In order to solve the problems in graduation design of geotechnical engineering specialty, the concept of CDIO was introduced; simultaneously, the initial reform and exploration for graduation design of geotechnical engineering in Ningbo University were conducted. Three parts of reform exploration content were proposed, such as tutor-led and graduates self-administered, teamwork graduation design participation,"dual tutor" system, which implemented a new mode of graduation design reform combined with theory and practice. Through the reform and exploration of this graduation design, the students' theoretical knowledge was reinforced, and the teamwork awareness, engineering accomplishment and practical ability for undergraduate were also trained.