2012-2013 University Catalog

Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, MS

Banner Code: VS-MS-CEIE

School: Volgenau School of Engineering

Department: Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering

The Master of Science (M.S.) Degree is designed for students who have completed the B.S. in civil engineering, although students with related undergraduate degrees may be considered for provisional admission. The M.S. educates students in the theory and practice of civil engineering science and design, with a technical concentration. The Master’s degree is increasingly expected for high level practice in civil engineering, and prepares graduates to practice in civil engineering for: federal, state, or local government; engineering design firms; construction firms; public utilities; non-governmental organizations; and local and regional planning firms, among others. The M.S. serves as a foundation for subsequent study in a Ph.D. program in civil engineering, as well as for graduate studies in architecture, law, business, economics, finance, and public policy and administration.

The M.S. requires focused coursework and may include either an independent study project or a research thesis in six available concentrations (see below). Full-time students typically complete the degree in one and a half, to two years.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the program, a candidate must:

Satisfy general University and Volgenau School requirements for admission to a graduate program,
Have earned a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a related science,
Provide three letters of reference, submitted by former professors or supervisors.
Provide GRE score.

Acceptance to the degree program is based on an assessment of the applicant’s capacity to pursue graduate studies successfully. Consideration is given to the undergraduate record (especially upper division coursework), any previous graduate work, professional work experience, and reference letters. Well-qualified students with minor admission deficiencies may be provisionally admitted subject to completing an articulation program. Prescribed courses taken in the articulation program are not creditable toward the M.S. degree.

Degree Requirements

The program consists of two core courses; electives selected in one of six available concentrations, a thesis, project, and participation in the Departmental seminar series. An all-coursework option without a thesis or project is also available. Students must complete a faculty-approved plan of study with a minimum of 30 credits of graduate (500-level or greater) course work.

Plan of Study

All M.S. students must develop a faculty advisor approved plan of study with a minimum of 30 credits of graduate work, including core courses, that develop a declared concentration; seminar requirement (CEIE795); and choice of project, thesis, or all-coursework option.

Students are responsible for developing and receiving advisor approval on a plan of study no later than the end of their first semester of study. Courses taken without prior approval by the faculty advisor may not be accepted for credit toward the degree. No more than three courses used for credit toward the M.S. may be cross-listed as undergraduate courses. None may repeat material completed as part of the student’s previous studies. Most M.S. courses are offered on a three-semester rotation.

Core Courses (6 credits)

Students must complete the following two core courses within the first 12 credit hours of their M.S. studies. These courses provide a common background for understanding the breadth and complexity of civil and infrastructure engineering and for analyzing and solving engineering problems.

CEIE 601 - Infrastructure Modeling Credits: 3
CEIE 605 - Infrastructure Systems Analysis Credits: 3

Concentrations (15-24 credits)

Students must select one concentration area and take a minimum number of courses in that area. The six concentration areas are: