Masters of Science (M.S.) Degree

Students pursuing an M.S. degree in Civil Engineering are accepted into one of six major program areas, and will follow the requirements specific to that area:

Construction Engineering and Management
Construction Materials
Geotechnical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Transportation Systems
Water Resources Engineering

The Department offers two pathways leading to the M.S. degree: a research-based thesis option, or a coursework-only option.  Following are requirements for each:

Masters of Science, Thesis Option

• Total of 30 credit hours
  • Minimum of 24 credits approved graduate coursework
  • Minimum of 6 credits of M.S. Thesis Research (CE 8910)
• At least 12 of the 24 credits must be 8000-level courses
• Research thesis will be submitted and defended during the final semester.

Masters of Science, Non-Thesis Option

• Total of 30 credit hours approved graduate coursework
• At least 15 of the 30 credits must be 8000-level courses
• Comprehensive exam or project may be given during the final semester. Consult with faculty advisor for more information.

Graduate Advisory Committee and Plan of Study

M.S. students are required to select an advisory committee consisting of a faculty advisor and at least two committee members.  After the first semester in the program, students are expected to submit their official Committee Selection and Plan of Study (accessed in iRoar) to the Graduate School.  Consult with the CE Graduate Student Handbook and the  Graduate School Policies and Procedures Handbook for more information about the makeup of the committee.  A student’s Plan of Study includes all courses that will be used to satisfy the requirements for the M.S. degree.  An approved Committee Selection and Plan of Study must be on file with Graduate Enrolled Student Services before a student will be allowed to apply for graduation.

Checklists for Completing the M.S. Degree

 It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of and complete all CE Department and Graduate School requirements for the M.S. degree.  Students graduating should refer to the deadlines listed on the Graduate School website.  Following are general checklists for students pursuing a Masters degree in Civil  Engineering:

Masters Degree, Thesis option

1. New students – attend all appropriate orientation sessions;
2. Submission of GS2a – Graduate Advisory Committee Selection (end of first semester);
3. Submission of GS2b – Plan of Study (end of first semester);
4. Apply for graduation via iRoar at the beginning of the final semester;
5. Consult with Graduate Advisory Committee to schedule the thesis defense date;
6. Notify Graduate School of defense date at least ten days prior to the defense;
7. Final defense of thesis;
8. Submit signed GS7M – Final Exam and Thesis Approval Form to Graduate Enrolled Student Services in 104-D Sikes Hall (provide a copy of signed form to Kristi Baker);
9. Submit completed thesis with all committee-recommended revisions to the Manuscript Review Office;
10. Make any required formatting revisions and resubmit thesis to the Manuscript Review Offices.

Masters Degree, Non-Thesis option

1.  New students – attend all appropriate orientation sessions;
2. Submission of GS2a – Graduate Advisory Committee Selection (end of first semester);
3. Submission of GS2b – Plan of Study (end of first semester);
4. Apply for graduation via iRoar at the beginning of the final semester;
5. Consult with advisory committee to schedule final exam;
6. Notify Graduate School of exam date at least ten days prior to the exam;
7. Take final exam;
8. Submit signed GS7M – Final Exam and Thesis Approval Form to Graduate Enrolled Student Services in 104-D Sikes Hall (provide a copy of signed form to Kristi Baker).