Applicants seeking admission into the Graduate Program in Civil Engineering, leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees administered by the Graduate School, should have a B.S. degree with adequate background in science, mathematics and engineering. In order to specialize in Structural Mechanics and Materials the B.S. degree should have emphasis in mechanics, structural engineering and materials. In order to specialize in Multi-modal Transportation Engineering, the B.S. degree should have imparted a basic background in transportation engineering. In order to specialize in Risk and Reliability Engineering, the B.S. degree should emphasize in one of the majors in engineering. 

Graduate Studies in Civil Engineering
 Civil Engineering Video LinkVanderbilt's Graduate Program in Civil Engineering has a long-standing record of excellence in both teaching and research in the specific areas of:
Multiscale/Multiphysics Characterization and Computational Mechanics of Materials & Structures
Long-term Performance & Chemo-mechanical Behavior of Cementitious Materials
Structural Health Monitoring, Damage Prognosis & Life Extension
Risk and Reliability Engineering & Management
Multimodal Transportation Systems Analysis
Geospatial Intelligence Methods & Applications
A new focus of study and research is the M. Eng. in Construction Management . This new program is popular with practicing engineers seeking construction management leadership roles in the industry. 
 APPLY NOW to Civil Engineering Graduate Programs
The Civil Engineering graduate program offers three types of graduate degrees.
Master of Science (M.S.)
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 
Applicants may apply directly for the Ph.D. degree; the M.S./Ph.D. degree; or  just the M.S. degree.  The M.S. degree has, however, two options: (a) Thesis option, and (b) Non-thesis option. The thesis option involves writing a thesis based on guided research work undertaken by the student.  The non-thesis option involves satisfaction of expanded coursework requirements and writing of a final project report.

A student becomes a candidate for the Ph.D. degree after passing the comprehensive and qualifying examinations. The Ph.D. degree requires the final defense of a dissertation based on the research work undertaken by the student.

The M.Eng.degree is targeted to professional engineers seeking management roles with specialization in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, or Transportation Engineering. The coursework requirements for this degree are similar to that for the M.S. degree with non-thesis option.  All the degrees require prescribed credit hours of coursework.  Refer to the Graduate School Course Catalog for course descriptions and specifics.