Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science

Civil & Environmental Engineering MEng/MS/PhD | Program Details

Civil and Environmental Engineering graduate programs are designed to provide you with the technical and professional knowledge necessary to seek creative solutions to complex problems in your field of interest. These programs involve advanced courses in the areas of structural analysis and design, engineering and preservation of structures, transportation engineering, water resources, environmental engineering, and geotechnical engineering, as well as science and mathematics.

Master of Science (MS) Requirements

The Master of Science will provide you with the technical and professional knowledge necessary to develop your abilities and seek creative solutions to complex problems in your field of interest. You have the option to complete either a thesis or research project under the supervision of a faculty member.

Thesis OptionProject Option

A formal research project, which involves several terms of work, and culminates in a comprehensive master’s thesis that offers significant contributions to the field. Choose this option if you wish to get experience conducting research and dealing with an open-ended problem (this is the best option for you if you plan to pursue a doctorate).

  • 45 credits of coursework (Coursework may include up to 6 hours of CE 501 Research, CE 504 Internship, CE 505 Reading and Conference, or CE 506 Projects)
  • A research project that results in a master’s thesis
  • Final oral examination covering the thesis

A flexible project, that will be tailored to your interests and involves conducting basic research and spending time working on a complex problem.

  • 45 credits of coursework (including four CE 501 Research credit hours on a research project that produces a report and a technical presentation and up to 8 hours of CE 504 Internship, CE 505 Reading and Conference, or CE 506 Projects)

Master of Engineering (MEng) Requirements

The Master of Engineering is a non-research-based professional degree. You may enroll full- or part-time while working in the engineering field and complete an advanced degree without a thesis/project requirement.

Coursework

A total of 48 graduate credits are required for the MEng program. Coursework may include up to 8 credits of CE 501 Research, CE 505 Reading and Conference, or CE 506 Projects.

Transportation Graduate Certificate Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Transportation is a 21-credit program designed to build the technical and analytical knowledge of those who are in or wish to enter the transportation field. This program could be completed in a single year on a full-time basis, or over two years on a part-time basis. The certificate includes courses from the Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Credits taken as part of this certificate program may be used to satisfy partial Master of Science degree requirements in either program.

Doctorate (PhD) Requirements

The doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering is a research-focused, full-time doctoral degree program designed for technical experts to explore challenges related to enhancing infrastructure and the environment. You learn about and conduct research and solve technical problems that have an impact both regionally and globally. You will choose one of five engineering specializations, culminating in a written dissertation representing an original contribution to knowledge in the field that significantly enlarges, modifies, or reinterprets what was previously known. You will work closely with your advisor, but PhD research is an original, independent investigation of the chosen research topic.

The program consists of the following:

  1. Credit Requirements. Minimum of 51 credits (coursework and dissertation credits) beyond the MS degree.
    1. Total Credits: Complete 24 credits or approved coursework is required which may include up to 8 credits of CE 601/604/605/606.
    2. Dissertation Credits: Complete 27 credit hours of dissertation credit (CE 603) leading to the completion of a doctoral dissertation.
  2. Meet the University's doctoral residency requirement. Review the University’s requirement for satisfying the doctoral residency requirement for a doctoral degree program to determine how you’ll satisfy the requirement.
  3. Completion of a Comprehensive Exam. Demonstrate mastery of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Field through the comprehensive exam.
  4. Select Dissertation Committee. Appoint a dissertation committee.
  5. Dissertation Proposal Defense for Advancement. Develop your dissertation proposal and get approval by the PhD committee, approval results in PhD candidacy.
  6. Defense of the dissertation. Present and pass the final oral dissertation defense.
  7. Publication of the accepted thesis. Submit the written dissertation in compliance with University guidelines and deadlines.

