Edited By Barani Krishnan
Review & Contribution By Dr. Olivia Brown
Civil engineering is a field focused on construction and designing principles to create environments in which humans live, like roads, buildings, bridges, subway systems, water supply networks, and dams. To work as experts or in higher-paying positions, students would need to complete a civil engineering master’s online program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for civil engineers is 7% (as fast as average) from 2021 to 2031. Therefore, obtaining an online civil engineering master’s degree could benefit students in terms of career growth and pay. This guide breaks down the master’s in civil engineering program, providing crucial information on accreditation, careers, curriculum, etc.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degrees
Finding good online master’s civil engineering programs can be difficult for students as they need to evaluate many options; it is not as easy as one might think. When looking for a good college or program, prospective students should consider the availability of technical and lab facilities, infrastructure, experience and qualification of teaching staff, accredited programs and institutions, rate of graduation, and more. With these in mind, the team at Find Best Degrees have compiled a list of some of the best online civil engineering master’s degree in the United States: *
Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
Columbia University in the City of New York | West 116 St and Broadway, New York, New York 10027 | $50,496 | 97% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from the Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Program
An online civil engineering master’s degree program intends to prepare students to become experts in their field or advance their academics by pursuing a doctoral-level study. This program offers both on-campus and online options; there is also an option of hybrid programs if students want a combination of both online and offline classes. The duration of the program could be around 2 years, depending on the curriculum. The online master’s civil engineering degree can be research-based, leading to a thesis or a non-thesis-based program. Some of the programs are professionally oriented to make students industry ready. Such programs may have internships and fieldwork as part of their curriculum.
Prospective students can expect this program to have a rigorous curriculum that will help students in getting more advanced skills like engineering designs and project management, which are in high demand in the industry. An online civil engineering master’s degree could consist of 30 to 55 credits, and the curriculum would focus on technical and analytical knowledge of civil engineering. Here are some of the sample courses in the online master’s civil engineering degree program:
Sustainable Civil or Environmental Engineering
This course provides fundamental knowledge to understand modern project planning and management, allowing experts in the field to use environmentally friendly and long-lasting methods. The course focuses on concepts of sustainable engineering principles in civil engineering. Students learn about life cycle analysis, life cycle cost analysis, and more.
Hydraulic Structures
Hydraulic structures are one of the most important applications of computational fluid dynamics. Students learn about the applications in the field of hydraulic structures and civil engineering, including concepts like cylindrical and lateral overflow dams, climate models, sedimentation, and stepped spillway overflow simulation.
Water Resources Planning and Management
In this course, students learn about the different technologies available in the water-related disciplines in civil engineering, like hydrology, groundwater, and environmental engineering, and interdisciplinary studies with natural sciences, economics, mathematics, statistics, and decision science. Students learn about the fundamentals behind planning, designing, and operating structures focused on water conservation.
Fundamentals of Project Management
In this course, students learn about the management aspects of different projects and the technical aspects behind them. Since the management of any civil engineering project would depend on the use of appropriate construction measures and judgments of the civil engineer in charge, this course is an integral part of the curriculum. It will give students the basics of record keeping, supervising labor, purchasing materials, and more.
Examples of other courses include but are not limited to:
- Environmental Engineering
- Surface Hydrology
- Geotechnical Engineering and Construction
- Hazardous Waste Management
- Applied Hydraulics
- Mechanics of Materials II
- Structural Stability
- Pavement Design
- Concrete in Transportation Application
- Soil Improvement and Stabilization
- Geometric Design of Highways and Airports
- Traffic Engineering Operations and Control
- Infrastructure Condition Assessment
- Water Security
- Dynamics of Structures
To understand more about a master’s degree, read the Guide to Master Programs.
Degree Types for Online Civil Engineering Master’s Programs
An online civil engineering master’s program is primarily of two types – the Master of Science or MS Civil Engineering online and the Master of Engineering or M.Eng. Civil Engineering online. These different programs might have a slight difference in their curriculum; however, they will provide the same foundation in engineering. The programs differ in their orientation, depending on the institution.
