Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering is a program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in research, academic, corporate, and public service settings. The program focuses on creating a sustainable future through innovation, analysis, and design, with a century-long dedication to research and teaching in the field.

Research Domains

Students in the program focus their studies on one of four research domains, each addressing multiple system-level research areas:

• Environmental Engineering & Science
• Underground Science & Engineering
• Structural Engineering & Design
• Transportation Systems Analysis & Planning

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering includes:

• Coursework: Students complete 12 courses (core courses + electives) covering advanced fundamentals of the field, including mechanics, analysis, design, computer methods, and modeling.
• Seminar Series: All students are enrolled in a seminar series focused on their chosen area of specialization, which enhances the classroom experience by inviting industry professionals and researchers from around the world to discuss their research.
• Individualized Training: Students can customize their degree through course electives and expand their experience by completing a design project or thesis, or pursuing a minor in management, machine learning and data science, or entrepreneurship.

Program Details

• Duration: Students typically earn their master’s degree in 9 months or 3 quarters of study.
• Degree Requirements: Degree requirements vary based on the specialization chosen, and students work with their advisors to construct study plans suited to their unique backgrounds and interests.

Why Northwestern?

The program offers:

• Access to top facilities: State-of-the-art facilities within the department and throughout Northwestern, such as the Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center (NUANCE) and the 3D Printing Laboratory.
• Renowned faculty: Award-winning, internationally renowned faculty provide an exceptional range of opportunities to advance knowledge and careers in a scholarly community that’s small enough to assure individual attention and effective mentoring.
• Networking opportunities: Alumni hold a wide variety of positions at top firms, government agencies, consultancies, and in academia across the US and worldwide, providing opportunities for networking and career advancement.

Career Paths

Graduates of the program pursue careers in:

• Academia
• Research
• Government
• NGOs
• National Labs - Industry

The department supports student career development and placement through career talks with panels of graduates working in different sectors, teaching and research experience, and networking through faculty.