Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Princeton University offers students a comprehensive education in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure systems essential to modern society. The program integrates principles of engineering, science, and sustainability to prepare graduates for leadership roles in building resilient communities and protecting the environment. Students explore a wide range of topics, including structural engineering, transportation, water resources, environmental systems, geotechnical engineering, construction management, and environmental policy. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework, laboratory experiences, and research opportunities to foster both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and interdisciplinary projects, encouraging innovative problem-solving approaches to real-world challenges. The program emphasizes sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of designing infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact and promotes resource efficiency. Academic advising and mentorship are integral components, supporting students in tailoring their education to their interests and career goals. Many graduates pursue careers in consulting, government agencies, research institutions, and industry, contributing to infrastructure resilience, environmental protection, and technological advancement. The program also offers opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad programs, enriching the educational experience and preparing students for global challenges. With a faculty renowned for their research and expertise in civil and environmental engineering, students benefit from mentorship that inspires innovation and excellence. Graduates of the program are equipped not only with strong technical skills but also with a commitment to ethical practices and sustainable development, ensuring they can make meaningful contributions to society and the environment.

Courses:

The plan of study for the first year is arranged by the student, in consultation with the adviser and the department’s director of graduate studies. A typical plan consists of eight courses, one being CEE 509, which is a required research course. Near the end of the first year, a student who wishes to continue as a Ph.D. candidate declares this intention to the department. The mathematics/computational methods requirement is meant to provide a strong foundational education. The requirement may be fulfilled by courses in calculus, probability, statistics and numerical methods. The courses are normally at the 500-level, but upon approval, an upper class undergraduate course may be used.

Mathematical/Computational methods requirement courses are subject to the approval of the student's program. Students should consult with the departmental director of graduate studies or their program director if they have questions regarding the appropriateness of a particular course.

General Exam:

Students are expected to complete the general examination successfully within the first two years of their Ph.D. studies. Students are not normally readmitted to a third year (fifth term) of graduate study unless they have successfully completed the general examination. In no case are students admitted to a fourth year (seventh term) of graduate study unless they have passed the general examination. The specific requirements for the examination are different in the two programs, and students should consult with the department for details about the examination requirements.

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully completes the general examination.  It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met.

Teaching:

Teaching experience is considered to be a significant part of the graduate education. It is recommended that Ph.D. candidates assist with course instruction for at least one term.

Post-Generals Requirement(s):

Yearly Meetings with Research Committee

Upon completion of the general examination, the student must have a research committee consisting of the adviser and two or more additional members in place. The research committee meets with the candidate at least once per year to supervise his or her research.

Dissertation and FPO:

Upon completion and acceptance of the dissertation by the department, the candidate is admitted to the final public oral examination, in which the dissertation is presented and defended by the candidate.

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the final public oral examination sustained.

• Application Fee: $90
• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• GRE : General test
• Applicants are required to select a subplan when applying.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

For Ph.D. candidates, tuition and fees during a student’s regular period of enrollment are provided in full from a student’s graduate student financial support, in the form of tuition support from fellowships, assistantships, or external sources.

The annual stipend amount provided to Ph.D. candidates during their regular enrollment is intended to support a single graduate student based on estimated costs. Master’s students or students with spouses and/or dependents may require additional resources to support their living expenses 

The Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Princeton University offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamental principles and practical applications of civil and environmental engineering. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure essential to modern society, including transportation systems, water resources, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Students engage in a blend of theoretical coursework, laboratory experiments, and real-world projects, fostering a deep understanding of structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, and construction management. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, integrating aspects of engineering science, environmental science, economics, and policy to equip graduates with the skills necessary to address complex societal challenges.

Research opportunities are abundant at Princeton, with students collaborating with faculty on innovative projects related to infrastructure resilience, climate change adaptation, water supply management, and sustainable urban development. The program's faculty members are experts in their fields, frequently publishing influential research and contributing to advancements in engineering practices. Additionally, students benefit from Princeton’s state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories for materials testing, environmental analysis, and structural engineering. The program also stresses the importance of leadership and communication skills, preparing students to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and to communicate technical information clearly to stakeholders and policymakers.

Students are encouraged to participate in internships, co-op programs, and study abroad experiences that enhance their practical understanding of civil and environmental engineering in diverse contexts. The program culminates in a capstone project, where students apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems, often in collaboration with industry partners or government agencies. Graduates from Princeton’s Civil and Environmental Engineering program are highly regarded in academia, industry, and government, often pursuing advanced degrees or leading projects that impact community development, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience worldwide.

The department actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. Through various mentorship programs, seminars, and outreach activities, students are supported throughout their academic journey and into their professional careers. Overall, Princeton’s Civil and Environmental Engineering program aims to produce innovative, ethical, and socially responsible engineers who will contribute to building a sustainable and resilient future.