New York University

Overview

The PhD in Transportation Planning and Engineering at New York University is designed to equip students with the skills needed to conduct advanced research in creating safer, more efficient, and resilient transportation systems. Students will collaborate closely with faculty and research teams on projects funded by significant public and industry sources.

What you'll study

This program integrates graduate-level coursework with research apprenticeship and dissertation development. PhD candidates typically engage in required coursework, participate in research activities, and work towards a dissertation that contributes original insights to the field.

• Transportation planning
• Traffic engineering
• Intelligent transportation systems
• Transportation safety

• Year 1: Completion of coursework and research orientation; collaboration with faculty to establish research direction.
• Years 2–3: Advanced research training, opportunities for research assistantships, and development of dissertation proposals.
• Years 3–5+: Focus on dissertation research, writing, and preparation for defense.

Note: Specific course requirements and timelines may vary based on individual backgrounds and faculty expectations. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the latest program handbook and speak with the department for the most accurate information.

Entry requirements

• A master's degree in Transportation Planning and Engineering or a closely related field (or an equivalent graduate degree).
• A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• GRE scores are required for full-time PhD applicants.
• Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose previous degrees were not conducted in English.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD program in Transportation Planning and Engineering will be well-prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and private industry. They can pursue roles focused on transportation planning, traffic engineering, policy analysis, and more, contributing to the development of innovative transportation solutions that address contemporary challenges in the field.