Doctorate in Civil & Environmental Engineering Specializations

You will focus on essential technical and non-technicals skills to examine, model, maintain, and manage existing structures and infrastructure. Research topics include non-destructive testing, structural health monitoring, numerical modeling, condition assessment, load rating, service-life modeling, strengthening and repair, and asset management of civil infrastructure. Non-technical aspects such as social and historic significance of structures, equity, sustainability, and resilience are also discussed. Graduates from this program can pursue rewarding careers in both the private and public sectors, addressing the growing demand for experts in preserving and enhancing our built environment.

Through an immersive 45-credit program, you will learn how to use state-of-the-art engineering techniques to examine, model, repair, rehabilitate, and manage existing structures. As a graduate of EPES you will gain a competitive edge in a rapidly growing field, opening doors to diverse and fulfilling career opportunities. Whether you aspire to work in private, public, or consultancy roles, we are ready and excited to help you achieve your goals.

Research Faculty

FacultyResearch Areas
Peter DusickaEarthquake resistance and retrofit of bridges, seismic assessment of high voltage infrastructure, strength assessment of green building systems, design strategies for rapid occupancy following extreme events.
Arash KhosravifarGeotechnical earthquake engineering, soil liquefaction, geotechnical numerical and physical modeling, soil-structure interaction (SSI), probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and ground motions
Diane MougGeotechnical earthquake engineering, in-situ testing, numerical modeling, soil constitutive modeling, characterization of unique or problematic soils
Thomas SchumacherNovel sensing methodologies for non-destructive testing (NDT) and structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure, i.e. acoustic emission and ultrasonic monitoring, carbon nanotube-based composites, and video-based monitoring.
David YangRisk management and resilience assessment under disaster and climate change, decision-making under uncertainty, and life-cycle management of civil infrastructure.

Research Facilities

  • Geotechnical Design Laboratory (EB 260): A combined seminar, teaching, and research space, including a geotechnical dedicated PC computer lab, a geotechnical library, and equipment for liquefaction susceptibility and cyclic behavior of these soils.
  • In Situ Testing Laboratory (EB 265): Prep space for field research and in-situ testing and analysis.
  • Soil Mechanics Laboratory (EB 270): Additional space for graduate student geotechnical research primarily conducted in EB 260.
  • Concrete & Structural Research Laboratory: Used in conjunction with the iSTAR Lab for testing of structural laboratory specimens; primarily graduate student research centering on materials, including the containment of various equipment used to mix, pour, and test concrete.
  • Infrastructure Materials Lab (EB 370): Housing a servo-controlled UTM (Universal Testing Machine) along with non-contact laser extensometers, this lab is capable of evaluating the fundamental properties of various materials.
  • Infrastructure Testing and Applied Research (iSTAR) Laboratory (SRTC B2-42): The iSTAR Lab's mission is to enhance the knowledge of the engineering community by providing information about structures and structural elements; to that end, this lab is a hub for undergraduate, graduate, and faculty structural engineering research. Lab capabilities include static, dynamic and cyclic testing, and the availability of analytical analysis utilizing computer generated models and customized computer programming.
  • Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Laboratory (SRTC B2-32): Non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring, sensors and instrumentation, and structural evaluation. Includes a bank of dedicated PCs for graduate students

This specialization provides a wide range of research avenues, allowing students to explore various aspects of environmental and water resources engineering. Research focuses on addressing pressing issues like water quality in surface water and groundwater systems, sustainability,  the interactions between climate, hydrology, and water resources,  and the impact of vegetation on water, carbon, and energy fluxes between the land surface and atmosphere.

