Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can you tell me more about the program?
  • The online Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation from UC Davis is a flexible, part- or full-time degree program for working professionals and recent graduates to advance their career in sustainable mobility systems. It integrates engineering, policy, environmental science and data analysis to address complex, practical transportation challenges.

    The multidisciplinary degree balances your learning between the latest in research and practice, featuring internationally recognized faculty from the UC Davis College of Engineering and influential professionals in the field of sustainable transportation. The program gives graduates the academic knowledge and applied experience to solve the world’s current and future transportation challenges.
  • Who teaches the program?
  • You will learn from faculty and researchers in the UC Davis College of Engineering's top-ranked Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and world-leading Institute of Transportation Studies. The curriculum is augmented by instruction, lectures and case studies from industry leaders.
  • What skills will I gain from the program?
  • The UC Davis Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation's curriculum aligns directly with the needs and expectations of employers. As a gradate you will learn to:
    - Analyze and evaluate transportation systems using a sustainability framework
    - Apply advanced engineering principles to design, implement and manage electric vehicle infrastructure
    - Develop and assess policies and strategies that promote sustainable mobility
    - Analyze transportation systems to inform decision-making and policy development
    - Communicate effectively with policymakers, engineers and the public to advocate for sustainable transportation initiatives
    - Lead collaborative, interdisciplinary teams to achieve sustainable transportation goals
  • What is the capstone?
  • The capstone is the culmination of your learning and experience within the program. It demonstrates your capacity to apply theoretical concepts in practical, real-world situations. Your capstone includes:

    - A dedicated faculty mentor to guide you through the capstone
    - An applied professional project chosen by you, in collaboration with your faculty mentor (typically a design project, case study or comprehensive analysis addressing a specific issue within the field of sustainable transportation)
    - A written report documenting your project's objectives, methodologies, findings and conclusions
    - Evaluation by a Capstone Committee
  • Can I use a problem or project from my workplace as my capstone?
  • Yes! Your capstone can be inspired by and align with the goals of a work project as long as it adds additional value to that effort.
  • Will I have the opportunity to engage with faculty and students?
  • Yes. Weekly office hours create the ongoing opportunity to talk with faculty, interact with other students and build your professional network. You will have a faculty mentor who provides one-on-one guidance throughout your capstone experience.
  • Who is the program designed for?
  • The UC Davis Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation is designed for working engineers who want to advance or pivot their career in the high-demand field of sustainable mobility systems. The online flexibility and part time option let you earn your degree without pausing your career. The program is also an excellent option for recent engineering graduates who want to gain specialized knowledge and practical skills in sustainable transportation before entering the workforce.
  • How is this program different from a traditional master's degree in civil or transportation engineering?
  • Like the field of sustainable transportation itself, our online degree program is multidisciplinary. It integrates engineering, policy, environmental science and data analysis to address complex, practical transportation issues. This holistic foundation of inter-related skills gives you the academic knowledge and applied expertise to become a leader in the field and solve the world’s current and future transportation challenges.
  • How is the M.Eng. different from an M.S. degree?
  • The UC Davis Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation is highly specialized and career-focused. It emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. The curriculum incorporates experiential learning and industry guest lectures that give you practical insight into the trends, challenges and evolving state of global transportation. The degree culminates in a capstone project which demonstrates your ability to solve real-world problems and succeed in senior, high-impact roles in transportation and infrastructure.
  • Do I need an engineering degree to apply?
  • Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, economics or a related field.
  • Do I need professional experience to apply?
  • No. The online Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation is an excellent option for recent undergrads who want to specialize in sustainable mobility prior to entering the workforce. The online modality and option to take the program full or part time give you the flexibility to earn your degree on a schedule that works with your lifestyle.
  • Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to apply to this program?
  • No, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for acceptance to the Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation program.
  • What are the requirements for admission?
  • Applicants to the Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation should possess a bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, economics or a related field. Ideal undergraduate preparation includes:

    - Fundamental Engineering Knowledge: Courses in basic engineering principles, such as mechanics, energy and/or materials.
    - Mathematics and Statistics: Proficiency in mathematics, including calculus, linear algebra and statistics, is crucial for understanding and applying engineering concepts.
    - Technical Writing: Experience in technical writing to prepare for the communication requirements of the program.

    Visit the UC Davis Graduate Studies website for additional admission requirements, including minimum undergraduate GPA, for all UC Davis graduate degrees.
  • What is the application deadline?
  • The priority application deadline for Fall 2027 Admission is 1/15/27. The general application deadline is 6/1/27. Full details can be found on the "How to Apply" page.
  • What does the application entail?
  • Completing a UC Davis Graduate Studies online application requires academic transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, a Personal History Statement, letters of recommendation, TOEFL or IELTS scores (for applicants from countries whose official language is not English), and payment of the application fee (see the UC Davis Graduate Studies website for details).
  • Is financial aid available for this program?
  • Students enrolled in at least five (5) units per quarter may be eligible for federal financial aid and/or educational loans. Each category has different requirements and restrictions. For details on how to apply, please visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

    Additional information for domestic students can be found on the Financial Aid and Scholarships and Types of Financial Aid pages on the Graduate Studies site. 

    Additional information for international students can be found on the International Student Information and International Scholarships pages on the UC Davis Financial Aid site.
  • Can I work full-time while completing the program?
  • Yes. Students have the option of taking classes part-time and complete their degree in two or three years. This part-time structure and online flexibility make the UC Davis Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation an ideal opportunity for working professionals.
  • Can I take more than one course per quarter?
  • Yes. The program is offered full time (1 year) and part time (2 or 3 years). In the part-time program, two courses can be taken in some quarters allowing you to complete the online Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation in two years.
  • Is tuition the same for California residents, out-of-state students and international students?
  • Yes. Out-of-state and international students pay the same per unit fee as California residents, making the online Master of Engineering in Sustainable Transportation a cost-effective way to earn a prestigious, academically rigorous degree from UC Davis. Professional tuition and fees for students entering the program in fall 2027 is available here.
  • How much time should I expect to spend on coursework each week?
  • Expect to spend a few hours a day on coursework, but the online nature of the program lets you complete that work on your schedule (less during the week with more intensive study on the weekend, for example).
  • Can I do all my coursework on my own schedule (in my own time zone)?
  • Yes, our program is focused on flexibility. All courses are offered online and lectures are asynchronous. Weekly office hours provide valuable opportunities for engagement with faculty, giving you a balance of self-paced and face-to-face learning.
  • Are there any required live class sessions?
  • No. Courses are offered online via Canvas and lectures are asynchronous so you can earn your degree on your schedule. To get the most out of the program, we encourage you to join faculty and peers during weekly office hours. These sessions create meaningful connections and opportunities for direct engagement with faculty and peers.
  • Do I ever need to come to the UC Davis campus?
  • No, the program is fully online. UC Davis is an amazing place and you're always welcome to visit (we'd love to see you walk when you graduate!) but it's not required.