Understanding your path to a graduate degree starts here. From required coursework and credit hours to research, thesis or dissertation components, these guidelines are designed to help you plan your studies and stay on track toward graduation.
Whether you’re pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, you’ll find the key information needed to navigate your program, maintain academic progress and successfully meet all degree requirements.
Earn your Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering by completing 30 credit hours (at least half at the 6000+ level). Choose the track that fits your career goals:
Thesis (24 credits + 6 thesis hours): Best for students focused on research, publication, or doctoral studies. You’ll conduct independent research with a faculty advisor.
Directed Project (27 credits + 3 project hours): Best for hands-on problem solvers. You’ll apply advanced engineering principles to a practical design or analysis project.
Comprehensive Exam (30 credits + exam): Best for maximum course variety. You’ll broaden your technical expertise across the discipline and demonstrate mastery through a final exam.
* Please note, only the Structural and Transportation concentrations currently offer a Comprehensive Exam option. All other concentrations will complete either a thesis or a project.
A Ph.D. is an intensive research journey designed to establish you as an independent scholar and subject-matter expert. Whether you choose the discipline-specific focus of civil engineering or the multidisciplinary reach of infrastructure and environmental Systems (INES), your program culminates in original research that advances the field.
For all requests to enroll in CEGR 6991, thesis credit and CEGR 8991, dissertation credit, please use this form.
For all requests to enroll in an Individualized Study, CEGR 6892 or CEGR 8892, please use this form.
Your program committee members will complete this form immediately following the completion of a capstone, including thesis, master’s project or dissertation.
