Master of Science Degree

Civil Engineering, considered one of the oldest engineering disciplines, encompasses specialties such as structural, geotechnical, transportation, environmental, construction, and water resources engineering. The field is continually evolving as civil engineers, recognized as key players in the technological enrichment of the future, pursue innovations that improve people’s lives. With the aging infrastructure and the government’s once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness (i.e., the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill), there is a growing need to fill the demand for civil engineers and their continuing education and   professional development.

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree program, with a flexible and competent curriculum for students to choose from, is intended for practicing civil engineers to enhance their professional and leadership abilities to further their careers, as well as for those who wish to pursue more advanced studies for a research career in academia, government or private laboratories, R&D in industry, or elsewhere. Programs of study provide knowledge of advanced topics in structural engineering, sustainability, smart infrastructure, geotechnical engineering, engineering mechanics, environmental engineering, water resources, construction, and transportation engineering.

Upon successful completion of MS Civil Engineering, students are expected to demonstrate the following program-level student learning outcomes:

• demonstrate an extensive basic and applied knowledge of core principles and advanced concepts in civil engineering;
• analyze and solve complex civil engineering problems using engineering principles including the ability to identify, formulate, and address open-ended engineering problems;
• contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field, and apply innovative/critical thinking to engineering challenges;
• communicate effectively both to technical and non-technical audiences through written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and technical documents
• work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating collaboration skills in engineering projects

Graduates of MS Civil Engineering will seek employment in private and public organizations and or pursue Ph.D. study that requires advanced coursework and skills in civil engineering.

Degree Requirements Overview

This MS program consists of a flexible curriculum for students to choose from. There are no required tracks students need to specify.  When students enroll, there are two required courses all students need to take for them to have a consistent base. Meanwhile, they will work with their advisors to design a set of courses that best suits their professional interests and goals. Hence, this program is flexible and consists of two core courses in fostering a strong base in advanced mathematics for engineers and essential Machine Learning skills to stay competitive in a data-driven future of engineering of increasing industry demand with growing importance, and a suite of courses in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, engineering mechanics, environmental engineering, water resources, and transportation engineering for specialty.

The MS program is offered with two experience options (thesis or non-thesis) to accommodate students’ varying professional goals. Both the thesis option and non-thesis degree paths require a minimum of 30 credits of approved graduate study extending over at least two semesters.

To graduate from MS Civil Engineering, a student must achieve a cumulative average GPA of 3.0 or above for all courses counted toward the degree.