Program Overview
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.
Courses
Core
STT 874R Programming for Data Sciences3 Credits
Elective
CE 432Pavement Rehibilitation 3 Credits CE 444Principles of Traffic Engineering3 Credits CE 449Highway Design3 Credits CE 831Advanced Concrete Pavement Analysis and Design3 Credits CE 832Advanced Asphalt Pavement Analysis3 Credits CE 835Engineering Management of Pavement Networks3 Credits CE 838Bituminous Materials 3 Credits CE 844Highway and Traffic Safety 3 Credits CE 849Transportation Research Methods3 Credits CE 891Advanced Highway Design and Traffic Control3 Credits
Admissions and Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
A bachelor's degree
Students who do not have a B.S. in civil engineering are required to complete undergraduate courses that provide appropriate background.
3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
Taken the GRE
Taken the TOEFL
(Only required if English is not your native language)
A written personal statement
Your academic statement should describe your plans for graduate study, career goals, and how the program will help you meet your objectives (2 pages). Your personal statement should concisely describe how your background and life experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree (2 pages).
3 letters of recommendation
Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
GRE is only required for students who do not have an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
For Master of Science in Civil Engineering program applicants, please mail requested materials to:
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Attn: CCE Graduate Application Processing
Michigan State University
428 S. Shaw Lane, Rm. 2120
East Lansing, MI 48824-1226
Key Dates
Rolling applications. Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend applications are submitted at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.
Tuition & Fees
In State Tuition
- $29,850
- Total
Out of State Tuition
- $29,850
- Total
THE MSU DIFFERENCE
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.