Master of Science in Civil Engineering

The Department of Civil Engineering offers a high quality graduate program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Civil Engineering.

Students may pursue a specialization in:

  • Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering
  • Water and Environmental Engineering

Students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 30 credits of approved graduate study. Students have the option to complete up to 6 credits of independent research toward the master of science thesis. The degree program may be completed in one year.

Eligible Candidates

A bachelors degree in civil engineering is required for full admittance to the degree program. For those who hold an undergraduate degree in another engineering discipline or bachelor of science discipline upon admittance may be required to complete certain undergraduate background courses based on the student’s background and this prerequisite undergraduate coursework must be completed prior to beginning the graduate level civil engineering coursework.

Curriculum and Requirements

Program of Study

The MS in Civil Engineering at UDC requires successful completion of minimum 30 credit hours of graduate-level course work. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options.

A non-thesis option is offered for those seeking to enhance their depth and breadth of engineering knowledge beyond the bachelor’s level, and who will subsequently be involved in day-to-day planning and design activities in the civil engineering industry  and are interested in developing the marketable skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. Credit for the degree option come entirely from combination of courses plus a design project.

A thesis option is offered for students who want the opportunity to obtain expertise in research in one of sub-discipline of civil engineering and who may be interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in civil engineering or closely related field. Thesis and project reports must be approved by the faculty advisor and the thesis committee. It is noted that students who are supported as graduate research assistants are required to pursue the thesis option.

Learn more about the curriculum for the master’s degree in civil engineering.
The civil engineering master’s degree curriculum also helps prepares students for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become a licensed Professional Engineer.