Are you a school administrator? Yes No x to close
Find VA-Approved Colleges For Military and Veterans
Earn a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering with the GI Bill

Earn a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering with the GI Bill

Michigan State University says those with advanced degrees in Civil Engineering have much to look forward to in their new careers. "Professionals in civil engineering careers work on the vanguard of advances in technology and materials, leading vital infrastructure projects for the public and private sectors."

MSU adds, "Civil engineers meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world by applying their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills." Civil engineers design and oversee the production of buildings, roads, dams, bridges, and water supply systems. They supervise the production of airports, tunnels, and sewage systems. Civil Engineers work in a variety of locations and conditions. They might spend time in an office or work outdoors at construction sites.

A master’s in civil engineering should take between 1-2 years, depending on the program. It could take longer if a student goes part-time vs full-time.

Concentrations in Civil Engineering

When you are pursuing a master’s degree in civil engineering, you will need a concentration for your degree. Here are a few examples:
  • Structural Engineering - Students focus on the building of bridges, dams, railroads, roads, etc. This is one of the oldest forms of civil engineering.
  • Environmental Engineering - Students focus on solving environmental issues, designing water systems, or reducing waste.
  • Architectural Engineering - Students focus on the more aesthetic side of the structure such as revamping a downtown area.
  • Engineering Management - Students focus on problem-solving and the administrative and planning abilities of management overseeing those in the engineering field.
  • Transportation Engineering - Students study the application of technology and scientific principles to design, plan, and manage transportation infrastructure.

Common Classes

While many of your classes would depend on your concentration, here are a few of the more common classes you might need to take for your program:
  • Introduction to Soil Behavior
  • Calculus II
  • Project Planning and Control
  • Geology in Engineering
  • Water Chemistry
  • Foundation Engineering

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by school and program; however, most will require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, complete an application essay, and submit letters of recommendation.

Some schools might also require professional experience, but even if the school doesn’t, it can help to have that work experience to put on the application. Schools usually also want students to have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

How to Choose a Program

When choosing a civil engineering master’s program, students should consider many factors. They should look at the length of each one, the course format, available concentrations, and final project requirements. Students should also consider the curriculum and the cost.

Accreditation status for each program can also make a difference and affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive programmatic accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation indicates that the program meets set quality standards for the electrical engineering profession.

Students should look for a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Degrees from an ABET-accredited program are required for licensure examinations.

Top Master’s in Civil Engineering Programs

Here are 10 of the top masters in civil engineering programs:

Jobs With a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Pay info provided by Payscale.com.

Licensing Requirements

Every state recognizes that civil engineers who work for the general public need to hold a license that certifies that they have the knowledge and skills that are needed in the field.  It is not necessary to wait to become licensed until after you get your master’s degree.Keep in mind that each state may differ on other requirements or the amount of experience you need.

Scholarships for Students Getting a Master’s in Civil Engineering

Here are a few scholarships for those getting their master’s in civil engineering. You can also find our longer list of scholarships for civil engineering majors at College Recon.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

This scholarship recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based masters and doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions. It is a five-year fellowship that includes three years of financial support, including an annual stipend. Past awards have gone as high as $34,000.

The Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) Program

These grants provide undergraduate and graduate students from most areas of the sciences and engineering, up to $1,000. Designated funds from the National Academy of Sciences allows for grants up to $5,000 for astronomy research and $2,500 for vision-related research. Students can use the money for travel to and from a research site or for the purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project.

The David C. Lizarraga Fellowship

Toyota funds this scholarship. Priority is given to those with degrees in business and engineering. Other majors will be considered. Students need to be a first-generation college student, be enrolled full-time in a graduate program, and demonstrate financial need. California applicants will need to be a permanent resident of an underserved community within certain counties. The amount of the award varies.

Richard L. Brooks Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is an essay contest that was developed to assist students with the rising cost of a college education. The scholarship is for:There will be 2 scholarships awarded at $2,500 each.

Study.com Graduate Engineering Degree Scholarship

This scholarship is from Study.com for a graduate student studying engineering. Open to most engineering types of degrees. The award will be given to one recipient, in the amount of $500.

Civil Engineering Related Majors