Civil Engineering Graduate Programs

Civil Engineering Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Civil engineering graduate programs prepare students to balance education fundamentals with research and development. Civil engineering graduate programs teach students the design and construction of structures such as bridges, roads, buildings, dams and canals. Civil engineering students can choose from a variety of specializations:

• Environmental engineering
• Geomechanics engineering
• Structural engineering
• Transportation engineering
• Water resource engineering

In addition to coursework, graduate students in civil engineering must demonstrate their competence by completing a design project or taking a final oral exam in order to complete their degree program. Graduate programs range in length anywhere from 12 to 24 months.

In order to apply for admission to a civil engineering master’s program, students typically must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as engineering, basic science or mathematics. Many civil engineering grad schools require an ABET, or accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering prior to admission. Check with your programs of interest for specific admission requirements.

Due to the fact that civil engineering has definitive specialties, students should choose a path prior to choosing a program to ensure the best fit for them. Students should also be aware of the school’s credential status.

Civil Engineering Career Paths

Those with graduate degrees in civil engineering typically pursue positions as architects, engineers and consultants. Industries populated by graduates of this program include but are not limited to: construction, government transportation and engineering. Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an average annual range of $44,581 to $89,303. The factors that may change this range include years of experience, specialization and location.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, 2010

Civil Engineering Future Job Outlook

Because construction industries and architectural, engineering, and related services use civil engineers, employment opportunities vary by geographic area and may decrease during economic slowdowns, when construction is often curtailed. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects employment in civil engineering to grow faster than the national average. Based on the general population growth creating a growth in infrastructure industries, the demand will continue for employees to design, construct and improve roads, buildings, and water ways.Civil engineers will also be needed to repair or replace existing roads, bridges, and other public structures. Civil engineering is expected to grow 24 percent between 2008 and2018.