Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers students a comprehensive education that combines fundamental engineering principles with practical applications to address real-world challenges. This interdisciplinary program prepares graduates to design, analyze, and improve infrastructure systems, including transportation networks, water supply and treatment facilities, structural frameworks, and environmental remediation strategies. Students will gain a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, alongside specialized coursework in structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, fluid mechanics, environmental systems, and sustainable design. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory experiments, design projects, and collaborative research, fostering problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Students are encouraged to develop leadership qualities and ethical awareness to responsibly serve societal needs. The program also offers opportunities for internships and cooperative education, providing practical industry experience that enhances employability upon graduation. Graduates of the Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Rensselaer are well-equipped to pursue careers in consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions, and private sector companies. They can contribute to infrastructure development, environmental protection, and sustainable development initiatives across diverse sectors. The institute's state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, and strong industry connections create an enriching academic environment, supporting students throughout their educational journey. Upon completion, students will not only possess technical expertise but also the communication and teamwork skills necessary for leadership roles in civil and environmental engineering fields. Whether pursuing immediate employment or continuing with advanced degrees, graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions toward building resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure systems for the future.

Geotechnical Engineering

• CIVL 6450 - Structural Dynamics Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6510 - Advanced Soil Mechanics Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6520 - Advanced Foundations and Earth Structures Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6540 - Dynamics of Soil and Soil-Foundation Systems Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6550 - Advanced Geoenvironmental Engineering Credit Hours: 3

Structural Engineering

• CIVL 4440 - Advanced Structural Analysis Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6310 - Advanced Concrete Structures Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6320 - Advanced Steel Design Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6450 - Structural Dynamics Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6490 - Earthquake Engineering Credit Hours: 3

Transportation Engineering

• CIVL 6220 - Critical Issues in Transportation Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6230 - Transportation Economics Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6240 - Intelligent Transportation Systems Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6250 - Transportation Systems Planning Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6260 - Transportation Network Analysis Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6270 - Traffic Control and Simulation Credit Hours: 3
• CIVL 6280 - Dynamic Traffic Models Credit Hours: 3

Environmental Engineering

• CIVL 6550 - Advanced Geoenvironmental Engineering Credit Hours: 3
• ENVE 4110 - Aqueous Geochemistry Credit Hours: 4
• ENVE 6110 - Advanced Groundwater Hydrology Credit Hours: 3
• ENVE 6140 - Stream Pollution Control Credit Hours: 3
• ENVE 6230 - Mathematical Modeling of Environmental Engineering Systems Credit Hours: 3

Additional Requirements

M.S. students and Ph.D. students in Civil Engineering are required to take CIVL 6900 Civil Engineering Graduate Seminar once. Course work only M.E. students are not required to take CIVL 6900. M.S. candidates in the environmental engineering discipline are also required to take additional courses in geochemistry and/or separations processes selected in consultation with his/her adviser.

Requirements

1. Nonrefundable application processing fee of $75.
2. Statement of Background and Goals
3. Resume or curriculum vitae.
4. Two letters of recommendation.
5. Writing samples, if required by department.
6. IT Background Evaluation form (IT only).
7. Copies of official test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE)
8. Copies of official transcripts and evidence of degrees earned, in English and in the native language, of all post-secondary education (including transcript keys)
9. Copy of your passport (international students only)
10. TOEFL score of 230 CBT/88 iBT/570 PBT (IELTS 6.5 or PTE 60)
11. GRE general test

Scholarships

Teaching Assistants

Students assist Rensselaer faculty in their classroom and laboratory activities, gaining valuable experience as researchers, scholars, and teachers. Departments provide stipends and full-tuition waivers. Master’s students may spend a maximum of one year with internal support; doctoral students may spend a maximum of two years with internal support. Continued support can then be provided by means of research assistantships.

Research Assistants

Students work with the faculty in research-related tasks that further the student’s own graduate career and development as a researcher, scholar, and professional. Research assistants are paid a stipend and are given a full waiver of tuition.

Graduate Fellowships

Outstanding students may be awarded a university-supported Rensselaer Graduate Fellowship Award, which carries a full-tuition and fees scholarship and a minimum stipend of $21,500 per academic year. Students are nominated by their departments for Rensselaer Graduate Fellowship consideration.

Graduate Education Program (Russia)

Selected GEP Scholarship students are eligible for a renewable scholarship in the amount of 1,38 mln. rubles per year. Students in science and engineering fields are eligible for GEP funding. For application details and deadlines, please visit http://educationglobal.ru/en/. Applicants must be admitted to Rensselaer prior to finalizing the application for the GEP program.

The Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of civil and environmental engineering. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure that is critical to society, including transportation systems, water supply and treatment facilities, environmental protection projects, and urban development. Students gain a solid foundation in fundamental engineering sciences such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics, combined with specialized coursework in areas like structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources, environmental engineering, and sustainability. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, incorporating laboratory work, design projects, and teamwork to develop competencies in problem-solving and innovation. Rensselaer’s strong focus on research and hands-on learning ensures that students are adept at applying engineering principles to real-world challenges. The program encourages students to participate in internships, co-op programs, and collaborative research with faculty to enhance their professional development. Graduates are prepared to pursue professional engineering licensure or advanced studies, such as master’s or doctoral degrees. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated laboratories and simulation environments, support a rigorous and engaging educational experience. The program also emphasizes sustainable engineering practices, aiming to promote environmentally responsible solutions to engineering problems. Career opportunities for graduates span a wide array of industries, including construction, consulting, government agencies, environmental firms, and urban planning organizations. Rensselaer’s alumni network and strong industry connections facilitate job placement and professional growth. Overall, the Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Rensselaer blends engineering fundamentals with innovative research, preparing students to become leaders in shaping resilient, sustainable infrastructure for the future.