Master of Science in Civil Engineering

At a Glance

Flexibility

Part Time | Full Time
Delivery Options

Online | On Campus
Degree

MSE

Master's in Civil Engineering Overview

Elevate your career with a degree that aligns with industry demands with our Master of Science in Civil Engineering. Whether you're passionate about sustainable infrastructure, transportation systems, structural engineering or environmental protection, this program will provide the skills and knowledge to lead in this growing and dynamic field.

At UMass Lowell, you'll benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes practical, real-world problem-solving and prepares you for leadership roles in civil engineering. Choose from specialized options in areas such as environmental, geoenvironmental, geotechnical, structural, and transportation. The program offers flexibility, allowing you to complete course work in the evening, on-campus, online, part-time and full-time. Students interested in completing their degree entirely remotely may do so through the online structural and online geotechnical options.

Program Quick Facts

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Not Required
Available Online and On-Campus
Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
STEM-Designated Degree Program

M.S. in Civil Engineering Curriculum

The M.S. Engineering in Civil Engineering degree requires successful completion of 30 credit hours of course work, or 24 credit hours of instruction and a publishable thesis, or 27 hours of course work and preparation of a project report. For a complete list of academic requirements and courses, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Focus your degree by choosing one of these program options:

Pursue a broad range of interests in the fields of environmental and water resources engineering with the M.S. in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering Option).

The Environmental Engineering Option programs consist of civil engineering courses in water and wastewater treatment, groundwater remediation, solid waste management, environmental chemistry, hydrology, hydraulics, air pollution control and may include courses from allied disciplines such as biological and health sciences, environmental studies, chemistry and work environment. The program of study consists of five core courses and elective courses.

Gain fundamental training in soil mechanics, groundwater hydrology, environmental chemistry and soil engineering with the M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geoenvironmental Option).

The solution of environmental problems related to soil and/or groundwater often requires knowledge of both Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering. The Geoenvironmental Option offers coursework in each area as well as courses that combine disciplines generally required in the solution of complex site problems, such as, landfill design, remediation of hazardous waste sites, dewatering and soil improvement.

Develop advanced understanding of soil mechanics theory and applications in the fields of foundation and soil engineering with the M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering Option). This option may be completed on-campus or online.

The Geotechnical Engineering Option emphasizes course work in the engineering behavior of soil, soil property determination and the use of advanced soil mechanics theory and soil-structure interaction in the solution of soil and foundation engineering problems. Elementary courses in soil mechanics, statics, strength of materials and fluid mechanics are required as prerequisites for graduate core courses. Students receiving a teaching or research assistantship are required to submit a publishable thesis.

Build your understanding of advanced concepts and techniques to develop innovative solutions for complex structural engineering problems with the M.S. in Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering Option). This option may be completed on-campus or online.

Student study programs in structural engineering are developed with a faculty advisor to meet the needs of the individual.

Gain advanced technical knowledge for addressing transportation problems in a variety of practical situations with the M.S. in Civil Engineering (Transportation Engineering Option).

The Transportation Engineering Option offers courses in planning, design and operation of multi-modal transportation facilities. Coursework emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, supplementing engineering concepts with techniques from management, economics, operations research and environmental studies. Specialization in a specific area can be achieved through thesis and project work.

Why Study Civil Engineering at UMass Lowell?

Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston looking at Cambridge during Sunset.

Experiential Learning: Gain practical work experience while pursuing your degree through the Graduate Master’s Co-Op Option in Engineering.
Research: Access state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for research and education.
Flexibility: Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to provide study opportunities for students with full-time employment.
Reputation: UMass Lowell is a nationally ranked public research university.
Value: According to payscale.com, UMass Lowell ranks #1 for lifetime return on investment among public research universities in Massachusetts.

Civil Engineering Career Outlook

+9%

Projected job growth between 2023 to 2033
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
$132,200

Mean salary for civil engineers with a PE license
(American Society of Civil Engineers 2023)

Where Our Graduates Work

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
HNTB
AECOM
Weston & Sampson
New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NH DOT)
Howard Stein Hudson
Hancock Associates
Stantec
Department of Environmental Protection
O'Connor Corporation
GeoSciences Testing & Research Inc.
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Skanska USA
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

Take the Next Step — Apply

Learn about admissions requirements and start your online application.

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