The Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Courses are offered online via Canvas. Lectures are asynchronous and weekly office hours provide opportunities for robust engagement with faculty. Industry guest lectures and applied case studies provide practical insight into the trends, challenges and evolving state of global transportation.
- 36 graduate units
- 24 units core coursework (including capstone)
- 12 units electives (3 courses)
- Master’s Plan II (Capstone required)
- No thesis, qualifying exam or final exam
- View sample degree structure
Core Coursework
Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure & Planning
This course explores the principles and practices involved in designing and planning transportation infrastructure that promotes sustainability. Emphasizing the integration of environmental, economic, and social considerations, the course covers a range of topics including sustainable roadway design, multimodal transportation systems, land-use planning, and infrastructure resilience. Students will learn about the planning processes, policies, and engineering techniques that contribute to the development of sustainable transportation networks.
Energy & Emissions in Transportation
This course examines the energy use and emissions associated with transportation systems. It includes a focus on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to evaluate the environmental impacts of different transportation modes, fuels, and technologies.
Sustainable Transportation Technologies
This course explores the development and application of sustainable transportation technologies, including low-emission vehicle technology such as electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel cells, and alternative fuels, as well as how technology is used in other aspects of engineering and planning to create a more sustainable transportation system. Students will discuss benefits and challenges regarding engineering technology innovations.
Transportation Economics & Finance
This course introduces the economic principles and financial models relevant to transportation systems. Topics include cost-benefit analysis, funding mechanisms, and economic evaluations of sustainable transportation projects.
Applied Data Analysis
This course provides students with the skills needed to analyze and interpret transportation data. Emphasizing practical applications, the course covers statistical methods, machine learning techniques, and data visualization tools.
Capstone Experience Course
Capstone Requirement
The capstone project is a critical component of the degree, designed to ensure that you can apply theoretical concepts in practical, real-world situations. By completing the capstone, you demonstrate your capability to address complex challenges in the field of sustainable transportation.
- Applied professional project (typically a design project, case study or comprehensive analysis addressing a specific issue within the field of sustainable transportation)
- A written report documenting the project's objectives, methodologies, findings and conclusions is required
- Faculty mentor assigned and final product evaluated by Capstone Committee
- Completed in final quarter
Electives (Choose 3)
Optimization Techniques in Transportation Engineering
This course focuses on the application of optimization methods to transportation engineering problems. Students will learn about mathematical modeling, network optimization, and resource allocation strategies to improve transportation system efficiency.
Sustainable Materials & Pavement Engineering
This course explores the use of sustainable materials in road construction and pavement engineering. Students will learn about the lifecycle impacts of materials, innovations in sustainable design, and techniques for improving pavement longevity and performance.
Sustainable Demand & Traffic
This course focuses on the strategies and methodologies for managing transportation demand and traffic flow in a sustainable manner. Students will explore concepts such as demand-responsive transportation, congestion management, and the use of smart technologies to optimize traffic systems. The course also delves into the impacts of various transportation policies on demand and traffic, including pricing mechanisms, land-use planning, and the promotion of alternative modes of transport.
Weekly Seminar Series (4 quarters may substitute for one elective)
This is a weekly 1-unit seminar series on Sustainable Engineering topics. Taking four quarters (equivalent to 4 total units) can be used as a substitute for one elective course.
Sample Degree Schedule
| 3-Year, Part-Time Program (4 units or 1 course per quarter - 2 courses can be taken in some quarters to enable students to complete the program in 2 years) | ||
| Fall (Year 1) | Winter (Year 1) | Spring (Year 1) |
Infrastructure and Planning | Energy and Emissions | Technology |
| Fall (Year 2) | Winter (Year 2) | Spring (Year 2) |
Economics and Finance | Elective (choose 1) | Elective (choose 1) |
| Fall (Year 3) | Winter (Year 3) | Spring (Year 3) |
Elective (choose 1) | Elective (choose 1) | Capstone |
UC Davis Quality, Online Flexibility
We teach sustainable transportation from a global perspective. This prepares you to navigate and contribute to the field in your own geographical region, in an increasingly connected world.
The UC Davis Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation is academically rigorous. You’ll complete advanced courses, including electives that match your area of interest, all delivered through asynchronous online learning that fits your schedule. The program combines coursework, experiential learning and real-world application to prepare you to enter or advance your career in this fast-growing field.
We emphasize student engagement and faculty interaction. You’ll engage and collaborate with globally recognized faculty and peers, culminating in a capstone project which demonstrates your ability to solve problems and achieve long-term goals.