Graduate Studies

Program Descriptions

Graduate programs leading to M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees are available in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Transportation Engineering. The selection of a graduate program and degree is based on student interest, the area of graduate concentration, and the satisfaction of prerequisites.

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

This 30-credit structured program of advanced study is aimed at preparing students for professional practice. Candidates for this degree in the Civil Engineering or Transportation Engineering discipline must have an accredited B.S. degree in engineering; in Environmental Engineering, a B.S. in the physical or natural sciences is also acceptable. There is no project or thesis requirement, but students may elect to do one, at either the three- or six-credit level, in consultation with their advisers.

Master of Science (M.S.)

This 30-credit research-oriented degree is open to students with undergraduate degrees in engineering or the physical or natural sciences. In addition to the satisfactory completion of an approved set of advanced courses, candidates for this degree must complete a six-credit thesis, which must provide documentation of an independent research-related effort and be approved by the student’s faculty adviser.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

This research degree includes the preparation of a dissertation that carefully documents the original contribution of the student’s research. The Ph.D. program consists of a total of 72 credit hours beyond the Bachelors degree, with a maximum of 30 credit hours for the dissertation and a minimum of 42 course credit hours.  If the student holds a Masters degree, 24 course credit hours can be applied towards the 42 course credit hours requirement.

In addition to the examination processes required of all Rensselaer doctoral students, Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering students working toward this degree must pass a qualifying examination.

Information Regarding Graduate Student Housing

College Suites at City Station is a new housing community built exclusively for Rensselaer graduate students and graduate-level affiliates. Developed to make locating and entering housing at Rensselaer a hassle-free process, College Suites is within walking distance of the campus and enjoys services such as the Rensselaer Red Hawk Shuttle, while remaining a private off-campus community at the same time.

Rensselaer also provides family housing through a partnership with College Suites at City Station South, which offers an atmosphere where residents with families can sit back and live, learn, and relax. Located just slightly off the southern edge of RPI's Troy campus, the College Suites offer beautiful, affordable apartments with all the comforts of home, as well as the convenience and quality of life residents need to focus on balancing their academic and home life!