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Civil Engineering M.S. (Residential)
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Civil Engineering M.S. (Residential)

Our Civil Engineering Master of Science degree prepares you for work or further research in the areas of construction engineering and management, environmental, geotechnical, geo-environmental, mechanics, structures, transportation and water resources. You’ll choose either a thesis option or non-thesis special investigation based on a written research proposal you’ll prepare in your first semester.

Graduates will be prepared to enter a Ph.D. program in Civil Engineering or enter professional practice in their recognized specialty. This is a full-time program. Normative time to completion is two academic years.

Careers with a Civil Engineering Master's Degree

Because of the broad nature of civil engineering, a wide range of career paths is available to graduates of the resident M.S. program. For example, some graduates can work for private firms as structural or geotechnical engineers. Some graduates may be hired by construction contractors as construction management professionals. Others may find opportunities in government agencies to work as transportation or environmental engineers.

The program’s offering of advanced courses in various specialty areas of civil engineering and strong research track record assure that some graduates will be ready to pursue Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering related programs available throughout the U.S. and beyond.

Illustration with a hard hat and engineering drawings

Admission Requirements

GRE scores may be submitted to strengthen the application, but submission of GRE scores is not required. A majority vote of the Department Graduate Committee will determine whether the applicant will be admitted or denied admission. Supplementary work to remedy deficiencies of those without civil engineering degrees may be carried out in conjunction with the M.S. program.

  • Bachelor's Degree: A B.S. in engineering or a related area is a basic requirement for entrance to the resident M.S. program. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for unconditional admittance.
  • Transcripts from all previously attended universities
  • Resume
  • Letter of purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation: at least three letters of reference
  • English Proficiency Requirement: Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Civil Engineering M.S. Courses & Degree Requirements

View Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

Students must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours of approved graduate work. Students in the resident M.S. program may choose either the thesis or the non-thesis option. Students who are supported by research funds are normally required to follow the thesis option. Supplementary requirements will depend on preparation in the applicant’s major field of study.

No more than six years can be taken to complete requirements for the master's degree.

  • Thesis option degree requirements: Minimum of 26 hours of graduate level courses plus 6 hours of research/thesis.
  • Non-thesis degree option: Minimum of 29 credit hours of graduate-level courses plus 3 credit hours of special investigation/project. A written report on the special investigation/project, and an oral examination on graduate coursework and the special investigation/project are required.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Russ College is committed to connecting our graduate students to appropriate funding sources. Like at most universities, as a potential grad student you'll be screened for funding opportunities by your department or research group when you apply for admission or in your correspondence with research faculty before application. The majority of our students find funding within their first year on campus.

More funding sources are available through the Graduate College, including fellowships, grants and other programs. For a complete listing of opportunities and associated deadlines, visit the Financial Aid area of the Graduate College.

Ohio University Graduate College Financial Support Information

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Contact Us

Questions? Contact the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at civil@ohio.edu.

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