Graduate Programs
Overview
Civil engineering today is a dynamic, complex, and technologically sophisticated field. Powerful computational methods and high-strength materials have offered new opportunities and new challenges. As a graduate student in the department, you will collaborate with faculty members who are world-renowned leaders in their fields and contribute to research that has a tremendous impact on society. Our research is focused on three fundamental areas: Mechanics of Materials, Structures, and Systems. Current projects include fracture and fatigue in materials and structural systems, earthquake engineering, and applying systems approaches to improving patient flow in hospitals.
Hear About Our Programs from Faculty and Students
Programs Offered by the Department
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Our PhD program aims to inspire the leaders of tomorrow to take on the challenge of creating and sustaining the built environment that underpins our society. Focal research areas in the department include structural engineering, structural mechanics, probabilistic methods, hazards management, and systems engineering.
The small size of the department fosters a collegial, close-knit relationship between the students, staff, and faculty, while our partnerships with the Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Applied Mathematics & Statistics, Departments of Environmental Health and Engineering, Emergency Medicine, Public Health, and other John Hopkins groups provide a wide range of opportunities that surpasses those of much larger programs.
Students graduate from the program with a sense of the responsibility that the civil engineering profession accepts for applying the principles of engineering sciences for the betterment of the built environment and society. Its graduates have an appreciation of professional ethics and the value of service to their profession and society through participation in technical activities, and in community, state and national organizations.
Both undergraduates and masters students are encouraged to apply to the PhD program. Research Fellowships for Incoming PhD Students are Available!
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The program develops a sound understanding of the scientific principles upon which engineering research and practice are based. Different aspects of learning are integrated through classroom, laboratory instruction, and independent study experiences. Graduates of the program possess critical thinking skills, the ability for both independent and team problem-solving, and a sense of the excitement of engineering creativity and design. The program also develops communication skills necessary for its graduates to function in teams and to deal with other professions in public and private arenas. Its progressive education furthers student understanding of the context in which engineering is practiced in modern society. Thus, the program educates leaders for tomorrow, providing the tools and perspectives for a lifetime of learning, opportunities, and professional advancement.
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The Johns Hopkins University traditionally has a number of postdoctoral fellows. Fellows conduct research under the sponsorship of one or more faculty members in the department.
Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program
The department offers combined bachelor’s/master’s degrees. For students who are admitted to this program, the two degrees typically require five years total to complete. For these students, there is an automatic tuition waiver of 50% after the first eight semesters of undergraduate work.
One program combines a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) in Civil Engineering. The other option combines a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a Master of Science in Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.). Applications for the M.S.E.M. Program should be submitted through the M.S.E.M. website at msem.engineering.jhu.edu.
Students who enroll in the combined Bachelor’s/Master’s program or pursue a master’s degree after having earned a the B.S. in Civil Engineering at Hopkins may double-count one (1) advanced course (400-level or higher) towards the master’s degrees with the permission of the master’s faculty advisor. More detail on the WSE double-counting policy can be found here.
Applications to the combined Bachelor’s/Master’s program should be submitted in the fall or spring of the junior year, but no later than June 15th BEFORE your senior year. However, students are encouraged to discuss interest in the combined program with their advisor during the junior year to make sure they are well positioned to gain maximum benefit from the program. Note that letters of recommendation, GRE, and/or Toefl scores are not required from current JHU undergraduates applying to this program.
What are the advantages?
- Shorter time to degree for a Master’s program – 5 years as opposed to the typical 6 year completion.
- Specialized training and mentorship. Improved job placement after graduation.
- More information on this program can be found on our MSE Requirements webpage.
Get Involved
While engineering is a lot of hard work, our students also like to relax! The Civil Engineering Graduate Association (CEGA) provides academic support, off-campus gatherings and activities, and on-campus team building events. Click here to learn more.
