10 Fully Funded Master's Programs in Civil Engineering in the US
Virginia Tech Programs Offered:Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) Location:505 Beamer Way (MC 0540) Blacksburg, VA 24061 Admission: Admission to the program is extremely competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) program at Virginia Tech offers a wide range of specializations and research opportunities.
The program is divided into several focus areas, including Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering and Materials, Sustainable Land Development, Transportation Infrastructure and Systems Engineering, and Civil Infrastructure Engineering.
In the Construction Engineering and Management area, students can explore topics such as cost estimation, green construction, design and simulation of construction operations, contract administration, and project delivery methods. The Environmental and Water Resources Engineering program covers areas like water and wastewater treatment, water quality modeling, soil and groundwater pollution, air quality engineering, and solid and hazardous waste management. Geotechnical Engineering students can delve into foundation engineering, landslide stabilization, environmental geotechnics, earthquake engineering, and computational geomechanics.
The Structural Engineering and Materials program focuses on the analysis, behavior, and design of building and bridge structures, as well as a broad range of topics in structural materials. Sustainable Land Development students gain skills to contribute to the sustainable development needs of the industry, considering community, regional, and societal needs. Transportation Infrastructure and Systems Engineering covers all aspects of planning, operation, design, construction, management, and rehabilitation of transportation infrastructure and systems, with an emphasis on ground and air transportation.
Civil Infrastructure Engineering takes a highly interdisciplinary approach, drawing on faculty from various departments to address issues such as deterioration science, assessment technology, renewal engineering, socio-economic and environmental impact methodologies, and innovative financial vehicles.
The department offers various financial opportunities, including assistantships and fellowships. Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) are awarded by individual faculty members who have received research projects, and the research carried out by the student often becomes part of their thesis or dissertation. Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) involve duties such as grading homework or supervising undergraduate laboratory courses. Fellowships provide income to help with the cost of studies and are often combined with assistantships.
It is important to note that having an assistantship does not automatically grant in-state tuition status to out-of-state students. However, if a student earns $2,000 in one semester, the out-of-state portion of the tuition can be waived by the Graduate School.
Iowa State University Programs Offered:MS in Civil Engineering Location:394 Town Engineering Building 813 Bissell Road Ames, IA 50011 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Iowa State University's Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Civil Engineering.
This department, which has been nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, has a rich history dating back to the establishment of Iowa State Agricultural College as a land grant institution in 1869. Despite the significant advancements in research and teaching methods since its founding, the department remains committed to maintaining the same level of excellence that has been its hallmark for over 150 years.
MS students in the Civil Engineering program are eligible for assistantships, and those interested in being considered for these positions must indicate their preference on the ISU Admissions application by checking the appropriate boxes. Applicants can express their interest in teaching assistantships (TA), research assistantships (RA), or both. By doing so, they are automatically considered for departmental fellowships and scholarships without the need to submit a separate application.
The selection process for departmental funding is based on the information provided in the student's application. Scholarships are awarded based on faculty nominations following a thorough review of the applications, and they provide partial financial support to the recipients.
The University of Minnesota Programs Offered:Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering Location:Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering 500 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0116 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
The University of Minnesota, a leading public research university and a frontrunner in entrepreneurship and research commercialization, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) program in Civil Engineering. Situated in the heart of a thriving urban environment, the university is the only Big Ten campus located in a major city, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to launch their careers while enjoying a vibrant culture, arts, dining, and recreation scene. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States, offering a high quality of life and easy access to a natural playground of trails, parks, and waterways in a state renowned for its natural treasures, from Voyageurs National Park to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
The Civil Engineering department boasts faculty members who have garnered national and international recognition for their work in various fields, including steel and concrete structures, river engineering and mechanics, traffic control and safety, pavement design and performance, rock mechanics, environmental chemistry, and the effects of climate on water resources. The M.S. program in Civil Engineering prepares students to pursue careers in industry or continue their graduate studies in a doctoral program. Students can choose to complete the program as a Plan A (research), Plan B (graduate school), or Plan C (coursework only).
Financial aid is available to both domestic and international graduate students in the form of fellowships, teaching assistant (TA), and research assistant (RA) positions. A 50% appointment, which entails 20 hours of work per week, includes a stipend (standard $25.47/hr), full tuition, and health insurance. Although competition is fierce, nearly all full-time graduate students in the department receive financial aid. However, students in the Master of Science Plan C or Master of Engineering programs are not typically awarded financial assistance.
The department automatically considers all applicants for available TA, RA, and fellowship positions, unless the applicant specifies in their application that they have external funding. The Graduate Studies Committee awards approximately 15 fellowships per year from endowment funds and university fellowship dollars to the most outstanding applicants in each pool. Teaching assistants support instructors in various course-related activities, such as setting up and supervising laboratory sections, grading assignments, and exams. Non-native English speakers must earn a passing score on the SETTA test before being appointed as teaching assistants, as per University of Minnesota policy. Research assistants are supported by grants awarded to faculty members by industry or government agencies for specific research projects. These appointments are arranged between the graduate advisor and the student, and the research conducted for the project can typically be used to satisfy thesis or dissertation requirements.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Programs Offered:MS in Civil Engineering Location:325 John D. Tickle Engineering Building 851 Neyland Drive Knoxville TN 37996-2313 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville provides a Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering program with both thesis and non-thesis options. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) requires students to obtain approval from their major professor for either option.
