Civil Engineering Masters Programs

A masters degree in civil engineering address the design, construction and maintenance of both physical and natural environments. Graduate civil engineering programs prepare students to pursue a variety of careers such as architects, engineers and consultants.

Civil Engineering Masters Degree Application Requirements

In order to apply for admission to a masters program in civil engineering, students typically must possess a bachelors 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.

Masters Degree in Civil Engineering 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.

Civil Engineering Masters Career Paths

Those with a masters degree 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.

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 by 6 percent between 2023 and 2033.

Masters in Civil Engineering Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2023 median annual salary for civil engineers was $95,890. The top 10% of earners in this profession made more than $150,640, while the bottom 10% of earners made less than $63,220. Some industries where civil engineers might find potential career opportunities include; federal, state, and local government, architectural engineering, and non-residential building construction. The graph below provides 2021 median annual salary data for civil engineers working in select industries.

DID YOU KNOW? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Civil engineers held about 341,800 jobs in 2023. Civil engineers work in a variety of locations and conditions, including indoors in office settings and outdoors at construction sites. Some construction jobs require setting up a temporary office, such as in a trailer, to work onsite.

Interested in other types of Masters in Engineering Degrees? We have these too! You can get information for free from any of our accredited schools!

GradSchools.com offers 147 Graduate Schools with Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering