Program Overview
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering program at UIC provides advanced knowledge and skills in various civil engineering areas, including geotechnical, environmental, water resources, structural, and transportation engineering. The program prepares students for careers in research, consulting, industry, or further graduate studies, fostering their understanding of ethical and professional responsibilities in the field.
Program Outline
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of civil engineering.
- To develop students' analytical and problem-solving skills in the context of civil engineering design and analysis.
- To prepare students for careers in research, consulting, and industry, or for further graduate studies in civil engineering or related fields.
- To foster students' understanding of ethical and professional responsibilities in the field of civil engineering.
Outline:
Program Duration:
2 years (4 semesters)
Course Work:
- Core courses designed to broaden the student's understanding of the five major concentration areas in Civil Engineering.
- Elective courses enabling the student to specialize in one or more areas.
- Graduate-level courses offered by other departments and colleges within the University.
- A total of 32 semester hours are required for the degree.
Concentration Areas:
- Geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Structural engineering
- Transportation engineering
Sample Courses:
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Soil Mechanics
- Foundation Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Quality Control
- Air Pollution Control
- Hydrology
- Hydraulics
- Structural Engineering
- Structural Analysis
- Steel Design
- Concrete Design
- Transportation Engineering
- Transportation Planning
- Traffic Engineering
Thesis Option:
Students may choose to complete a thesis as part of their degree requirements. The thesis option allows students to pursue independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Teaching:
The MSCE program at UIC is taught by faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. Many faculty members have extensive research and professional experience in the areas in which they teach. The program utilizes various teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, problem sets, computer simulations, laboratory experiments, and field trips.
Careers:
Graduates of the MSCE program are well-prepared for careers in a wide variety of fields, including:
- Structural engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Transportation engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Construction management
- Consulting
- Research The program also prepares students for further graduate study in civil engineering or related fields.
Other:
The MSCE program at UIC is accredited by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The program is also a member of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and the American Society of Engineering Managers (ASEM).
Assessment:
The MSCE program at UIC utilizes various assessment methods to measure student learning outcomes, including:
- Examinations: In-class examinations and quizzes are used to assess students' understanding of course material.
- Homework assignments: Homework assignments provide students with opportunities to practice their problem-solving skills and apply course concepts to real-world situations.
- Design projects: Design projects require students to apply their knowledge and skills to the development of engineering solutions to real-world problems.
- Presentations: Students are expected to make presentations on their design projects and other course work.
- Thesis (if applicable): The thesis is a major research project that requires students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and communicate their results effectively. Students are assigned to a faculty advisor who will help them select courses and plan their program of study. The specific program details may vary.
