Master’s Programs
Several options are available for earning a master's degree.
Master of Science
The department offers Master of Science (M.S.) programs in Civil Engineering and Geoengineering. These programs prepare students to pursue a career in industry or continue their graduate studies in a doctoral program.
There are three different M.S. degree plan options, all of which require a minimum of 30 total credits:
M.S. Plan A
If you are interested in research, the M.S. Plan A is for you. It combines coursework with a thesis project based on independent research. Typical degree completion is one-and-a-half to two years for full-time students, and three to four years for part-time students. Full-time students may receive funding from the department.
M.S. Plan B
The M.S. Plan B is more design-oriented and is typically pursued by full-time students who intend to continue to the Ph.D. program. It combines coursework with completion of one or more projects, determined in consultation with the faculty advisor. Previous projects have included literature reviews, analysis of applied engineering problems, and computer modeling projects. Typical degree completion is one-and-a-half to two years for full-time students, and three to four years for part-time students.
M.S. Plan C
The M.S. Plan C is recommended for working professionals who wish to pursue their graduate degree on a part-time basis, or for full-time students who don't intend to continue to the Ph.D. program. Plan C is a coursework-only program. Typical degree completion is one year for full-time students and two years for part-time students. Plan C students generally do not receive financial support from the department.
Master of Engineering (M.E.)
The M.E. programs emphasize engineering design and are intended for practicing engineers who wish to obtain an advanced professional degree on a part-time basis. The department offers M.E. programs in Civil Engineering and Geological Engineering. The M.E. is considered a terminal degree. Students who intend to proceed directly to the Ph.D. program, or who think that they may later wish to pursue a Ph.D. degree, should apply for the M.S. program.
Part-time students can complete the M.E. program within three to four years.