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering or MS in Civil Engineering is a common graduate degree pursued by persons in fields primarily connected to engineering, computer science, and general sciences, with a concentration on thesis and research-based teaching.
Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
The Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering or M.Eng. in Civil Engineering is a specialized engineering master’s degree emphasizing coursework. This graduate engineering degree looks at practical training and applications of technical knowledge and is earned by people aspiring to be chartered engineers. Students interested in becoming professional engineers seek the M. Eng. degree.
Master of Arts in Civil Engineering
The third type of master’s degree in Civil Engineering is the Master of Arts in Civil Engineering or MA in Civil Engineering. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this program focuses on designing, maintaining, or supervising the development of structures and systems that deliver public services. It is worth mentioning that the MA Civil Engineering is hard to come by as it is generally not considered a scientific study program.
Areas of Specialization for Online Civil Engineering Master’s Programs
Specializations are a way of gaining expertise in one specific domain. It is one of the best ways to become an expert in a sub-area of a discipline. Specializing will almost certainly increase one’s salary and career prospects. Many schools have different specializations or concentrations depending on the curriculum’s focus. Here are a few examples of concentrations in the online civil engineering master’s program:
Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
---|---|---|
Construction Management | In this specialization, students learn about productivity, planning, cost analysis, construction methods, and equipment and methods in construction. Students focus on learning about producing projects that meet clients’ requirements. | Civil construction manager and construction project manager |
Societal Risk and Hazard Mitigation | This program focuses on assessing all types of human-made and natural risks, disasters, and hazards that could impact society and disaster recovery response. | Senior risk manager and risk investigation manager |
Geotechnical Engineering | This program focuses on understanding soil mechanics and behavior and applied soil mechanics. Students also learn about excavation and support systems, earth dams, deep foundations, and rock mechanics and behavior. | Geotechnical research engineers, senior geotechnical engineers, project engineers, etc. |
Structural Engineering | This specialization focuses on dealing with large modern buildings and structures. It involves applying mathematics, physics, and empirical knowledge to design elements of man-made structures. | Structural analysis engineers, civil and structural engineers, and senior structural engineers. |
Energy-Water-Environment Sustainability | In this concentration, students focus on supporting and providing sustainable solutions for production, delivery, use of energy and exploration, and their usage of water and built and natural environment. | Assistant energy and sustainability managers and environmental engineers. |
Infrastructure | The infrastructure specialization allows students to study various areas of civil engineering, like transportation, geotechnical, materials, construction management, and structures. | Various roles as civil engineers |
Water Resources Engineering and Science | In this concentration, students learn about water resources which engineers design, plan and manage, and groundwater and surface systems. | Various roles as water resources engineers |
Some of the other specializations students can consider include but are not limited to:
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Earthquake Engineering
- Land Surveying Engineering
- Construction Surveying
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Forensic Engineering
- Dam Safety and Rehabilitation
- Construction Management
- Ocean Engineering
- Municipal or Urban Engineering
- Coastal Engineering
- Soil Dynamics Engineering
- Structural Dynamics Engineering
- Environmental Management of Rivers and Lakes
Why should I do an Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degree?
A civil engineering online master’s degree will provide a broad range of foundational knowledge that can help students prepare for a career in the civil engineering field. The online master’s in civil engineering program benefits students who want to take up various civil engineering jobs and work on major infrastructure projects involving the operation and maintenance of roads, etc. This program helps students develop, design, construct and supervise small or large construction projects that can impact mankind.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently assigned a C- grade to the nation’s infrastructure for the first time in 20 years. By 2025, it reports that to bridge a $2.6 trillion investment gap, the country would be required to increase investment from 2.5% to 3.5% of the GDP. Consequently, the need for highly skilled civil engineers to work on a variety of projects in the public and commercial sectors grows as essential infrastructure ages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be a rise in job opportunities for civil engineers by 7% between 2021 and 2031, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.
