Dual Degree Master's Program
Civil Engineering Dual Degree with University College Dublin
Earn two degrees. Study in two cities.
Through a longstanding partnership between Columbia University’s Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics and University College Dublin (UCD), qualified UCD students have the opportunity to earn a Master of Engineering from both universities while studying civil engineering in Ireland and New York.
The two-year program combines UCD’s strong foundation in civil engineering with the breadth, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary environment of Columbia University. Students complete their first year at UCD in Dublin and, following admission to Columbia, spend their second year in New York City.
The result is an education grounded in both European and American approaches to civil engineering—and an experience that prepares graduates to work across borders and disciplines.
Program at a glance
- Two years, full time
Students spend their first year at University College Dublin and their second year at Columbia University. - Two master's degrees
Graduates earn an MEng Civil Engineering from UCD and an MSc Civil Engineering from Columbia. - Study in Dublin and New York
Experience two leading universities and two global cities while building an international professional network.
Research and professional experience
The program combines advanced coursework with research and an opportunity for professional work experience during the first year.
Your year at UCD
Students begin the program at UCD, where they build their foundation through core civil engineering coursework and gain practical experience.
The first year includes courses in areas such as:
- Civil engineering systems
- Geotechnics
- Structural design
- Applied hydrology
- Quantitative methods
- Innovation and leadership
Students can also pursue a professional work placement or a combination of design and elective coursework.
Your year at Columbia
During their second year, students select coursework at Columbia in an area of civil engineering aligned with their interests. Current areas of study include:
- Construction Engineering and Management
- Engineering Mechanics
- Environmental Engineering and Water Resources
- Forensic and Structural Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
Students also complete a year-long research project under the guidance of a Columbia faculty supervisor. Coursework can draw on the broader academic resources of Columbia, giving students opportunities to explore topics and disciplines beyond traditional civil engineering.
An international perspective on civil engineering
Civil engineering increasingly demands an understanding of how infrastructure, cities, and the environment intersect across national and geographic boundaries. Studying at UCD and Columbia gives students the opportunity to experience different academic and professional perspectives while developing the technical expertise to address complex infrastructure challenges.
Graduates leave the program with experience in two academic environments, an international network, and training in both European and American approaches to civil engineering. UCD notes career opportunities across civil engineering design and construction, project and site management, disaster assessment and relief, and other fields.
Admissions
The dual degree is designed for students pursuing graduate study in civil engineering who meet the admissions requirements of both institutions.
Students apply through University College Dublin and, with UCD's support, apply to Columbia for the second year of the program. UCD currently lists a minimum GPA of 3.08 for students progressing to the Columbia application, with additional requirements applying to admission.
Learn more about the program and application requirements at University College Dublin.