|
CE Home > Graduate Studies > Degree Programs
Graduate Degree Programs
The Department of Civil Engineering offers graduate degrees in civil engineering and geological engineering.
M.S. degree
The M.S. degree involves a combination of coursework and a research or design project. The M.S. degree provides preparation for students either wishing to pursue a career in industry or to continue studies towards a doctorate. There are three versions of the M.S. degree:
- Plan A, which involves independent research and completion of a thesis.
- Plan B, which is typically more design-oriented and requires completion of one or more projects.
- Plan C is a coursework-only program.
The M.S. Plan A and B degrees typically takes one-and-a-half to two years to complete on a full-time basis, and three to four years on a part-time basis. Plan C takes one year to complete on a full-time basis and two years going to school part-time.
Funding is often available for full-time students pursuing a Plan A degree, while Plan B students typically go to school part-time and are funded by external sources, such as their employer. Plan C students are usually unfunded.
MCE or MGeoE degree
The master of engineering degree is intended for practicing engineers who wish to obtain an advanced degree on a part-time basis. The program emphasizes engineering design. The student can major in civil engineering (MCE) or geological engineering (MGeoE). An ABET-accredited four-year B.S. degree in engineering is required for admission. The master of engineering is considered a terminal degree. Students who intend to proceed to the Ph.D. program or think they may later wish to be admitted to the Ph.D. program should apply for the M.S. program. The degree typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. is offered in the Civil Engineering program only. The comprehensive Ph.D. program combines independent research with coursework for those wishing to attain the highest possible degree and contribute to new knowledge in their field. Students typically enter the Ph.D. program after completing a M.S. degree. The average time to completion is 3 to 4 years of full-time study following the M.S. degree.
Other graduate programs
The department also oversees an accelerated part-time professional M.S. degree in infrastructure systems engineering for working engineers, and a dual-degree master's program in civil engineering and urban and regional planning offered jointly with the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. The MS-MURP dual degree program offers two areas of emphasis, transportation systems engineering or environmental engineering.
|
