Risk Engineering (with concentration in Energy and Climate Systems)
The Master of Engineering in Risk Engineering (with concentration in Energy and Climate Systems) at University of Duke offers a comprehensive academic structure designed to address the increasing complexity of global infrastructure, energy transitions, and climate-related risks. The program integrates engineering principles, quantitative modeling, climate science, and system-level analysis to help students understand how uncertainty influences large-scale projects and environmental systems. Through advanced coursework and interdisciplinary study, learners gain tools needed to evaluate hazards, assess vulnerabilities, and design resilient strategies grounded in rigor, accuracy, analysis, and methodology.
Across the two-year curriculum, students are encouraged to engage in applied research, data-driven projects, and scenario-based evaluation that reflect real engineering and climate challenges. The program emphasizes technical depth while also fostering critical thinking, allowing participants to explore specialized topics such as energy infrastructure, climate adaptation strategies, and probabilistic risk assessment. Supported by faculty guidance and modern research facilities, learners develop the capacity to integrate engineering solutions with environmental considerations, forming professional judgment that is responsible, integrated, evidence-based, and forward-looking.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Risk Engineering (with concentration in Energy and Climate Systems)
- Degree Type: Master of Engineering
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 18 March 2026
- Location: Duke University, United States
- Field of Study: Civil Engineering & Construction
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
• Semester 1 – Foundations of Risk & Systems Engineering
- Engineering Risk Analysis
- Fundamentals of Energy and Climate Systems
- Statistical Methods for Uncertainty
- Systems Modeling and Infrastructure Assessment
• Semester 2 – Advanced Climate & Energy Applications
- Climate Risk Modeling and Evaluation
- Energy Infrastructure Systems
- Environmental Hazards and Impact Assessment
- Seminar: Current Issues in Risk Engineering
• Semester 3 – Specialization, Design & Applied Study
- Resilient Infrastructure Design
- Energy Transition Technologies
- Predictive Modeling for Climate and Energy Systems
- Research Workshop / Applied Engineering Practice
• Semester 4 – Capstone Research & Professional Development
- Master’s Thesis / Independent Engineering Research
- Advanced Data Interpretation and Simulation
- Policy, Regulation, and Engineering Decision-Making
- Technical Presentation and Professional Portfolio
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program can pursue impactful roles across government agencies, energy companies, engineering consulting firms, and climate research institutions, where the ability to analyze complex risk systems is essential. Many take positions such as risk engineer, climate resilience analyst, infrastructure risk consultant, or energy systems specialist, contributing to projects that involve evaluating environmental hazards, designing resilient infrastructure, and supporting transitions toward sustainable energy systems. Others work in policy-driven organizations, environmental assessment units, engineering design groups, or industrial operations where quantitative evaluation and climate modeling guide major decisions. The program’s emphasis on applied engineering, data analysis, and system-level thinking prepares graduates for roles requiring strong analytical judgment and the capacity to recommend solutions that balance technical feasibility with long-term environmental security.
Why Choose This Program
Students choose this program for its integration of engineering expertise, environmental insight, and faculty recognized for advanced technical leadership that enhances academic and professional growth. The curriculum blends quantitative modeling, climate science, and energy system analysis, offering students the opportunity to develop specialized capabilities supported by real-world applications. This structure encourages independent inquiry while providing access to interdisciplinary research and modern engineering tools, allowing learners to build a strong analytical foundation that supports careers at the intersection of infrastructure, climate, and energy. With its emphasis on system resilience, applied research, and forward-thinking engineering methods, the program offers a meaningful pathway for those committed to addressing global risk challenges.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 (919) 684-8111
Email: admissions@duke.edu
Address: University of Duke, Durham, North Carolina, United States
