Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering that generally deals with problems involving soil and rock.Academics / Graduate Study / Geotechnical EngineeringGeotechnics (MS)
Designing Urban Infrastructure and Mitigating Natural Hazards
The MS in Geotechnical Engineering at Northwestern prepares graduates with sound fundamentals necessary to become creative geotechnical consultants and designers, capable of addressing the wide range of issues arising from the development and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure systems and mitigating natural hazards.
The program builds on strengths of the world-renowned faculty and elite Chicago-based geotechnical consulting firms and specialty contractors. Core courses are complemented with design courses and projects taught by design professionals from firms such as Hayward Baker, Geosyntec Consultants, and Turner Construction.
- Join a new generation of geotechnical engineers
- Experience a broad curriculum in theory and practice
- Learn cutting-edge analysis and design techniques
- Evaluate and mitigate natural hazards
- Design for underground space for urban development and renewal
- Create geo-structures for the future
- Make industry contacts and network through seminars and career fairs
Geotechnical Engineering Fundamentals
Series of nine courses designed to provide students with the core knowledge required for geotechnical practice. They encompass: soil mechanics, soil dynamics, unsaturated soil mechanics, groundwater, computational plasticity and limit analysis, and constitutive modeling of soils.
Geotechnical Analysis and Design
GEO students supplement their fundamentals with six courses: foundation engineering, earth retaining structures and slope stability, engineering properties of soils, underground construction, ground improvements, LRFD in geotechnics, computational geotechnics, case studies in geotechnical engineering, structural design, numerical analyses, and comprehensive design project.
Seminars & Career Fair
GEO students participate in special professional development seminars, which include project presentations by geotechnical engineers and specialty contractors, as well as a resume workshop hosted by engineers. In addition, the Department organizes two career fairs annually to connect students to employers.
Alumni Network
GEO alumni hold geotechnical positions in Chicagoland and across the U.S., with employers like Geosyntec Consultants, GEI Consultants, Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers, Hayward Baker, Inc., AECOM and Jacobs.
Why You Should Apply: Geotechnical Engineers lead in the creation and improvement of infrastructure above and below ground and in the evaluation and mitigation of natural hazards. Engineers must learn fundamental soil mechanics principles and innovative geo-technologies to create adaptive, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure systems. The MS curriculum in Geotechnical Engineering at Northwestern provides you with the tools, methods, and preparation to meet the challenges of this renaissance.
How to Apply: Apply at www.applyweb.com/nugrad/index.ftl
Applications are due on May 3, 2019. Decisions will be made on a continual basis, starting in February 2019.
Email Questions To: ms_geo@northwestern.edu
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