the Faculty Committee. In a letter to the Graduate School, the Advisor states that he/she has read the thesis and that it is complete and ready for defense. The defense takes place no less than one week after the student has submitted the thesis to the Graduate School and presented copies to the Faculty Committee members. The oral presentation is public and shall be announced by the DGS. The Faculty Committee generally examines the candidate in a closed meeting following the open oral presentation. During the defense, the Faculty Committee may examine the student on both the content of the thesis and on the content of the student's previous course work.

The possible outcomes of the Master's Examination are:

• The student passes. A majority of supporting votes are required, in addition to the approval of the Advisor.
• The student passes conditionally, contingent on specific changes made in the Thesis. These changes must be approved by the advisor and the Faculty Committee, who may then pass the student.
• The student fails. Re-examination might be permitted upon the recommendation of the advisor and the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) now considers the Master’s degree to be the basic preparation for professional practice. This is driven largely by the ever expanding breadth and depth of technical knowledge that is relevant to a practicing civil engineer.

Graduate Colloquium

In addition to the course credits listed and discussed above, each graduate student in the department is required to participate in the departmental seminar called Colloquia on Mechanics and the Environment. This colloquium is a series of about 18 seminars scheduled when classes are in session during the eight-month academic year. The faculty of the university, visiting scientists, and senior graduate students give the seminars.

The minimal seminar participation requirements are as follows:

• Each degree candidate needs to register for CE 701(301) (Fall) or CE 702(302) (Spring) and is expected to attend at least 75% of the seminars in a given semester. Attendance is recorded. Although no grades are assigned in CE 701(301)-702(302), student transcripts will show that the courses have been completed and thereby that the requirement has been satisfied. Students having scheduling conflicts should inform the Director of Graduate Studies.
• Each candidate for an MS degree shall register for CE 701(301)-702(302) for at least one academic year. Some candidates for an MS degree with a thesis may be asked to present a seminar on their research. Such seminar does not replace the oral defense of the thesis.
• A degree candidate does not need to be registered in CE 701(301)-702(302) in the semester that he or she presents a seminar.
• The faculty encourages all graduate students to attend as many Graduate Colloquium seminars as possible, as exposure to novel ideas, research methodologies, and results from broadly or even remotely related fields is enriching and stimulating and helps to develop a critical sense of what constitutes an effective presentation.

• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Resume
• GRE scores
• English language proficiency test scores (if English is not your first language)
• GPA
• The application fee is $85

The Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Duke University offers a range of financing options to support graduate students in their academic pursuits. Students can apply for various assistantships, including Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs), which provide stipends and tuition remission. These assistantships are competitive and typically awarded based on academic merit and departmental needs. Additionally, the university offers fellowships and scholarships that do not require work commitments, aimed at outstanding students demonstrating academic excellence and research potential.

Graduate students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as national fellowships from organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). These external sources can provide significant financial support and enhance research opportunities within the program. The university's Office of Financial Aid provides comprehensive information on federal student loans, work-study programs, and private loan options, which students can utilize to finance their studies if needed.

Furthermore, international students are advised to seek institutional and external scholarships tailored to their demographic, as well as to explore available loan options for international students, where applicable. The program's faculty and administrative staff offer guidance throughout the application process for these financial resources, aiding students in optimizing their financial packages.

Students are also encouraged to consider part-time employment opportunities on campus, which can help offset living expenses. Duke University maintains a commitment to making graduate education accessible and affordable, with various financial aid packages designed to meet the diverse needs of its student body. Overall, financing schemes for the Civil and Environmental Engineering program balance internal funding, external scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities to ensure students can focus on their academic and research goals without undue financial stress.

The Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Duke University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for diverse careers in infrastructure, environmental protection, and sustainable development. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, integrating engineering principles with modern technology and research. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and participate in hands-on projects that address real-world challenges such as water resource management, infrastructure resilience, earthquake engineering, and environmental systems.

The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering provides a solid foundation in mechanics, structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental engineering. The program encourages interdisciplinary interaction, collaborating with other departments and centers to promote innovative approaches to solving engineering problems. It also offers specializations and electives that allow students to tailor their education to particular interests or career goals, including sustainable design, environmental health, and urban infrastructure.

Duke’s faculty comprises leading experts in their fields, providing mentorship and cutting-edge research opportunities. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, internships, and industry partnerships that enhance their practical skills and professional networks. The program fosters a global perspective, integrating considerations of environmental impact and sustainability into all aspects of civil and environmental engineering.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped for graduate studies, professional engineering licensure, or careers in government agencies, consulting firms, construction companies, and environmental organizations. Duke’s strong alumni network and career services support students in achieving successful employment and further academic pursuits. The program’s rigorous academic standards and emphasis on ethical engineering practices prepare graduates to contribute effectively to society and address the critical infrastructure and environmental challenges of the 21st century.