Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering at Vanderbilt University offers a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure systems. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, complemented by practical experiences and research opportunities. Students will explore a variety of specialized areas including structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering. The Civil Engineering undergraduate program encourages critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and sustainable design practices to address the complex challenges faced by modern societies. Through hands-on laboratory work, collaborative projects, and internships, students gain valuable real-world experience and develop skills in analysis, communication, and teamwork. The faculty comprises distinguished researchers and practitioners dedicated to mentorship and fostering a vibrant academic environment. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce in government agencies, consulting firms, construction companies, or industry-leading corporations. Vanderbilt’s Civil Engineering program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and technological proficiency, ensuring graduates are prepared to contribute effectively to the development of resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure solutions worldwide.

During the first two semesters, M.S./Ph.D. students specializing in Structural Mechanics and Materials are required to take the following five core courses

• CE 301: Advanced Mechanics of Solids I
• CE 302: Advanced Mechanics of Solids II
• CE 307: Finite Element Analysis
• CE 309: Structural Dynamics and Control
• CE 310: Probabilistic Methods in Engineering Design

Optional courses offered by the specialty area are:

• CE 290: Reliability and Risk Case Studies
• CE 293: Advanced Structural Steel Design
• CE 294: Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design
• CE 295: Mechanics of Composite Materials
• CE 299: Special Topics (decided by need)
• CE 311: Engineering Design Optimization
• CE 313: Advanced Reliability Methods
• CE 317: Stability of Structures
• CE 318: Prestressed Concrete
• CE 325a-325c: Individual Study  (Topic as needed)
• CE 371a-371b: Reliability and Risk Engineering Seminar

Other graduate level courses offered by the parent or other department can be taken by the approval of the academic/research adviser.

M.S./Ph.D. students specializing in Multi-modal Transportation Engineering need to choose courses from the following list.

• CE 255: Transportation System Design
• CE 256: Urban Transportation Planning
• CE 257: Traffic Engineering
• CE 259: Geographic Information Systems
• CE 262: Intelligent Transportation Systems
• CE 290: Reliability and Risk Case Studies
• CE 310: Probabilistic Methods in Engineering Design
• CE 313: Advanced Reliability Methods
• CE 371a-371b: Reliability and Risk Engineering Seminar
• CE 351: Public Transportation Systems
• CE 353: Airport Planning and Design
• CE 355: Advanced transportation Design
• CE 356: Advanced Transportation Planning
• CE 357: Theory of Traffic Flow
• CE 359: Emerging Information Systems Applications
• CE 325a-325c: Individual Study (Topic as needed)
• CE 371a-371b: Reliability and Risk Engineering Seminar

Other graduate level courses offered by the parent or other departments can be taken by the approval of the academic/research advisor.

Requirements

• Scores on the GRE General Test are a part of the application to the Graduate School.  The department looks favorably at high verbal and quantitative scores at the 90th percentile or greater.  GRE scores are one of the many components of the overall admission decision.
• Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received their education at an English-speaking university must submit scores on the TOEFL.  International students should have a TOEFL score of not less than 570. Since four to six weeks are usually required for scores to reach the Graduate School, you should take the test no later than November 19 in order for the scores to arrive by January 15. 

Scholarships

Teaching Assistantships

• Financial support provided by department
• Main responsibility is to assist instructors
• Continuing support is contingent upon academic progress and positive evaluation
• Teaching assistantships are short-term support and priority is given to new incoming graduate students

Research Assistantships

• Financial support provided by individual faculty members through research grants
• Main responsibility is to assist faculty members with research project(s)
• Continuing support is contingent upon academic and research progress as well as availability of funds

The Vanderbilt University offers a comprehensive Civil Engineering program designed to prepare students for careers in infrastructure development, environmental engineering, structural analysis, transportation systems, and water resource management. The program emphasizes both theoretical fundamentals and practical applications, ensuring graduates are equipped to address real-world engineering challenges. Students undertake rigorous coursework in mathematics, physics, mechanics, fluid dynamics, and materials science, providing a solid foundation for specialized studies in civil engineering disciplines. The curriculum includes design projects, laboratory experiments, and opportunities for internships, fostering hands-on experience and industry connections. Vanderbilt's faculty comprises leading researchers and industry experts who engage students in cutting-edge research and innovative problem-solving. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning, integrating knowledge from environmental sciences, urban planning, and sustainable development, to promote sustainable engineering solutions. Students also have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers focused on construction materials, environmental assessment, and transportation infrastructure. The university's strategic location offers proximity to Nashville’s growing infrastructure projects, providing ample opportunities for fieldwork and industry collaboration. Graduates of the Civil Engineering program at Vanderbilt are well-prepared for professional licensure, advanced study, or entry into the workforce, contributing to the development and maintenance of essential civil infrastructure. The program fosters leadership, ethical responsibility, and lifelong learning, aligning with Vanderbilt's commitment to creating socially responsible engineers who serve the community.