Civil Engineering Graduate Programs

Civil engineering is a broad-based discipline that encompasses many specialties in the areas of structural engineering and mechanics, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, and transportation engineering. By careful selection of courses, a student can tailor a program to meet his/her interests and needs.

Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics
Graduate study and research in structural engineering and structural mechanics includes static and dynamic analysis of linear and nonlinear structures including modal analysis, the behavior of structural materials, and the design of structural systems in concrete and steel. The curriculum provides a strong basis for advanced work in professional practice, research, and teaching. Graduates of the CME program have gone on to very successful careers in private consulting or construction firms, industrial and governmental research laboratories, and in universities. Education in structural engineering and structural mechanics at UIC addresses both current and potential problems. Research is focused on the failure process of concrete structures; bridge rehabilitation and rating; linear and nonlinear finite element analysis; structural dynamics and seismic response of structures; concrete fracture, damage, and creep; microstructures of materials; and other related areas.

Environmental Engineering
Our faculty's research and teaching interests extend beyond traditional engineering bounds such as: surface and groundwater hydrology and hydraulics; evaporation and other interactions between the land surface and the atmosphere; groundwater contamination and transport; geoscience aspects of waste disposal; management of stored and spilled hazardous waste; and other environmental science and water resources problems. Faculty members from several other UIC departments such as Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Geology, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, and Mathematics, have interests in related areas. By utilizing various faculty's expertise, the CME Department is able to offer participating students the opportunity to concentrate in a wide variety of topics within the water resources/environmental engineering field.

Geotechnical Engineering
Graduate study in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering offered at UIC encompasses classical geotechnical engineering (analyzing and designing foundations, retaining structures, and underground structures), as well as environmental geotechnics (designing waste containment systems and performing remediation studies). The research interests of the faculty address a variety of subjects including environmental geotechnics (e.g. the characterization, containment, remediation, and performance of contaminated materials), earthquake engineering, pavement analysis, and geomechanics.