Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Civil Engineering Program

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering program is designed to prepare graduates for a dynamic and exciting profession, pursuing advanced studies and becoming licensed professional civil engineers. The program is offered by the School of Engineering and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering program combines professional experience with graduate-level civil engineering principles. The program offers flexible timelines, allowing students to complete their degree within one year. There are two degree options available: Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (M.Eng. CE) and Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S. CE) with a thesis. Each program requires thirty-one credits to graduate.

Graduate Degree Options

• Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (M.Eng. CE): This course-based degree program is intended to prepare students for engineering practice, balancing theory with practical application.
• Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S. CE): This thesis and research-based degree program prepares students for positions in innovative aspects of professional engineering or for continuing their education in a Ph.D. program.

Curriculum

The curriculum for both programs includes a range of courses that allow students to customize their program of study. For the M.S. program, students focus their studies by obtaining a concentration in:

• Geotechnical engineering
• Structural engineering
• Construction engineering A curriculum is mapped out with the graduate advisor and subdiscipline advisor. M.S. students take a minimum of thirty-one credits, consisting of twenty-four credits of courses, six credits of research thesis, and one credit of graduate seminar.

Course List

Thesis Option

• Select 24 credits from the following list of CIVE courses:
  • CIVE7000 Construction Engineering Management (3 credits)
  • CIVE7200 Sustainable Infrastructure (3 credits)
  • CIVE7275 Environmental Biological Systems (3 credits)
  • CIVE7300 Traffic Analysis & Safety (3 credits)
  • CIVE7375 Contaminant Fate and Transport (3 credits)
  • CIVE7500 Advanced Foundation Engineering (3 credits)
  • CIVE7575 Physical & Chemical Treatment Processes (3 credits)
  • CIVE7600 Advanced Steel Design (3 credits)
  • CIVE8100 Engineering Modeling & Analysis (3 credits)
  • CIVE8250 Engineering Estimating & Scheduling (3 credits)
  • CIVE8400 Highway Design & Transportation Planning (3 credits)
  • CIVE8550 Site Planning & Development (3 credits)
  • CIVE8700 Bridge Design (3 credits)
• Complete the following two courses:
  • ENGR7100 Thesis I (3 credits)
  • ENGR7200 Thesis II (3 credits)

Non-Thesis Option

• Select 30 credits from the following list of CIVE courses:
  • CIVE7000 Construction Engineering Management (3 credits)
  • CIVE7200 Sustainable Infrastructure (3 credits)
  • CIVE7275 Environmental Biological Systems (3 credits)
  • CIVE7300 Traffic Analysis & Safety (3 credits)
  • CIVE7375 Contaminant Fate and Transport (3 credits)
  • CIVE7500 Advanced Foundation Engineering (3 credits)
  • CIVE7575 Physical & Chemical Treatment Processes (3 credits)
  • CIVE7600 Advanced Steel Design (3 credits)
  • CIVE8100 Engineering Modeling & Analysis (3 credits)
  • CIVE8250 Engineering Estimating & Scheduling (3 credits)
  • CIVE8400 Highway Design & Transportation Planning (3 credits)
  • CIVE8550 Site Planning & Development (3 credits)
  • CIVE8700 Bridge Design (3 credits)
• ENGR7000 Master Project (3 credits)

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the program are prepared to take the civil professional engineering (PE) licensure exam and launch their career as professional civil engineers. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the median annual salary for civil engineers is $115,000, with a master's degree resulting in a median annual salary increase of $14,000.