Transportation Planning and Engineering

The Transportation Planning and Engineering program at New York University offers a comprehensive and in-depth education designed to prepare students for successful careers in the dynamic field of transportation systems. This interdisciplinary program combines principles of urban planning, civil engineering, and environmental sustainability to equip students with the skills necessary to address complex transportation challenges in modern cities and regions. Through rigorous coursework, students gain expertise in transportation modeling, traffic flow analysis, transit planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable transportation solutions. The program emphasizes the importance of integrating technological innovations, policy considerations, and environmental impacts into effective transportation planning and management. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, data analysis tools, and real-world projects that foster practical experience. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and industry professionals who bring a wealth of expertise and research opportunities to the classroom. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, enabling graduates to work effectively with government agencies, private sector companies, and community organizations. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for leadership roles in transportation planning agencies, consulting firms, transportation departments, and urban development authorities. They play a vital role in shaping sustainable, efficient, and accessible transportation networks that improve mobility, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the quality of urban life. Overall, NYU’s Transportation Planning and Engineering program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that students are ready to meet the transportation needs of the future with innovative and effective solutions.

To earn a PhD in Transportation Planning and Engineering at the School of Engineering, the following requirements must be met:

• 51 credits of graduate work (not including the PhD dissertation) in relevant major and minor areas of study beyond the bachelor’s degree, with an average grade of B or better (cumulative average of 3.0 or better on a 0-4 scale).
• Completion and successful defense of a 24-credit dissertation related to the major area of study. Dissertations must consist of original research that meaningfully advances the state-of-art in the subject area of the research and should result in the publication of at least 1 paper in a strictly peer-reviewed technical journal related to the subject. A grade of B or better must be achieved for the dissertation.
• Completion of 2 minor areas of study, each consisting of between 9 and 12 credits of graduate work. At least 1 minor area must be outside the transportation area.
• Residency requirements for the PhD in Transportation Planning and Engineering include the 24-credit dissertation, plus a minimum of 9 credits of applicable graduate course work taken at the School of Engineering.

In meeting the 51-credit course requirement, you must satisfy all requirements for the major and minor areas selected or their equivalent. In satisfying these basic PhD requirements, you must also meet 1 of 2 conditions:

• 39 credits of approved graduate coursework, not including individual guided studies (readings, projects, theses, etc.) beyond the bachelor’s degree, with an average grade of B or better (cumulative average of 3.0 or better on a 0-4 scale).
• 21 credits of related graduate coursework beyond the master’s degree, with an average grade of B or better (cumulative average of 3.0 or better on a 0-4 scale).

Satisfying condition 2 requires that the department accept your MS degree in totowithout regard to its specific content. This requires a recommendation from the department’s Graduate Committee and the approval of the department head.

Requirements

• Admission to this program requires an MS in Transportation Planning and Engineering or equivalent. Applicants from related backgrounds are encouraged to apply or to contact the faculty members to discuss their interests, whether they are in industrial engineering, operations research, electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, or economics.
• Application (online only)
• Application Fee of $75 (payable by major credit card only)
• Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement
• Résumé / Curriculum Vitae
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• One official transcript from each institution attended or attending 
• GRE / GMAT 
• English Language Proficiency Testing 
• International students who will require a J-1 or F-1 visa to study at NYU will need to apply for a new I-20 or transfer by submitting financial documentation after admission. Do not submit financial documents (including bank statements and affidavits of support) with your application. Instructions for applying for a new I-20 or transfer will follow your letter of admission (if applicable).

Scholarships

• Merit Scholarships
• Global Education
• International Student Loans
• Federal Work-Study and Student Employment

Transportation Planning and Engineering at New York University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills necessary to address complex transportation challenges in urban environments. The program focuses on developing expertise in transportation systems analysis, infrastructure design, and sustainable planning practices. Students learn about traffic flow theory, transportation data collection and analysis, and the application of planning tools to develop efficient and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The curriculum combines coursework in civil engineering, urban planning, and environmental science, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to transportation problems. Students have opportunities to engage in real-world projects through partnerships with city agencies and private sector organizations, providing practical experience in transportation planning, policy development, and infrastructure management. The program emphasizes the integration of new technologies such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions to enhance urban transportation networks. Graduates are prepared for careers in transportation consulting, infrastructure management, urban planning agencies, and research institutions. The program also offers advanced study paths, including tracks in transportation systems analysis, sustainable transportation, and policy development. With access to New York University's extensive research facilities and close proximity to New York City's diverse transportation environment, students gain valuable insights into urban transportation dynamics. The program aims to produce professionals capable of designing innovative, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems that meet the needs of growing urban populations.