The Transportation Engineering master’s degree program prepares students for advanced positions in industry, government, non-profit organizations, as well as future Ph.D. studies. Faculty work closely with transportation professionals to ensure that critical transportation topics are covered in the curriculum. Courses provide a solid background and skill set in topics such as intelligent transportation systems, ride-source sharing, transit system planning, transportation data analytics, travel demand forecasting, traffic systems operations, freight transportation, human factors and analytical methods in transportation. Students also obtain hands-on experience in particular areas of interest, including traffic simulations, smart transportation system control and traveler information systems. Graduate students work closely with faculty and interact with leaders in the local professional community, many of whom are UW graduates, through special courses taught by practitioners, field trips, seminars and professional society meetings.
Careers
People with advanced degrees in transportation engineering enjoy careers as company or agency traffic engineers, transportation analysts, etc. Graduates also pursue management positions in large companies, agencies and non-profit organizations.
Program options and degree requirements
On-campus programs:
A total of 42 credits is required for both Professional Master's Program track and research track master’s programs. Students in both tracks take many of the same courses. Research track students have fewer required class credits due to their research activities, for which they receive credit. Master’s students enrolled in on-campus programs may take online courses as electives. Learn more about required coursework to complete each degree.
Online programs:
Research
The transportation research area is extremely active, with numerous UW CEE faculty-led centers housing research that addresses pressing transportation challenges. Research track students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research with renowned faculty on a broad range of topics, including traffic operations and intelligent transportation systems, sustainable transportation infrastructure, transportation safety, freight and logistics, transit and shared mobility, transportation data science and transportation network analysis. Research is funded by federal and state agencies such as the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Transportation, Transportation Research Board, and Washington State Department of Transportation. Learn more about Transportation Engineering Research.