Graduate degree specializations offered include computational mechanics, geotechnical engineering, infrastructure engineering, mechanics of composite materials and structures, structural engineering, and transportation engineering. The M.Eng. program is a nonthesis degree intended for professional practice. A student with an accredited B.S. or its equivalent can typically complete this degree in one year. Degree requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Engineering are determined on an individual basis according to the background and interests of the candidate and faculty adviser suggestions. Master's programs consist of 30 credits of required and elective courses, including a thesis or project.
Students select an area of specialization in consultation with advisers.
Research Facilities Graduate students are an integral part of all research programs at Rensselaer. They participate in research on a wide range of projects. The mechanics of composite materials and structures program at Rensselaer has the benefit of two dedicated composite materials laboratories. The scientific computation research center operates a parallel computer and a UNIX workstation environment with common file servers. The cyclic soils laboratory has conducted significant research for more than fifteen years in the areas of earthquake engineering and soil dynamics.