At PSU, we have core strength in environmental and water resources engineering. Our faculty have diverse interests in the field and conduct research in many areas described in the table below. In addition, faculty direct the following key labs:

Research Faculty

FacultyResearch Areas
Peyman AbbaszadehComputational hydrology and satellite data assimilation, studying the surface and subsurface hydrologic processes and their interactions to improve the predictability of extreme hydroclimate events under climate change.
Samantha HartzellEcohydrology, modeling the impact of vegetation on water, carbon, and energy fluxes between the land surface and atmosphere, sustainable agriculture in dryland ecosystems.
Gwynn JohnsonGroundwater hydrology, subsurface contaminant transport and fate, and environmental chemistry.
Wentai LuoFate and transport of organic contaminants in environment, chemistry of tobacco and tobacco smoke, measurement of volatile organic compounds emission from industrial activities, consumer products, and biogenic sources, flavor chemicals and their impacts.
James PankowDesign of autonomous water samplers for surface waters, gas/particle (G/P) partitioning, air quality model development, chemistry of tobacco products.
Scott WellsSurface water quality and hydrodynamic modeling, fluid particle dynamics.

Research Facilities

Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Laboratory (EB 130): Fluid mechanics, hydraulics, and environmental flow work.

  • Water Quality Laboratory (EB 210): Wet-chemistry in the study of toxins in the environment.
  • Water Quality Research Group Laboratory (EB 220): Water quality and hydrodynamic modeling of rivers, lakes, reservoirs and estuaries. Project sponsors include NSF, EPA, OR DEQ, Idaho DEQ, Washington Ecology. Development of open source software for modeling with funding from the Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiments Station.
  • Rainwater Lab (EB 225): Process rainwater captured on EB roof to be used in first floor restrooms.
  • Air Quality Modeling Laboratory (EB 230): Modeling laboratory.
    Ecohydrology Lab (EB 275): Ecohydrology, plant carbon and water fluxes, green infrastructure measurement and modeling.
  • Fluvial, Oceanic, and Water-level Sciences (FLOWS) Laboratory (EB 280): Fluid mechanical research on the impact of the Columbia River plume on oceanic dynamics as they relate to tides, fish migration up the Columbia, and impacts of dams and dikes on fish habitat in the lower Columbia River.
  • Containment Transport and Chemistry Laboratory (EB 285): Wet-chemistry in the study of toxins in the environment.
  • Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory for Environmental Chemical Analysis (EB 490): Aerosol, air quality, and chemistry testing.

Students in this specialization have the opportunity to engage in various research topics related to geotechnical earthquake engineering including soil liquefaction, numerical modeling, soil-structure interaction, and seismic hazard analysis. The program also focuses on laboratory and in-situ testing and soil constitutive modeling, offering a comprehensive study of geotechnical aspects related to earthquake engineering.

Research Faculty

FacultyResearch Areas
Arash KhosravifarGeotechnical earthquake engineering, soil liquefaction, geotechnical numerical and physical modeling, soil-structure interaction (SSI), probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and ground motions
Diane MougGeotechnical earthquake engineering, in-situ testing, numerical modeling, soil constitutive modeling, characterization of unique or problematic soils

Research Facilities

  • Geotechnical Design Laboratory (EB 260): A combined seminar, teaching, and research space, including a geotechnical dedicated PC computer lab, a geotechnical library, and equipment for liquefaction susceptibility and cyclic behavior of these soils.
  • Insitu Testing Laboratory (EB 265): Prep space for field research and in situ testing and analysis.
  • Soil Mechanics Laboratory (EB 270): Additional space for graduate student geotechnical research primarily conducted in EB 260.

At PSU, we are doing exciting research in bridge engineering, sensing and monitoring, earthquake engineering and sustainable structures. CEE faculty have organized their research around the infrastructure Testing and Applied Research (iSTAR) Laboratory, where faculty and students focus on the effects of extreme loads on our infrastructure, the utilization of innovative materials, and the non-destructive testing and monitoring of structural system before, during, and after a disaster.

This specialization gives students the opportunity to learn about the analysis and design of new structures using advanced analytical methods and the latest design codes and standards. Topics include analysis and design of structures made of concrete, steel, and timber, bridge design, earthquake-design and retrofitting. Research includes earthquake-resistant design, high-voltage infrastructure seismic assessment, and green building design. This specialization also covers non-destructive testing,  innovative sensing for structural health monitoring, risk management, resilience assessment, and civil infrastructure life-cycle management, providing a complete and modern view of structural engineering.

