Study Civil Engineering at Columbia University - where the subway was born and the future of New York City and beyond is engineered.
Our Department is a small but powerful nucleus of innovation and impact, where students, faculty, and alumni come together to advance the future of civil engineering. Our world-class BS, MS and PhD degree programs combine rigorous academic training with cutting-edge research and real-world application. Located in the heart of New York City, we provide unparalleled opportunities to engage with global infrastructure challenges, sustainable development, and advanced engineering technologies. Immersed in a living laboratory, our students learn how to apply engineering principles to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges. Together, we transform lives and societies, engineering solutions that endure and inspire.
At a Glance
Our Programs
Our Faculty
Our faculty are drawn from all corners of the globe, bringing Interdisciplinary perspectives and expertise to every aspect of our department and degree programs. Their groundbreaking research spans the full spectrum of civil engineering — from pioneering robotic construction techniques and developing sustainable 3D-printed concrete to deploying drones for advanced climate modeling and predicting Arctic wind patterns. United by a common purpose, they’re not only pushing the boundaries of engineering but also addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Together, their research and teaching is helping to build a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future for communities everywhere.
Alumni Spotlight
"I chose Columbia’s Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics Department for its prestigious reputation, great diversity, and NYC location. Their programs offer so much flexibility. As well as specialized Civil Engineering courses, you can take classes in other schools across Columbia, allowing you to craft your best academic and professional experiences. The industry exposure, research initiatives, and career events are exceptional and really help you to identify and shape your career."
-- Yu “Sabrina” Xiao, MS Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics - Construction Engineering and Management (2019), Project Controls Manager at AECOM