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Under the direction of Asst. Professor Hussain Bahia—at far right—the Asphalt Pavement Research Program is a leader in evaluating and refining modern asphalt testing systems. (large image)
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| Degree Requirements |
Under the direction of Asst. Professor Hussain Bahia—at far right—the Asphalt Pavement Research Program is a leader in evaluating and refining modern asphalt testing systems. (large image) |
The department offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in civil and environmental engineering. The master's program emphasizes the enhancement of professional knowledge and skills, including research techniques. The doctorate is a research degree emphasizing more extensive and original approaches to problem solving. Students may work directly toward the doctorate, but must earn a master's degree first.
Incoming CEE graduate students are assigned a temporary advisor to help plan their programs until their major professor is determined. Major professors are assigned based on faculty and student interests, funding and other commitments.
Associate Professor Awad Hanna (right) and student design team member Bob Endres(left) survey a site for a recreational bridge in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. (large image) |
Master's degree candidates choose from two options for their program of study: the thesis option (Option A), or the advanced independent study option (Option B). Students who do not have a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, or from a recognized international institution, may pursue a third master's degree option (Option C). Selection of a master’s program is dependent upon the educational objectives of the candidate.
Option A — Thesis Option: Each area of CEE has different minimum credit requirements for the MS thesis option. Students should consult with their faculty advisor(s) to ensure that they are in compliance with the appropriate credit requirements for their area. In general, this option requires a minimum of 24 credits of graduate work, including at least 16 credits of graduate-level coursework and a thesis (CEE 790) worth at least 5 credits. Students who wish to do advanced work and research in a well-defined area of specialization are encouraged to pursue this program. A faculty committee will conduct a final examination on the thesis research.
Option B — Advanced Independent Study Option: Each area of CEE has different minimum credit requirements for the MS advanced independent study option. Students should consult with their faculty advisor(s) to ensure that they are in compliance with the appropriate credit requirements for their area. In general, this option requires a minimum of 30 credits of graduate work, including at least 21 credits of graduate-level coursework and an advanced independent study project (CEE 999) worth at least 3 credits. The student’s written report based on his or her advanced independent study project does not have to meet the UW-Madison Graduate School requirements for a thesis, but has to show independent thinking by the student. Projects may include design, synthesis, engineering practice, or research elements and must result in an engineering report. A faculty committee will conduct a final examination on the advanced independent study.
Option C — Master’s Option for Students without Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees: This program is designed for students without engineering bachelor’s degrees. To initially become eligible for this program, applicants must meet these requirements, some of which may be completed as deficiencies after admission. As a general rule, students with more than 12 credits in deficiencies are not admitted to the program. Rather, they are encouraged to enroll as special students until more of their deficiencies are satisfied.
All plans of study within this option must be approved by the Associate Chair of Graduate Programs. This program requires a minimum of 40 graduate-level credits and offers thesis (CEE 790) and advanced independent study (CEE 999) options. A faculty committee will conduct a final examination on the thesis research or advanced independent study.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is the highest degree conferred by the University. It is a research degree and is never conferred solely as a result of any prescribed period of study, no matter how faithful. The degree is only granted on evidence of general proficiency, distinctive attainment in a special field, and, particularly, the ability for independent investigation as demonstrated in a dissertation presenting original research or creative scholarship with a high degree of literary skill. Students should consult their faculty advisors and the members of their committees about improving technical writing and presentation abilities through formal courses or other methods.
Basic requirements for a Ph.D. degree in civil and environmental engineering include: (1) Ph.D. Major Coursework; (2) Qualifying Examination; (3) Ph.D. Minor Coursework; (4) Preliminary Examination; (5) Dissertation Research; and (6) Final Oral Examination.
Major Coursework: The academic program for each doctoral student is planned on an individual basis. Advanced coursework in a major area of civil and environmental engineering is required.
Qualifying Examination: CEE faculty in a student’s area of research determines the coursework needed for a student to prepare for the qualifying examination. The qualifying exam is usually given after one year of graduate study beyond the M. S. degree. However, the student must consult with their advisor and/or the exam coordinator in the major area of study for the schedule and specific procedures. A signature form, verifying that a student has passed the qualifying exam, must be signed by the student’s advisor and returned to the staff in the CEE/ECE/GLE Student Services Office (2304a Engineering Hall).
Minor Coursework: The purpose of the minor is to add breadth to a Ph.D. major. Monitoring the course content and credit requirements for Ph.D. minors is the responsibility of the minor department/program. Major departments/programs are responsible for indicating the expected minor (either Option A or B, see below) at the time of the preliminary warrant request. A Ph.D. minor proposal form, available online, must be approved before, or by the time, the student has completed 6 of the total credits for the minor.
Option A (External): Requires a minimum of 10 credits in a single department/program. Selection of this option requires the approval of the minor department/program.
Option B (Distributed): Requires a minimum of 10 credits in one or more departments/programs and can include course work in the major department/program. Selection of this option requires the approval of the major department/program.
The Graduate School’s minimum course requirements for the Ph.D. minor include:
Preliminary Examination: The preliminary examination may be taken only after approval of the minor proposal (see Section 4.7.4) and must be taken at least two semesters prior to graduation. This oral examination is based upon a written proposal and a detailed plan to carry out the Ph.D. dissertation. Students must consult with their advisor for specific details of the requirements for the preliminary examination. The student’s preliminary examination committee consists of at least four faculty members of which at least three must be from the CEE department. One member is usually from the minor department or area. The preliminary examination committee typically becomes the student’s final oral examination committee.
The preliminary exam warrant must be requested at least three weeks before the proposed exam date. Exam warrants can be obtained and should be turned into the staff in the CEE/ECE/GLE Student Services Office (2304a Engineering Hall). An approval form is available online where the student may check off the completion of the above requirements. The student must attach a current transcript (an unofficial transcript is acceptable) along with this approval form. Upon completing 32 weeks of residence (equivalent to four semesters with a minimum of eight credits taken in each semester), the preliminary examination, and the minor, a student is eligible to become a dissertator. Students must take their preliminary exam at least two semesters before their final defense.
Dissertation Research: Attainment of a Ph.D. degree requires the preparation of a dissertation on a research topic selected by common agreement between the student and the advisor. Once a research project is selected, the student must choose their final oral exam committee (typically their preliminary examination committee). The final oral exam committee consists of four faculty members (besides the student's advisor) in the area of specialization of the student. At least one, but no more than two members of the committee shall be from outside the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
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Copyright 2008 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Date last modified: 18-Jul-2008 Date created: 10-Jul-2000 Content by: cee@engr.wisc.edu Accessibility Web services Thank you for visiting http://www.engr.wisc.edu/cee/prospective/grad/degrees.html |