Research Faculty

FacultyResearch Areas
Peter DusickaEarthquake resistance and retrofit of bridges, seismic assessment of high voltage infrastructure, strength assessment of green building systems, design strategies for rapid occupancy following extreme events.
Thomas SchumacherNovel sensing methodologies for non-destructive testing (NDT) and structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure, i.e. acoustic emission and ultrasonic monitoring, carbon nanotube-based composites, and video-based monitoring.
David YangRisk management and resilience assessment under disaster and climate change, decision-making under uncertainty, and life-cycle management of civil infrastructure.

Research Facilities

  • Structural Materials Laboratory Lab (EB 130B): Used in conjunction with the iSTAR Lab for testing of structural laboratory specimens; primarily graduate student research centering on materials, including the containment of various equipment used to mix, pour, and test concrete.
  • Infrastructure Materials Lab (EB 370): Housing a servo-controlled UTM (Universal Testing Machine) along with non-contact laser extensometers, this lab is capable of evaluating the fundamental properties of various materials.
  • infrastructure Testing and Applied Research (iSTAR) Lab (SRTC B2-42): The iSTAR Lab's mission is to enhance the knowledge of the engineering community by providing information about structures and structural elements; to that end, this lab is a hub for undergraduate, graduate, and faculty structural engineering research. Lab capabilities include static, dynamic and cyclic testing, and the availability of analytical analysis utilizing computer generated models and customized computer programming. 
  • Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Lab (SRTC B2-32): Non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring, sensors and instrumentation, and structural evaluation. Includes a bank of dedicated PCs for graduate students.

At PSU, there is incredible energy and activity surrounding transportation research. CEE faculty participate in the campus-level research center TREC, the Transportation Research and Education Center for Portland State University, which in turn houses NITC, the National Institute for Transportation and Communities, one of only a small handful of National University Transportation Centers funded by the USDOT.

Transportation Technology and People Lab: The TTP Lab applies advanced modeling and data analysis techniques to improve multi-modal transportation systems. The group also designed ORcycle, a smartphone app that collects bicycle route and infrastructure data for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

In the transportation specialization, you will focus on data analysis, design approaches, and cutting-edge modeling techniques to shape smart cities. Students can explore research areas related to big transportation data, connected and autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, emissions and sustainability, equity, freight and logistics, and safety. This specialization is ideal for those passionate about advancing smart, sustainable, and efficient transportation and logistics systems.

Research Faculty

FacultyResearch Areas
Jason AndersonTransportation safety modeling, spatial econometrics and statistics, big data analysis focusing on various concepts such as traffic flow, travel time, freight commodity analyses, methodological approaches. Interests also include merging technologies and data fusion techniques as they pertain to smart vehicles, infrastructure, cities, and safety impacts.
Tanmoy BhowmikAdvanced econometric modeling, transportation planning and demand analysis, transportation safety analysis, disaster management and evacuation behaviour analysis, adoption of emerging technologies (electric and connected vehicles) and their impacts on land use, public health and transportation energy.
Miguel FigliozziElectric vehicles and new vehicle technologies, emissions and air quality modeling, freight and logistics, innovations in traffic and transportation management and operations, non-motorized transportation. Director of the Transportation, Technology, and People Lab.
Srisha KothuriMultimodal traffic operations, bicycle and pedestrian counting, multimodal safety, data archival for non-motorized transportation data
Christopher MonsereMultimodal transportation safety, management and dissemination of large transportation data, improvements in transportation operations.

Research Facility

Transportation Research Labs (EB 385, 390): A combined seminar, teaching, and research spaces that house a dedicated PC computer lab for graduate student researchers. These labs contain state-of-the-practice software in travel simulation, geographic and spatial analysis, travel demand, and statistical analysis software that allow study and analysis of large scale systems; as well as access to Portland’s extensive GIS data in the Regional Land Information Service (RLIS).

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