PhD in Civil Engineering - Transportation engineering in Denver United States | University of Colorado Denver

CU Denver provides two distinct pathways in its civil engineering PhD program: the doctor of philosophy in civil engineering serves as a specialized technical degree for students holding an undergraduate engineering background, while the doctor of philosophy in civil engineering systems offers greater flexibility for those with bachelor's degrees in fields like science, mathematics, or economics. This collaborative program is jointly managed with the University of Colorado Boulder.
The civil engineering systems doctoral track operates under unique guidelines compared to the four conventional doctoral programs, enabling more cross-disciplinary research opportunities. This pathway can serve as the natural progression after completing a master of engineering degree.
The CU Denver College of Engineering, Design and Computing delivers thorough engineering education across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Our faculty pursue research spanning five key disciplines: civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and computer science and engineering. Through partnerships with statewide industries, our labs and research initiatives provide students with practical experience crucial for professional success.
The university's transportation engineering program focuses on developing sustainable, fair, and robust transportation solutions, emphasizing road safety, active transportation, and public transit. Situated in downtown Denver, our campus serves as an urban research laboratory.
Our research methodology integrates empirical data analysis with sophisticated computational and theoretical techniques. By challenging conventional transportation assumptions, we seek deeper fundamental understanding through broader perspectives and recognition of transportation's inherent complexity beyond current design paradigms. This multidisciplinary approach aims to influence not just academic discourse but also real-world policies and practices.