The mission of the graduate degree program in civil engineering is to educate students in the Jesuit tradition of ethics-based education who are competent in their technical field; who appreciate the moral and ethical impact of their professional work and continue their professional development throughout their careers; who will advance the state of technical and scientific knowledge through research; who will provide service to their civic and professional communities; and who will contribute sustainable and economic solutions to global challenges in the fields of construction engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, structural engineering and structural mechanics, and transportation engineering.
A variety of graduate programs is available, each tailored to meet the interests and needs of the individual student. A complete description of the graduate program including course offerings, application requirements, and degree requirements can be found in the Marquette University Graduate Bulletin. A synopsis of the degree programs offered in the department is provided below.
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Specializations
The department’s graduate degree programs include master's and doctoral degree specializations in:
- Construction Engineering
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
- Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics
- Transportation Engineering and Materials
Students pursuing the master of science degree may select one of two different options: Thesis Option and Course Work Option.
The thesis option includes 24 credits of course work plus six MS thesis credits (30 total). The thesis option involves an in-depth independent research experience in which the details are reported in the thesis. The thesis represents an original research contribution to the field and includes a presentation (defense) of the work conducted.
The course work option includes 30 credits of course work and does not require that the student submit a written document. This option includes a comprehensive examination upon completion of coursework and is attractive to those individuals who wish to obtain additional depth and breadth in one or more technical areas.
Marquette University Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering graduates completing the master of science (MS) degree will have demonstrated:
- technical proficiency in analytical knowledge and skills in at least one of the specialty areas of civil engineering;
- understanding of the underlying assumptions in analysis/design, the limitations of engineering methods/techniques, and the broader context of the knowledge required;
- an ability to solve complex engineering problems by integrating and applying a variety of advanced subject material (and the ability to conduct MS-level research for those students completing the MS degree under the thesis option).
- an ability to clearly communicate MS-level understanding of subject material (and MS-level research for those students completing the MS degree under the thesis option).
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Students pursuing the doctor of philosophy degree must complete 45 credits of course work beyond bachelor's degree (or 24 credits beyond the M.S. in most cases) and complete 12 dissertation credits.
The doctoral degree involves course work in the student's area of interest and in related areas. Moreover, a doctoral dissertation must be written and a public presentation (defense) of the work conducted is made. The doctoral dissertation represents the culmination of an original, significant research investigation and contribution to the body of knowledge.
Marquette University Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering graduates completing the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree will have demonstrated:
- technical proficiency in analytical knowledge and skills in at least one of the specialty areas of civil engineering;
- understanding of the underlying assumptions in analysis/design, the limitations of engineering methods/techniques, and the broader context of the knowledge required;
- an ability to solve complex engineering problems by integrating and applying a variety of advanced subject material;
- an ability to conduct independent, original research at a level appropriate for the doctoral degree.
- an ability to clearly communicate PhD-level research
