Master of Science in Civil Engineering

In the Master of Science in Civil EngineeringÌýprogram in the College of Engineering at 51¶¯Âþ, you will master the skills needed to build and maintain the infrastructure of the modern world—including airports, bridges, canals, dams, highways, roads and tunnels—and also develop the geotechnical and structural analyzation skills required for responsible engineering.

In addition toÌýbuilding on your existing technical and practical skills, you’ll become a more articulate, socially aware contributor to the civil engineering profession. Learn to unpack and critically evaluate key challenges and issues facing society’s infrastructure and formulate intelligent engineering solutions.

The master’s degree program in Civil Engineering is structured in a flexible sequence so that you can plan ahead and structure your academics around your personal and professional commitments.

Small classes, low student-to-faculty ratios and in-person learning make for an effective, tight-knit graduate learning environment. Lab coursework, experiments and research are performed in extensive, cutting-edge facilities stocked with modern tools and instruments that will better prepare you for the professional environment.

Credit Requirements

The Civil Engineering MS requires a minimum of 30 credit hours.Ìý

Classes & Curriculum

The graduate degree comes with a great deal of flexibility: You can choose to study full time or part time, with most classes beginning after 4:30 p.m. Many students finish their requirements in the span of two years, though the time limit for completion is five years.

The recently revised curriculum reflects the most up-to-date research and skills, preparing students to excel in today’s industry. The curriculum is particularly strong in construction management as well as infrastructure, both of which are fast-growing job markets.

The core courses solidify your foundations in engineering and math before you delve into elective coursework on a variety of topics. You’ll have the flexibility to tailor the degree to your career aspirations and preferences;Ìýtwo-thirds of your courses will be electives chosen based on your interests. You can even take electives outside of the engineering department to shape your personal curriculum.

Examples of some available electives include

  • Advanced Soil Mechanics,
  • Behavior and Design of Steel Structures,
  • Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, and
  • Structural Design of Pavements.

Take a look at the full list of required courses.Ìý

Civil Engineering graduate student working in a lab

You’ll choose one of three tracks.

Thesis

  • 24 credits of course work
  • six credits of thesis work

Project

  • 27 credits of didactic course work
  • three credits of project work

Course work

  • 30 credits of didactic course work

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Science in Civil EngineeringÌýoffers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,332.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,744.00 per credit

You can view the full .

Related Graduate Degrees

Student Clubs & Organizations

From Engineers Without Borders to 51¶¯Âþ Robotics to professional and honor societies, student clubs in the College of Engineering provide numerous ways to network, socialize and excel outside the classroom. .

Our Advisors

Your assigned faculty advisor will guide you in navigating the curriculum and selecting the appropriate coursework to achieve your academic and professional goals. A graduate student advisor will also be available to help you with policies, procedures and scheduling.

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EN-CEE-MSCE

Additional Program Information