Civil Engineering, M.S.

The master of science program in civil engineering allows the engineer the opportunity to apply recent technological developments to the solution of current civil engineering problems. The objective of the program is to provide opportunities for the student’s development of professional engineering competence and scholarly achievement. Construction management, environmental, geo-environmental, geotechnical, structures and water resources are the areas of major emphasis for graduate study. The program is structured so that the student will attain an academic mastery in one of the areas of study within civil engineering.

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering may be earned on either a full-time or part-time basis. A student may begin graduate studies in any semester except summer. Fewer scheduling problems will occur for those who begin in the fall semester. International students who wish to improve their English proficiency may choose to enroll in English language classes during the summer before beginning their graduate studies. Some graduate courses are offered in the evening to allow part-time students to complete the degree requirements.

Admission Requirements

An applicant should have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. An applicant whose degree is in another field of engineering, or mathematics or the physical sciences, may be accepted but will be required to remedy any deficiencies by satisfactorily completing undergraduate courses in preparation for graduate study in civil engineering. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from academic references, a statement of purpose addressing reasons for graduate study in civil engineering and GRE scores. General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview  section.

Degree Requirements

Civil engineering offers the master of science program with areas of specialization in construction, environmental, geo-environmental, geotechnical, structures and water resources. The master of science degree is conferred on students who have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credit hours in either a thesis or nonthesis program consisting of required and elective coursework. All graduate students on full or part assistantships (either teaching or research) are required to enroll in the thesis program. Students in the thesis program must successfully defend their theses, while students in the nonthesis program are required to pass final program examinations.