The master’s in civil engineering can be a rewarding program and open many doors for students in the field of civil engineering. The skills that one would have acquired along the way would be of immense value, including one’s ability to:
- design and carry out projects, analyze and interpret data, and draw conclusions using civil engineering judgment;
- demonstrate divergent thinking and emerge as leaders in the field of civil engineering, exhibiting an aptitude for learning and continuous improvement;
- show critical thinking skills needed to excel in one’s changing workplace;
- effectively communicate the technical concepts, information, and solutions related to different stakeholders;
- show fundamental aspects of civil engineering, urban development, transportation, environmental planning, and soil engineering and develop frameworks for an organization with these aspects;
- work in an accurate, precise, and transparent manner, showing utmost professionalism;
- use knowledge and expertise to design civil projects, including structures like dams, homes, power plants, airports, bridges, railways, and pipelines, and provide other design services that clients request; and
- actively participate in construction companies, and assist engineers in tasks like soil and material testing, project layout, supervision of projects, and construction cost estimation.
Free Courses for Online Civil Engineering Master’s Students
There are many free civil engineering courses available over the internet. These free courses are not accredited and seldom lead to any licensing or certification that institutions or employers could recognize. Still, free courses help students gain additional knowledge in extension to what they learn in their master’s programs. Here are a few free courses students can explore:
Course | Description | Provided by |
---|---|---|
Modern Building Design | In this course, individuals learn about climate change and technological principles. They will learn about altering the designs of buildings and how to maintain professional etiquette in the construction field. | FutureLearn |
The Industry and Profession in Construction Management | This course focuses on learning about varied responsibilities and roles that professionals would play in the role of a construction manager. Students will be able to define construction management organizations and their related principles. | edX |
Construction Management Specialization | In this course, individuals can learn the principles behind foundations and scheduling techniques related to project planning. The course also focuses on maintaining sustainability, scheduling techniques, and monitoring project cash flow. | Coursera |
How to get into the Online Civil Engineering Master’s Program?
Admissions requirements for online civil engineering graduate programs could vary from college to college, but most programs have certain common requirements. Since this field is in demand, the admission procedure for these programs follows stringent norms. The most common civil engineering master’s admission requirements are:
- Admission form and application fee
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related fields of engineering
- Cumulative Grade Point Average or CGPA of 2.25 and above on a scale of 4 (varies by institution)
- Graduate Record Examinations or GRE scores (not required by all schools)
- A Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
- A Graduate Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- 2 or 3 Letters of Recommendation
- English language requirements for students whose native tongue is not English
No GRE Civil Engineering Master’s Programs
Some master’s in civil engineering programs do not require the criteria of Graduate Record Examination or GRE scores. Not requiring GRE helps a more diverse range of students to apply for this program. Some institutions make it optional for students to send in their GRE scores during the application process, while others provide online civil engineering master’s no GRE programs, such as the University of Oklahoma, The University of California-Berkeley, and George Washington University.
How Long does it take to complete the Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degree
Most online master’s in civil engineering programs take about 2 years to complete full-time. It will take part-time master’s students longer to finish their curriculum – around 2 to 4 years. The time one takes to complete the curriculum would depend on the courses and electives chosen, the concentration area, and whether the learning is synchronous or asynchronous. A capstone project internship or thesis could also influence the length of the program. Here is a quick look at the timelines:
Accelerated Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degrees
Accelerated programs help students complete their degree in less time than the stipulated 2 years. Students can meet their undergraduate degree requirements while pursuing their graduate studies by combining a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree. Doing so reduces the graduation time from 4+2 years to 4+1 years. The University of Oklahoma, Michigan Technological University, and the University of Missouri are fine examples of institutions offering accelerated civil engineering master’s programs.
Accreditations for Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degrees
Accreditation assures students that the program’s curriculum will be of a certain quality and maintain specific standards, which will help them achieve professional success. It is a rigorous process that verifies the quality and legitimacy of a college or program carried out by non-governmental and nonprofit bodies. When selecting an accredited online civil engineering master’s, students should choose one offered by a nationally, regionally, or programmatically accredited college. The most common type of accreditation is awarded by regional accrediting bodies, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The six listed regionally accredited bodies in the U.S. are:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Additionally, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the institution that is primarily responsible for certifying, monitoring, and evaluating the quality of engineering technology and engineering-related education in universities and colleges in the United States.
Read more about accreditation and its importance in the Guide to College Accreditation.
