Online Master’s in Civil Engineering

An online master’s degree in civil engineering allows professionals to advance their expertise in the field. The program typically encompasses coursework focused on advanced civil engineering principles, project management, structural analysis, and environmental considerations. Students engage in interactive online learning environments, participate in virtual discussions, and access resources remotely. The fully online format accommodates working professionals, with varying credit requirements typically ranging from 30 to 36 credits. Some programs may include a capstone project, providing practical application opportunities. Overall, students deepen their knowledge in civil engineering, preparing for leadership roles through a comprehensive online learning experience.

Curriculum for an Online Master of Civil Engineering Program

The curriculum required for completing an online Master of Civil Engineering Program varies broadly by institution and degree requirements. For example, civil engineering specializations can include electives and required projects. Note that the curriculum can impact the completion time based on the course availability. Here are five common courses offered by programs around the county that focus on skills and theoretical concepts in professional practice:

• Structural Stability: In this course, students explore the principles governing the stability of structures. Topics include analysis of the behavior of various structural elements under different loading conditions, emphasizing ensuring structural integrity and safety in design and construction.
• Mechanics of Materials: This course explores the behavior of materials under different stresses and strains. Students gain insights into the mechanical properties of materials, enabling them to analyze and design structures effectively by understanding how materials respond to various forces and environmental conditions.
• Morphodynamic Modeling: This course explores the study of sediment transport and morphological changes in rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. Students learn to model and analyze the complex interactions between water flow, sediment transport, and the evolving morphology of these natural systems.
• Transportation Engineering: This course explores diverse transportation systems planning, design, operation, and maintenance. The program equips students to shape sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for thriving communities by covering areas such as highways, railways, pipelines, public transport, and emerging technologies.
• Hydraulic Structures
  This course explores the design, analysis, and construction of structures related to fluid flow management. Students study the principles governing dams, weirs, spillways, and other hydraulic structures, gaining expertise in ensuring effective water control and management in various engineering projects.

Upon completing a master’s in civil engineering, students can expect to gain the following skills and learning outcomes:

• Mastery of advanced engineering principles, design methodologies, and specialized areas within civil engineering.
• Proficiency in planning, executing, and managing complex engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Enhanced skills in analyzing and solving intricate engineering challenges.
• Specialized knowledge in areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation, or environmental engineering.
• Ability to conduct independent research, contribute to advancements in the field, and implement innovative solutions.
• Effective communication of complex technical information, both in writing and verbally, for diverse audiences.
• Leadership capabilities and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals.
• Understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical considerations governing civil engineering projects.
• Awareness and application of principles promoting environmentally sustainable engineering practices.
• Proficiency in assessing and mitigating risks associated with engineering projects.
• Willingness to stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends and commit to lifelong learning and professional development.

Types of Master’s Degrees Civil Engineering Students Can Obtain

There are two main types of online civil engineering master’s programs: the Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering and the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Civil Engineering. While these programs may have slight differences in their curriculum, they both provide a solid foundation in engineering. The specific focus and orientation of the programs may vary depending on the institution offering them.

Common Specializations for an Online Master’s in Civil Engineering

Online Master’s in Civil Engineering programs offer concentrations in sub-fields of the profession. The concentrations prepare graduates for specialized roles in governmental or for-profit engineering firms. Not all schools offer the same concentrations, so prospective students should search for the university curriculum that best fits their career aspirations. Here are the common centration options:

Online Master’s in Civil Engineering Program Length

The timeline for an Online Master’s in Civil Engineering Program varies, typically spanning 1.5 to 2 years. Students progress through a series of courses covering core and specialized topics. The duration can be influenced by factors like part-time or full-time enrollment and the flexibility of the program’s structure.

Accelerated Civil Engineering Programs

Accelerated Civil Engineering Programs provide a fast-track option for students to obtain their master’s degrees. These programs aim to shorten coursework duration and offer a streamlined path to degree completion. Doing so allows students to quickly gain advanced knowledge and skills in civil engineering, enabling them to enter the workforce or advance their careers more rapidly. Examples of universities offering accelerated master’s programs in civil engineering include:

•  Michigan Technological University ²
• University of Missouri ³
• University of Oklahoma ⁴

