Program Overview

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Civil Engineering Program Overview

The Civil Engineering program at Iowa State University is focused on providing a better quality of life for Iowa, the nation, and the world. The program emphasizes resilient buildings and bridges, safer roads, sustainable materials, innovative construction, and clean drinking water. Students collaborate closely with distinguished faculty on cutting-edge studies in infrastructure resilience, smart cities, sustainable construction practices, and environmental impact assessment.

Program Details

Degrees Offered

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Online Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
• Online Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization

• Civil Engineering Materials (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
• Construction Engineering and Management (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
• Environmental Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
• Geotechnical Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
• Transdisciplinary Infrastructure Engineering (M.S., Ph.D.)
• Structural Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
• Transportation Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

Duration of the Program

• Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.0 years
• Median time to earn the master’s: 1.8 years

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
• Academic Records/Transcripts
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (program may alter requirement)
• Proof of English Proficiency

Program Specific Requirements

• Required documents: Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, 3 Letters of Recommendation, English proficiency (international students)
• Assistantship consideration for MS/thesis and Ph.D. (MEng is not considered)
• GRE is preferred but not required
• Online program includes Civil Engineering without specialization area or with program focus of Construction Engineering and Management
• The International Collaborative Education Program (ICEP) is intended for participating institutions that have an agreement with the College of Engineering

International Requirements

• Financial Statement
• English Proficiency Minimum:
  • TOEFL Paper (PBT): 553
  • TOEFL Internet (iBT): 82
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE: 55
  • Duolingo: 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

• First consideration for assistantship: December 15 for the following Fall (August) start, August 1 for the following Spring (January) start
• Applications for Master of Engineering or any self-funded or sponsored applicants for MS or Ph.D. are considered on a rolling basis

Application Details

This program is open to domestic and international students. Only complete applications will be considered.