Michigan State University's online Master of Science in Civil Engineering equips students to find opportunities in the next generation of transportation infrastructure. You'll learn from our faculty of top educators, researchers and professional engineers, receiving the individualized guidance you need to advance your career. MSU online engineering students benefit from the resources of a top research university with extensive connections to government agencies and private businesses. In the civil engineering masters program, you'll learn to analyze emerging needs, developing systems that are durable, safe, sustainable and ready for the future of autonomous and connected vehicles.

Program Outcomes

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a world-class educational experience for graduate students that is enhanced by modern technology and is accessible to all segments of society. As a student in this program, you'll prepare to solve complex problems by drawing on robust real-world civil engineering data and applying state-of-the-art software tools. You have the option to choose from two focus areas in Transportation Engineering or Pavement Engineering as you explore topics like:

• Statistical and econometric analysis
• Network modeling
• Traffic safety
• Pavement preservation
• Pavement analysis and design
• Theoretical models for pavement systems
• Smart infrastructure

By completing the program, students will gain expertise in a contemporary area of interest to them as well as engineering leadership skills to help them push their own knowledge and their discipline forward. Students will also have the opportunity to:

• Gain expertise in a focus area of contemporary interest
• Develop engineering leadership with the advanced knowledge in a concentration of interest
• Use the civil engineering graduate education as an impetus for personal and professional growth
• Achieve a noteworthy level of workplace responsibility
• Think independently and take ownership in identifying problems and determining effective solution strategies

Career Outlook

Civil engineers commonly work for consultancies or for government agencies at the local, state or federal level. Many find career opportunities in improving or replacing obsolete transportation systems and meeting the growing demand for updated, sustainable infrastructure. Professionals may specialize in areas like transportation or pavement engineering, taking on positions where they develop and maintain streets, highways, airports, harbors and public transit.

Licensure as a professional engineer (PE) is crucial for many roles in the field. Regulations vary by state, but you generally must be a licensed PE to sign, seal and submit engineering work for official approval. Graduate education can help you earn your license by preparing for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam and meeting work experience requirements. Graduates will also be prepared for a variety of careers across the field of civil and transportation engineering. MSU College of Engineering alumni earn highly competitive salaries, with the average salary for masters-level engineering student exceeding $109,000, according to PayScale. Common career options for graduates include engineering manager, senior transportation/pavement engineer, project engineer and more.