Dr. David Schaad

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. David Schaad. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

David E. Schaad is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Director of Undergraduate Studies at Duke University. With a solid educational foundation including a B.A. from Denison University, an M.S. from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Ph.D. from Duke University, he has dedicated his career to advancing engineering education and practices. His academic roles extend into several interdisciplinary affiliations, notably with the Duke Initiative for Science & Society and the Duke Global Health Institute. Schaad's research interests focus on the intersection of engineering education and sustainable design, addressing pressing global challenges through innovative pedagogical approaches. He has been actively involved in various engineering design courses, emphasizing real-world applications and sustainability principles. His contributions to the field include numerous publications in respected journals, discussing topics from environmental engineering to educational frameworks in engineering. Schaad has also received multiple honors for his contributions to mathematics and science research education, underscoring his commitment to student engagement and academic excellence.

Research Interests

Engineering Education Sustainable Design Environmental Engineering

Experience

Professor Practice

1998-01-01 — Present

Duke University • Durham, NC

Teaching courses in Civil and Environmental Engineering, focusing on sustainable design and innovative educational frameworks.

Awards

#

Member

#

Member

#

Member

Courses

Engineering Sustainable Design Global Community: Environmental Focus Engineering Sustainable Design Global Community: Structural Focus Special Topics Engineering Mechanics Solids Engineering Design Communication Internship Independent Study: Advanced Topics Civil Environmental Engineering Environmental Engineering Project Management Construction Management Research Independent Study in Civil Environmental Engineering Integrated Environmental Design Practical Methods Civil Engineering

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GRE General
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($105)
  • GRE Scores (Optional for 2026)
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (PhD program)

Master Program
Requirements
GRE General
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
Prerequisites
Calculus Discrete Mathematics Data Structures Algorithms
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($105)
  • GRE General (Required)
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science (MS program)

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($105)
  • GRE Scores (Optional)
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science (PhD program)

Master Program
Requirements
GRE General
Prerequisites
Calculus-based Probability and Mathematical Statistics sequence Matrix Algebra Applied Regression Analysis
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Candidate Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CV/Resume
  • Application Fee ($105)
  • GRE Scores (Required)
Specialization Notes

Department of Statistical Science (MS program)

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GRE General
Prerequisites
Multivariate Calculus Linear Algebra Real Analysis Calculus-based Mathematical Statistics/Probability
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CV/Resume
  • Application Fee ($105)
  • GRE Scores (General Required)
Specialization Notes

Department of Statistical Science (PhD program)

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, chemistry or engineering
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($105)
Specialization Notes

Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology (Molecular Cancer Biology PhD)

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CV/Resume
  • Life Experiences Statement
  • Application Fee ($105)
Specialization Notes

Department of Biology (PhD program)