For the thesis option, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, including 6 credit hours of thesis work and 24 credit hours of coursework. At least 15 credit hours must be from approved civil engineering courses. A minor is optional.
The non-thesis option also requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of approved graduate courses, which may include a three-hour special problems course under the guidance of the student's major professor. A minor is not mandatory, but all non-thesis MS students must take a culminating written examination.
The department offers two seminar series: CE 539 Geotechnology Seminar and CE 550 Transportation Seminar. Full-time graduate students may be required to attend and register for the appropriate seminar, while part-time students are encouraged to do so. However, seminar hours do not count towards degree requirements.
The civil engineering graduate program offers concentrations in various areas. Construction engineers focus on designing, building, and managing infrastructure using advanced technologies. Geotechnical and materials engineers investigate subsurface conditions, analyze soil properties, and design foundations, slopes, and structures using appropriate materials. Public works engineers address issues related to urban growth, pollution, waste disposal, flood control, and traffic management. Structural engineers study the analysis, behavior, and design of structures, while transportation engineers focus on the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across various modes of transport.
The CEE graduate program offers research and teaching assistantships to qualified students, which include a complete tuition waiver. As of fall 2022, the university covers mandatory fees and differential tuition for graduate students on assistantships. The department requires masters students supported by university-related financial aid to complete either a thesis or a special problem project.
University of Idaho Programs Offered:M.S. Civil Engineering Location:875 Perimeter Drive | Moscow, ID 83844 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Idaho offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering program that allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests, such as environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics and water resources engineering, structural engineering and structural mechanics, or transportation engineering. This program equips students with the advanced knowledge necessary to design the infrastructure that underpins society.
The University of Idaho has been consistently recognized for its value, being ranked as the No. 1 Best Value Public University in the West by U.S. News and World Report for three consecutive years, and is the only public university in Idaho to be ranked as a best value by Forbes, Money, and The Princeton Review.
Applicants to the program should hold a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or another engineering discipline. Those without a B.S. in civil engineering must demonstrate completion of undergraduate coursework in mathematics through differential equations, and one semester each of chemistry, calculus-based physics, and engineering statics. Upon admission, the student's advisory committee will determine any additional preparatory coursework needed.
The M.S. in Civil Engineering requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, including a thesis. Up to six hours of thesis research credit may be applied toward the degree. Candidates must conduct research and publicly defend their thesis. A non-thesis option, the Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering, is also available.
Teaching or research assistantships are available on a competitive basis to all admitted students, but not all will receive such support. Assistantships typically involve working as teaching assistants (TAs), research assistants (RAs), or assistants to professors within their field of study. TAs are considered faculty members and often teach introductory courses, while RAs assist with laboratory work. Non-Idaho residents receive an out-of-state tuition waiver based on the percentage of their assistantship.
All new Teaching and Research Assistants must attend the required Graduate Assistant Institute, hosted by the College of Graduate Studies (COGS) every semester. The Institute provides professional development opportunities and covers topics such as academic policies and procedures, available resources, teaching methods, and responsible research conduct.
University of Nevada, Reno Programs Offered:M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering Location:College of Engineering 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557 William Pennington Engineering Building, Suite 441 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Nevada, Reno offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil and Environmental Engineering program that equips students with the expertise to design infrastructure that enhances the quality of life in cities. The program focuses on regionally relevant issues such as earthquake engineering, water quality and quantity, and transportation engineering for both rural and urban environments.
Students in the master's degree program can choose between two options: Plan A (thesis option) and Plan B (non-thesis option). Plan A requires a minimum of 9 units of 700-level courses, exclusive of the thesis, while Plan B requires a minimum of 12 units of 700-level courses, as per the Graduate School's requirements.
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers both teaching and research assistantships to master's students. These awards are based on factors such as GPA, GRE scores, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. While a separate application is not required for teaching assistantships, students should contact faculty directly to inquire about available research assistantships.
Graduate assistants perform various duties, including teaching undergraduate classes, grading papers, and conducting research in laboratories. Teaching assistants receive specialized training through the Graduate School. All graduate students holding an assistantship (teaching or research) are considered Nevada residents for tuition purposes, and non-resident tuition is waived for the duration of the assistantship.
First-time graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) at the University of Nevada, Reno, are required to enroll in GRAD 701S (Preparing Future Faculty: College Teaching I) during their first semester as a GTA. This orientation and training session covers topics such as academic standards, professionalism, technology and library resources, FERPA compliance, and sexual harassment prevention training.
The University of Alabama Programs Offered:M.S. in Civil Engineering Location:801 University Boulevard Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Alabama's Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering provides a Master of Science (M.S.) program in Civil Engineering. This program allows students to focus their graduate studies on one or more of four key areas: Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Structural Engineering and Materials, and Transportation Systems Engineering.
