Civil Engineering

Master of Science Degree Program

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The Master of Science program in Civil Engineering allows the engineer the opportunity to apply recent technological developments to the solution of current civil engineering problems. The objective of the program is to provide opportunities for the student's development of professional engineering competence and scholarly achievement. The program is structured so that the student will attain an academic mastery in one of six different areas of specialization of study within civil engineering. Each area of specialization is structured as a highly flexible, multidisciplinary program that can be tailored to meet the particular needs of a student. The six areas of specialization are the following:

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering may be earned on either a full-time or part-time basis. A student may begin graduate studies in any semester except summer. Fewer scheduling problems will occur for those who begin in the fall semester. International students who wish to improve their English proficiency may choose to enroll in English language classes during the summer prior to beginning their graduate studies. Graduate courses are offered in the evening to allow part-time students to complete the degree requirements.

Admission Requirements

An applicant should have an undergraduate degree in civil engineering. An applicant whose degree is in another field of engineering may be required to take some undergraduate course work in civil engineering in addition to the curriculum described below. Applications from students with degrees in the physical sciences will be reviewed; however, at least one year of undergraduate course work in civil engineering will normally be required prior to starting the Master of Science program. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from academic references and a "statement of purpose" addressing reasons for graduate study in civil engineering. General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of this catalog.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree is conferred on students who have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credit hours in either a thesis or non thesis program consisting of required and elective course work. All graduate students on full or part-time assistantships (either teaching or research) are required to enroll in the thesis program. Students in the thesis program must successfully defend their theses, while students in the non-thesis program are required to pass comprehensive examinations.

Curriculum

Non-Thesis Option

A graduate student must take 12 hours of required courses, and at least 18 hours of elective courses, including at least 3 hours of Mathematics/Operations Research courses.

Thesis Option

A graduate student must take 12 hours of required courses, at least 12 hours of elective courses, including at least 3 hours of Mathematics/Operations Research courses, and 6 hours of thesis.


University Catalog