How to Pay for an Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degree?
The average cost of a 2-year on-campus degree is around $15,700 to $34,000 for public and private institutions, as reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics. One of the reasons students hesitate to go for master’s programs is the cost and other related expenses. Careful planning and access to the right resources can help students minimize their financial burden. To that end, some of the ways by which students can pay for college are:
Scholarships
Scholarships are forms of monetary awards, non-repayable. They are awarded by various quarters like community groups, state governments, businesses, trusts, and more. Academic achievement is the primary criterion for scholarships.
Grants
Grants do not need to be repaid unless their conditions are broken. They are awarded based on the applicant’s financial need and do not necessarily rely on academic achievements, unlike scholarships.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is an application form to seek federal financial aid. Students can refer to the FAFSA student aid guide to understand how to check if they are eligible for aid.
Graduate Assistantships
With graduate assistantships, students are selected to facilitate or assist teachers in the classroom. As teaching assistants, they can help with teaching-related activities, and as research assistants, they can help with research or fieldwork in exchange for a stipend or waiver in tuition fees.
Student Loans
Banks, financial institutions, or governmental bodies offer student loans for students who do not qualify for scholarships or any other grants. Students must understand the interest rates, terms of borrowing, and so on before taking a loan. Learn about Donors for Student Loans and Grants for Student Loans to learn how to apply for loan forgiveness and avoid repaying student loans.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs allow students to work and pay for their school expenses simultaneously. Many of these jobs could include volunteer activities or relate to the degree program of the student as well.
Scholarships for Online Civil Engineering Master’s Students
Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for a college education. They are better than taking out loans, allowing students to graduate debt-free as they do not require to be repaid. Many colleges, organizations, or private institutions award people with scholarships. Here are some examples of the civil engineering graduate scholarships to explore:
Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Ada I. Pressman Memorial Scholarship | This scholarship supports women pursuing bachelor’s or master’s programs accredited by ABET. Applicants must prepare for careers in engineering technology, computer science, civil engineering, and so on in the U.S. or Mexico. | $5,000 x 9 awards | TBA |
Associated General Contractors (AGC) Education and Research Foundation Scholarships | Students enrolling in ABET or ACCE-accredited construction management or construction-related engineering programs are eligible for undergraduate and graduate level scholarships from the AGC Education and Research Foundation. | Up to $7,500 | November 1, 2024 |
Jack and Jo Dammann National Scholarship | The Jack and Jo Dammann National Scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a full-time Engineering degree, a STEM degree, or a business degree emphasizing marketing. | $5,000 | November 30 |
FAQs Related to the Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degree
What is civil engineering?
Civil engineering is a professional discipline in engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the naturally and physically built environment. It includes the design and building of public works like bridges, roads, dams, etc.
What jobs can you get with a master’s degree in civil engineering?
How to get a civil engineering degree online?
How long is a civil engineering master’s degree?
What does the curriculum of a master’s in civil engineering degree provide?
What role does civil engineering play?
What is the job outlook for the field of civil engineering?
Is a civil engineering degree worth it?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after an Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degree
Civil engineers supervise projects, evaluate building materials, monitor laws, and handle environmental risks. They work for private companies, and the government, in managerial or leadership roles, as researchers, and as teachers. The emergence of new, stringent professional standards across industries has contributed to the demand for highly skilled civil engineers. Advanced graduate training, such as online master’s degrees in civil engineering, gives entry-level workers a competitive advantage and a more straightforward path to progression.
