Transportation Engineering

Transportation engineering research examines how people and goods move and how transportation systems are designed, operated and improved. This work supports safer, more efficient transportation while reducing environmental impacts.

Overview

Research in transportation engineering focuses on understanding how transportation systems function and how changes to infrastructure, operations and policy affect mobility and safety. Faculty and students study travel behavior, system performance and the use of data and modeling to inform transportation planning and decision-making.

This research also explores how transportation decisions shape access to jobs, services and daily needs, and how systems can better serve communities. Collaboration with public agencies and industry partners helps connect research with real-world transportation practice.

Research topics and associated faculty

Labs and centers

CEE faculty lead research labs as well as larger centers housed in the department. Labs focus on advancing faculty-led research with student participation, while centers are generally funded by industry and government to coordinate research on specific themes and connect faculty, students and partners through education and outreach.

Professional societies

• ASCE Transportation & Development Institute
• Geospatial Professional Network
• Institute of Transportation Engineers
• Transportation Research Board
• American Planning Association
• Transportation Club of Seattle
• Transportation Club of Tacoma
• Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals 

Degree programs

• Transportation Engineering Master’s Program
• Transportation Engineering Ph.D. Program 
• Master of Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics Online Master's Program
• Master of Sustainable Transportation Online Master's Program

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