To attract exceptional candidates, the department offers financial support in the form of teaching and research assistantships. These half-time positions provide students with a competitive stipend and a full-tuition scholarship for the academic year. All applicants to the graduate program are automatically considered for departmental assistantships during the review process. Current students must submit a separate application for continuing assistantships, with deadlines announced by the department each semester.
Teaching assistantships (GTA) are awarded based on the applicant's expected teaching ability, while research assistantships (GRA) are granted by individual faculty members who have sponsored research funds available. GRA appointments are made based on shared interests between the student and the professor. Maintaining an acceptable level of performance is a requirement for students to remain eligible for assistantships.
Assistantships are the primary source of funding for graduate students at the University of Alabama, with three main types available: Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA), and Graduate Administrative Assistantships (GA). These positions offer several benefits, including a stipend to cover living expenses, a tuition scholarship (up to 15 hours or actual tuition costs, whichever is lower), payment of technology/infrastructure fees and course-specific fees, and single-coverage health insurance.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Programs Offered:MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering Location:285 Old Westport Road • Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300 Admission: Admission to the program is competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth offers a Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering program that equips professionals with the necessary skills to tackle contemporary challenges in the field. The program provides opportunities for specialization in structural and geotechnical engineering, environmental and water resources engineering, and transportation engineering.
The need for advanced degrees in civil and environmental engineering is both regional and global. UMassD's program has established strong connections with industries, businesses, and governmental agencies in southeastern Massachusetts, one of the state's fastest-growing regions, through faculty consulting and student projects. By addressing problems related to development and infrastructure, the program contributes to the region's growth and serves as an accessible source of graduate education for local engineering employees.
Faculty members also focus on addressing environmental issues that impact economic development, such as water quality and quantity, lake eutrophication, hazardous waste handling, preservation of the ecological health of bays, industrial wastewater treatment, solid waste handling, and leachate collection and treatment.
The program offers several advantages, including small class sizes, close interaction with faculty who possess diverse research interests and industry experiences, access to well-supported research facilities, state-of-the-art computational and experimental research facilities, and the flexibility to study full-time or part-time with a convenient class schedule for employed students.
A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. The availability of these awards is subject to the work needs of the position and department, the student's satisfactory performance of duties, academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Programs Offered:MS in Civil Engineering Location:Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Civil Engineering Campus Box 1800 Edwardsville, IL 62026-1800 Admission: Admission to the program is competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Master of Science in Civil Engineering program offers students with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering the opportunity to further their expertise and advance their careers. By pursuing graduate-level research in environmental/water resources, geotechnical, structural, or transportation engineering, students can tackle real-world problems such as pollution, transportation safety, and the enhancement of bridges, highways, buildings, and earthen structures.
The department offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to full-time, classified graduate students in good standing. These positions are awarded on a competitive basis, with typically only one or two new positions available each year. The selection criteria include relevant professional experience, undergraduate and graduate records in relevant courses, GRE scores (minimum of 85% quantitative, 50% analytical, and 50% verbal), English proficiency scores for international students (e.g., TOEFL score of at least 250), and the student's area of study in relation to the available position.
In addition to academic performance, the department considers the applicant's promise of outstanding research and professional achievement. To be eligible for an assistantship, students must have been accepted for or enrolled in graduate study at the time of the selection process. Graduate assistants are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet all Graduate School eligibility requirements, including course enrollment criteria.
The renewal of an assistantship is contingent upon the student's continued eligibility, satisfactory performance of assigned duties, and the availability of adequate funding. The supervisor reserves the right to terminate a graduate assistantship if the student fails to meet eligibility requirements, performs unsatisfactorily, or if there is insufficient funding.
Northern Arizona University Programs Offered:MS in Civil Engineering Location:Building 69 Engineering and Technology 2112 S Huffer Ln PO Box: Box 15600 Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Admission: Admission to the program is competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a Master of Science in Civil Engineering program that requires students to complete a minimum of 30 units of graduate-level courses from one or more subject areas. To earn the degree, students must fulfill all requirements for their specific academic plan, which may include a thesis, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. All work towards the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years, starting from the semester and year of admission to the program.
NAU provides Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships on a competitive basis, with availability varying based on the needs of the program. All graduate assistants receive health insurance, tuition remission, and a stipend. Full-time graduate assistants, working 20 hours a week, receive 100% tuition remission, while part-time graduate assistants, working 10 hours a week, receive 50% tuition remission. Stipend amounts vary depending on the number of hours worked and the type of assistantship. Admitted students are automatically considered for teaching assistantships.
NAU is an attractive choice for prospective civil engineering graduate students for several reasons. The university is rated as one of the top undergraduate engineering programs in the nation by US News. The 120-unit programs in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering allow students to graduate more quickly. NAU offers faculty-taught classes and ample opportunities for faculty-student interaction. Students can gain hands-on experience through the Design4Practice program, internships, and undergraduate research projects. The university has a variety of active student organizations and professional societies, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Institute for Transportation Engineers. Additionally, NAU encourages participation in student competitions, conferences, and programs that offer international experiences.
Admission to the program is extremely competitive. 
Admission to the program is highly competitive.
Admission to the program is more competitive.
Admission to the program is competitive.