The department offers programs leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees with majors in civil engineering and engineering mechanics. Work is directed toward research and professional development in such areas as engineering mechanics, engineering materials, highway engineering, hydraulics and fluid mechanics, geomechanics, geo-technical engineering, water resources, structural engineering, and transportation engineering. Certain interdisciplinary options such as regional development and urban planning, and environmental engineering are available by combining various areas of the program with programs in other departments. For further information concerning these options, see the College of Engineering elsewhere in this chapter. Master of Science: A thesis or engineering report is required. At the option of the department, the degree may be awarded to candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree who have passed the comprehensive examination, provided they write a thesis or engineering report. Doctor of Philosophy: A minor field may be selected from architecture, chemistry, environmental engineering, geology, mathematics, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, mining engineering, nuclear engineering, physics, or systems engineering, or from within the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. Still other fields are available as minors with the approval of the head of the department.