Master of Science in Civil Engineering

An advanced degree in civil and architectural engineering is professionally and economically attractive. Advanced degrees are important for professional civil engineers in many specialized areas of civil engineering. Many consulting firms and industrial design groups require advanced knowledge gained from graduate studies. Engineers in such firms often work at the forefront of their profession. UW Alumni are involved in design and construction of major projects worldwide. An advanced degree is also required for careers in university teaching and research. A university career is highly recommended for those motivated students who are interested in becoming leaders in education and in the development of new concepts, processes and inventions. The Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering offers programs leading to the degrees of master of science and doctor of philosophy. Areas of study in the M.S. and Ph.D. programs include: building mechanical systems engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering. The department also offers a master of science in architectural engineering and a master of science in environmental engineering in cooperation with the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. Additional information is available from the department or from the Web page. Areas of study in the master of science program include: building mechanical systems engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering. The master of science degree in each of these areas requires completion of 12 to 18 hours of engineering courses related to the particular program area. Plan A (thesis) The degree of master of science, Plan A, requires a minimum of 26 hours of coursework and a minimum of 4 hours thesis research in addition to the minimum requirements set forth in this bulletin. Early in the program, the student must submit a program of study listing coursework for approval by the departmental graduate studies committee (CEGS), and the department head. The Office of the Registrar will load the approved program into CAPP. Plan A is required of all state or contract supported graduate assistants. Plan B (non-thesis) Requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework and a Plan B paper, in addition to the minimum requirements set forth in this bulletin. Early in the program, the student must submit a program of study listing coursework and the course number that the Plan B paper covers for approval by the CEGS, the department head, and subsequently, the Office of the Registrar.