Admission requirements for an online Master’s in Civil Engineering program are determined by the engineering department in collaboration with the university’s graduate school. While some requirements are fixed, each standard criterion may have waivers or prerequisites facilitating admission.  Here are the most common admission requirements for accredited civil engineering programs online:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering: Admission requirements at Online Master of Civil Engineering programs typically require completing a baccalaureate in any major with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some require a baccalaureate, specifically in a civil engineering ABET-accredited institution.
• GRE scores: Depending on the program and institution, students must take the GRE.  Some programs waive the requirement, using other variables to evaluate applicants, such as professional experience.
• Prerequisites: Students who have not completed an undergraduate engineering degree may have to complete the prerequisites of specialty leveling courses after being admitted to the program. They may include Analytic Geometry and Calculus, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, Multidimensional Calculus, and Statistics.
• Recommendation letters: Online MS civil engineering programs may require one to two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors. They should include research aptitude, job performance, professional ethics, and collegiality.

Many universities are now waiving the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement for these programs to attract a more diverse pool of applicants. This allows students to focus on their academic achievements, professional experience, and other qualifications when applying for admission. Examples include George Washington University ⁵, the University of Louisville ⁶, and the University of California-Berkeley ⁷.

Accreditation is vital for Civil Engineering Graduate Programs as it ensures that institutions maintain high educational standards. Programs accredited by recognized bodies like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ⁸, which itself is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation ⁹, guarantee that students receive a quality education, enhancing their credibility in the job market. Accreditation also ensures that graduates meet industry expectations and are well-prepared for the challenges in the field, contributing to the program’s overall legitimacy and value.

Here are the six primary regional accreditation bodies in the United States.

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) ¹⁰
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) ¹¹
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) ¹²
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) ¹³
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) ¹⁴
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) ¹⁵

Find out more about accreditation in the Accreditation Guide.

Free online courses for Civil Engineering Master’s offer valuable content, aiding in skill development and knowledge enhancement. While they may lack accreditation, these courses provide insights, practical tools, and supplementary learning, making them beneficial for students seeking additional resources and a broader understanding of civil engineering concepts. Here are a few examples of free civil engineering courses available:

• Coursera – Construction Management Specialization ¹⁶
  The Construction Management specialization is designed for individuals working in the construction and civil engineering field who want to enhance their career prospects. This specialization gives students a deep understanding of the industry, including the most recent advancements and trends.
• Alison – Diploma in Building Construction Methodology ¹⁷
  In this complimentary online diploma course, participants explore principles, advanced technical processes, procedures, and technologies in building construction. Specific aspects of tasks require tools, and safety concerns are highlighted. Completing the course ensures mastery of advanced technologies and technical skills for a successful career in civil engineering. 
• edX – The Industry and Profession in Construction Management ¹⁸
  In this course, students gain insights into construction management by understanding roles and responsibilities, distinguishing industry characteristics, exploring construction sectors, and identifying current trends. They differentiate the roles of construction participants, appraise project team organization models, describe project life cycle tasks, explore construction career paths, and understand the roles of civil engineers, other engineers, and architects in the construction process.

Obtaining certifications and licensing in civil engineering enhances the professional credibility of online master’s students. Certifications, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license ²⁸ and the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying ²⁹, signify a commitment to ethical standards and demonstrate advanced expertise. These credentials can lead to increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and eligibility for leadership roles. Ultimately, certifications validate the skills and knowledge gained through an online master’s in civil engineering, providing a competitive edge in the field. Some examples of certifications include:

• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) ³⁰
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) ³¹

Students in an accredited civil engineering online master’s program have access to research sources used by their on-campus counterparts. However, there are many online journals, databases, job boards, sample exams, and more for free or low-cost student membership.

• American Concrete Institute ³²
  With 30,000 members spanning over 100 countries, ACI is the premier global community committed to optimizing concrete usage. Featuring enhanced benefits, ACI membership offers insights into global engineering and construction practices, providing an opportunity to save time and money, ultimately boosting productivity and competitiveness.
• The American Society of Civil Engineers ³³
  ASCE represents more than 150,000 engineers and students worldwide. Its site includes exam preparation materials, journals, information on licensing, a searchable information database, and more than 600 job listings. Student membership is free.
• National Society of Professional Engineers ³⁴
  Full-time graduate students are available for free membership in the national society. The organization offers members 15 webinars in continuing education for license renewals, PE/FE exam preparation, ethics resources, and PE Magazine.
• Civil Engineering Information Center ³⁵
  The center provides many valuable resources, including a job board, networking community, calculation examples, a news center, links to continuing education courses, and an online library with 1,964 documents in 12 categories.