The goals of the Master's program for both the non-thesis and thesis options, are to: - Solidify the student's understanding of the fundamentals of engineering sciences acquired in undergraduate studies,
- Develop a superior level of the student’s understanding of civil and environmental engineering concepts in a particular area of study,
- Introduce the student to the skills required for civil and environmental engineering research, and
- Provide the student the opportunity to engage in an independent study experience.
Minimum Course Credits for the M.S. Degree
Typical required credits for M.S. students are summarized below. Each admitted student first identifies a track and signs up for one or more core courses (either departmental or study track specific). Typically, each student in both degree programs registers for 12 course credits each semester (4 courses at 3 credits per course) until earning the requisite number of credits.
M.S. (without thesis) 15 core course credits, at least 9 from study areas and up to 6 advanced undergraduate or other graduate courses, for a total of 30 credit
M.S. (thesis) 15 core course credits, at many as 9 from study areas. Substitution of certain classes may be allowed with concurrence of the faculty advisor; and up to 6 credits for research, for a total of 30 credits.
NOTE: A maximum of 12 of the total 30 credits may be earned via transfer of earlier graduate credits under the Graduate School rules.
Graduate Colloquium
In addition to the course credits listed and discussed above, each graduate student in the Department is required to participate in the Departmental Seminar called “Colloquia on ‘Mechanics and the Environment’.” This Colloquium is a series of about 18 seminars scheduled when classes are in session during the eight-month academic year. The faculty of the university, visiting scientists, and senior graduate students give the seminars.
The minimal seminar participation requirements are as follows:
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Each degree candidate needs to register for CE 301 (Fall) or CE 302 (Spring) and is expected to attend at least 75% of the seminars in a given semester. Attendance is recorded. Although no grades are assigned in CE 301-302, student transcripts will show that the courses have been completed and thereby that the requirement has been satisfied. Students having scheduling conflicts should inform the Director of Graduate Studies.
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Each candidate for an M.S. degree shall register for CE 301-302 for at least one academic year. Some candidates for an M.S. degree with a thesis may be asked to present a seminar on their research. Such seminar does not replace the oral defense of the thesis.
A degree candidate does not need to be registered in CE 301-302 in the semester that he or she presents a seminar.
The faculty encourages all graduate students to attend as many Graduate Colloquium seminars as possible, as exposure to novel ideas, research methodologies, and results from broadly or even remotely related fields is enriching and stimulating and helps to develop a critical sense of what constitutes an effective presentation.
M.S. to Ph.D. Progression
In accordance with their original application, students may enter the Department through the Master's of Science Program or the Ph.D. Program. Those wishing to switch between the programs, must formally apply by the general deadline to compete for admission with all other applicants. Each admitted student first identifies a track and signs up for one or more core courses (either departmental or track-specific). Typically, each student in both degree programs registers for 12 course credits each semester (4 courses at 3 credits per course) until earning the requisite number of credits.
