Program Overview

Civil Engineering, M.S.

The master’s degree in civil engineering prepares graduates to lead in private industry, government, and military sectors. As the global population grows and environmental challenges increase, the need for civil engineers to create sustainable and forward-thinking infrastructure has never been higher.

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering is a field that involves the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water treatment systems. Civil engineers use their knowledge of mathematics, physics, and materials science to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Areas of Specialization

The Civil Engineering M.S. program offers six areas of specialization:

• Construction management
• Environmental engineering
• Geotechnical engineering
• Transportation engineering
• Structural engineering
• Water resources engineering

Curriculum

The civil engineering master’s curriculum combines rigorous academics with hands-on experience to prepare graduates for leadership and subject-matter expertise. This 30-credit program emphasizes innovative, independent thinking and offers flexibility to align studies with career goals. Students choose one of six civil engineering specialization areas and work closely with a faculty mentor to map out a personalized plan of study.

Specialization Areas

Six specializations are offered, each providing targeted focus to align with career goals and interests:

• Construction Management: Prepare for leadership roles in project planning, cost control, and operations, focusing on managing contracts, teams, and risks.
• Environmental Engineering: Focus on pollution control and sustainable infrastructure, learning to design stormwater systems, manage waste, and tackle air and water quality challenges.
• Geotechnical Engineering: Focus on the design and analysis of foundations, slopes, pavements, and coastal infrastructure, building career-ready skills for roles in transportation, construction, or coastal protection.
• Structural Engineering: Develop advanced skills in the design and analysis of steel, concrete, and dynamic structures, learning to apply finite element methods and other analytical tools to solve real-world challenges.
• Transportation Engineering: Prepare for careers in infrastructure planning and transportation systems design, learning to model transportation networks, analyze demand, and optimize road and airport pavements.
• Water Resources Engineering: Build expertise in managing water systems for urban and environmental settings, focusing on hydrology, stormwater control, and groundwater modeling.

Thesis and Nonthesis Options

The Civil Engineering M.S. is offered with both thesis and nonthesis options. The thesis provides an in-depth research experience, allowing students to explore a specific topic and contribute new insights to civil engineering. The nonthesis option includes a comprehensive final examination to demonstrate understanding of the discipline and readiness for professional challenges.

Careers in Civil Engineering

Graduates of the Civil Engineering M.S. program are prepared for impactful careers in civil engineering, with knowledge of mathematics, mechanics, and materials that prepares them for roles in urban planning, large-scale construction design, infrastructure management, material testing, regulatory oversight, and more. Potential career paths include:

• Civil engineer
• Construction engineer
• Construction project manager
• Design engineer
• Director of utilities
• Environmental engineer
• Field engineer
• Geotechnical engineer
• Hydraulic engineer
• Private consultant
• Project engineer
• Site engineer
• Structural engineer
• Sustainability engineer
• Transportation engineer
• Urban and regional planning manager
• Wastewater engineer
• Water resources engineer

Advanced Degree Options

For graduates eager to take the next step after earning their master’s in civil engineering, Florida Tech’s Ph.D. program offers an opportunity to tackle global infrastructure challenges through innovative research and advanced problem-solving. A Ph.D. can open doors to leadership roles and enhanced earning potential. Full-time doctoral research assistants may be eligible for full-tuition scholarships, making this transformative educational journey even more accessible.

Locations Offered

The Civil Engineering M.S. program is offered at the Melbourne Campus.

Accreditation and Rankings

Florida Tech is recognized for its academic excellence, with rankings that include:

• Top 15%: Best Master's Degree Schools (College Factual)
• Tier 1: Best National University (U.S. News & World Report)
• Top 5.8%: World University Ranking (The Center for World University Rankings)

Why Choose Florida Tech for Civil Engineering?

At Florida Tech, students gain the technical expertise, hands-on experience, and leadership skills that set them apart in the civil engineering job market. The career-focused curriculum and collaborative environment prepare students to make an immediate impact and position them for continued growth and advancement in the field. The program fosters independent, solutions-oriented thinking, preparing graduates to become subject matter experts ready to lead.

Expert Faculty

The faculty are professional engineers who bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the program, both from their roles as professional engineers and as active researchers across a variety of fields. They are skilled in field and laboratory data collection, testing, analysis, construction of data acquisition systems, software development, and analytical and numerical modeling.

Collaborate with Industry and Public Agencies

University collaborations with agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Florida Department of Transportation, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offer students exciting research and employment opportunities. Florida Tech students have completed civil engineering internships and research projects with scores of consulting companies and government agencies.

Hands-on Research

Hands-on experience is central to the civil engineering program at Florida Tech. Through internships, assistantships, and research opportunities, students gain real-world skills that extend beyond the classroom. The interdisciplinary nature of faculty-led research prepares students to become well-rounded professionals ready to address complex engineering challenges.

Study in the Heart of Florida’s High-Tech Corridor

Florida Tech’s location in a high-tech corridor makes it ideal for a civil engineering master’s degree. The beautiful 130-acre campus is in the heart of Florida's iconic Space Coast, offering unparalleled opportunities with NASA-Kennedy Space Center nearby and a thriving high-tech workforce that includes leading corporations, government agencies, and military organizations.

Join a Global Campus Community

At Florida Tech, the campus is a hub of global connections, where students from the U.S. and around the world come together to create a rich, dynamic environment. This sense of community fosters mutual understanding and collaboration, reflecting the increasingly interconnected world we all share.

Admission Information

Applicants usually have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. If the degree is in another engineering field, mathematics, or the physical sciences, students are still encouraged to apply. The department will work with accepted students to identify and complete any necessary undergraduate courses to ensure they are well-prepared for graduate study in civil engineering.

Related Programs

Students might also be interested in:

• Engineering Management, M.S.
• Environmental Resource Management, M.S.
• Operations Research, M.S.

These programs offer complementary skills and knowledge that can enhance career prospects in civil engineering and related fields.

Download the Curriculum

For detailed information on the Civil Engineering M.S. curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, students can download the curriculum document. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the program, helping students plan their academic path and achieve their career goals.

Conclusion

The Civil Engineering M.S. program at Florida Tech is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to succeed in this dynamic field. With its strong curriculum, expert faculty, and collaborative environment, Florida Tech offers a unique opportunity for students to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in civil engineering.