Program Overview

Civil and Environmental Engineering Accelerated MS

Earn a Bachelor's and a Master's in Less Time

The accelerated masters programs in civil engineering and environmental engineering allow students to count up to 6 senior-level credits toward both a Bachelor of Science in Civil or Environmental Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil or Environmental Engineering.

Graduate Learning Outcomes

Civil and Environmental Engineering Accelerated MS Requirements

Academic Standing

All students must complete a minimum of 131 credits in appropriate subjects before the bachelors degree will be awarded and the student is considered a graduate student. At the time the Bachelors degree is awarded, a student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a departmental GPA of at least 3.5 to continue in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Accelerated Masters program.

Admissions

• Undergraduate students must apply for admission to the accelerated master's program though the standard Graduate School application process (GRE scores are not required).
• Applications for students must be completed no later than the end of Week 6 of their second to last semester of BS coursework.
• A course plan signed by the planned advisor is required.
• GRE scores are not required for the application process; however, students are strongly encouraged to take the GRE during the final year of the bachelor's program.
• The accelerated master's program requires you to be accepted into the Graduate School and the Master of Science in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering program prior to the awarding of your bachelors degree.
• Only students who will complete both a bachelor's and a master's in civil or environmental engineering at Michigan Tech are eligible to enroll in the accelerated program.
• Students already enrolled in a graduate program may not retroactively enroll in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Accelerated Master's program.

Advising

• Each student will work with a faculty advisor who is a member of the civil or environmental engineering faculty.
• The faculty advisors primary responsibility is to supervise the students research and/or professional growth, as well as to work with the student to develop an academic plan for enrolling in the appropriate courses for the student and program.
• Before a student is allowed to complete the accelerated master's program, the faculty advisor shall ensure that the student's level of preparation and attainment are consistent with the high standard expected of all MS graduates from the CEGE department at Michigan Tech.

Credits

Students must earn 30 credits past the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering to complete the requirements for the Master of Science in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering; however, up to 6 credits taken as an undergraduate student can be applied toward both the bachelors and masters degrees, so long as they are at the 4000 or 5000 level and satisfy the requirements for both degrees.

Thesis Option

Requirements

• This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor.
• The thesis describes a research investigation and its results.
• The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a masters degree in one to two years.
• The thesis must be prepared following the current procedures.
• At least two weeks prior to the oral examination, students must:
  • Schedule their examination in their Degree Progress Checklist
  • Submit a draft thesis to the Graduate School
  • Distribute the thesis to the examining committee
• The Degree schedule form must be approved before a defense is scheduled.
• Students must also report the results of the oral examination and submit a final thesis to the Graduate School prior to completing their degrees.
• The minimum requirements are as follows:
  • Course work (minimum): 20 credits
  • Thesis research: 610 credits
  • Total (minimum): 30 credits
  • Distribution of course work credit:
    • 50006000 series (minimum): 12 credits
    • 30004000 level (maximum): 12 credits

Report Option

Requirements

• This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project.
• The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a masters degree in one year to a year and a half.
• The report must be prepared following the current procedures.
• At least two weeks prior to the oral examination, students must:
  • Schedule their examination in their Degree Progress Checklist
  • Distribute the report to the examining committee
  • Submit the report to the Graduate School
• The Degree schedule form must be approved before a defense is scheduled.
• Students must also report the results of the oral examination and submit the final report to the Graduate School using the current procedures.
• Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in course work other than the project.
• Course work: 24 credits
• Report: 26 credits
• Total (minimum): 30 credits
• Distribution of course work credit:
  • 50006000 series (minimum): 12 credits
  • 30004000 level (maximum): 12 credits

Course Work Option

Requirements

• This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through course work.
• Research credits may be used on a case-by-case basis following the approval of the graduate program director.
• Distribution of course work credit:
  • 50006000 series (minimum): 18 credits
  • 30004000 level (maximum): 12 credits

Sample Course Plans

• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Pavements and Transportation Materials
• Structures
• Transportation Engineering
• Water Resources
• Infrastructure

Admissions Requirements

Graduate School

• Graduate Application
• Student Statements
• Official Transcripts

Program Specific

• Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
• No GRE required
• Completed course plan

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

• All majors upon program approval

Recommended Deadlines

• Students should consult with their advisor when they achieve Junior status to plan their accelerated path.
• Applications are available in the senior year, starting two semesters prior to graduation.
• Students must be accepted prior to receiving their Bachelor's degree.
• Program Recommended Deadline: Apply by the end of week 6 of your second to last semester of Bachelor's coursework.