With the ability to clean up waterways and create systems to harness wind and solar energy, civil engineers can take advantage of the growing environmental awareness. These experts will also be needed to develop and repair roads, airports, bridges, railways, and other significant construction projects as the U.S. starts to address its deteriorating infrastructure. In sectors as diverse as environmental engineering, construction project management, and transportation systems, civil engineers easily find work because employers need candidates with administrative abilities, specialized engineering expertise, and computer knowledge. It is noteworthy that civil engineers who have earned their professional engineer, or PE, license often get the highest salaries and best opportunities for career advancement. Here are some typical civil engineering roles, their median annual salaries, and job growth:
Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Urban and Regional Planners | Urban and regional planners develop and implement land use programs and plans that will help them accommodate population growth, revitalize physical facilities, and create new kinds of communities. | Decision-making skills, analytical skills, leadership skills, communication skills | $78,500 | 4% (as fast as average) |
Civil Engineers | Civil engineers focus on designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure of different projects and systems. They manage and guide construction works of varying scales and scopes. | Problem-solving skills, writing skills, decision-making skills, organizational skills, speaking skills, math skills, leadership skills | $88,050 | 7% (as fast as average) |
Landscape Architects | Landscape architects design spaces outdoors as required by their clients. They also analyze environmental information on land problems like drainage and energy consumption. | Communication skills, analytical skills, technical skills, visualization skills, problem-solving skills, creativity | $67,950 | 0% (little or no change) |
Survey Researchers | Survey designers create surveys and evaluate data. Surveys are used to obtain factual data, such as employment and pay information, or to ask questions to learn about people’s opinions, preferences, beliefs, or desires. | Critical-thinking skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented | $59,740 | 6% (as fast as average) |
Geological and Hydrologic Technicians | Geological and hydrologic technicians support engineers and scientists in exploring, monitoring, and extracting natural resources. They work in laboratory, office, and field settings. | Communication skills, interpersonal skills, analytical skills, critical-thinking skills, physical stamina | $50,080 | 4% (as fast as average) |
Construction Managers | Construction managers often plan, budget, organize, and monitor various construction projects from start to end. They spend a lot of time out in the field monitoring projects. | Technical skills, analytical skills, decision-making skills, communication skills, business skills, leadership skills | $98,890 | 8% as fast as average |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Civil Engineering Master’s Students
Professional certification reflects the technical and academic competence of students who have completed a master’s degree in civil engineering online or offline. They validate one’s knowledge and expertise to the public and potential or current employers. Adding one or more certifications to one’s résumé is always a good idea, as they lead to higher pay and better career prospects. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) lists several professional certifications related to civil engineering. Some examples of other credentials include:
Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
The certification helps professionals to build skills for construction management. Individuals with this certification can be expected to meet high levels of field expertise, demonstrate the capability of developing construction projects and display other necessary skills in this area.
Safety & Health Fundamentals Certificate Program
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers the Safety & Health Fundamentals Certificate Program. This qualification is intended to train individuals in public and private sectors in occupational health and safety. Candidates focus on employee incident rates and ways to reduce them, as well as expand their understanding of incident investigation, fall hazard awareness, safety and health management, and so on.
Civil engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology to work as civil engineers. However, they would need a graduate degree and licensure if they want to be promoted to senior positions and take on more responsible roles. Civil engineers must be licensed to provide their services in specific situations. The licensure requirements differ from state to state; students must refer to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to determine the criteria for obtaining official licensure in the United States.
Additional Resources for Online Civil Engineering Master’s Students
Joining a professional organization or association helps students understand their field apart from academic and college training and get practical knowledge. Students pursuing an online master’s in civil engineering should consider joining reputed organizations that could boost their professional growth. The benefits are many, from gaining access to conferences and training to networking opportunities and accessing other resources. Organizations like the National Society of Professional Engineers address the non-technical concerns of licensed and professional engineers, and so does the International Engineering Consortium. Other than these, here are some alternatives:
Organization | Job Description |
---|---|
Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) | The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) focuses on integrated education and communication. It provides many multidisciplinary facilities by delivering lectures and sponsoring events. It also emphasizes utilizing projects that use design-build principles. |
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) | The American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) promotes excellence in the field of public service, research, and practice. This organization is a non-profit that focuses on engineering education and the advancement of engineering technology. |
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) | The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is an association of professionals who are experts in the civil engineering field. ASCE helps individuals, especially civil engineers, access world-class seminars, magazine resources, courses, certificate programs, etc. |
Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW) | Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW) aims to foster technical, cultural, and educational exchanges amongst members passionate about constructing sustainable projects worldwide. |
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) | The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) consists of professionals like engineers and architects. This organization is a non-profit that provides research related to earthquakes and advanced measures to avoid destruction and damage. |