COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MCV) is a 30-credit-hour graduate program designed to provide advanced technical knowledge and professional preparation in civil engineering, with two flexible pathways: a thesis option (Plan I) and a non-thesis option (Plan II). Students are not required to select a specific plan at the time of application, allowing them to begin coursework and later decide the most appropriate academic direction based on their interests, performance, and career goals. Plan I, the thesis option, is generally expected for students holding teaching or research assistantships in the department, although Plan II remains available to them as well. In Plan I, students complete advanced graduate coursework and engage in independent, faculty-supervised research that culminates in a formal written thesis, which demonstrates their ability to conduct original investigation, analyze engineering problems, and contribute new knowledge to the field. This option is especially suitable for students who intend to pursue doctoral studies or research-intensive careers in academia, industry, or government organizations. Plan II, the non-thesis option, also requires completion of 30 credit hours but replaces the thesis requirement with a coursework-focused curriculum, often including additional technical electives and applied learning experiences. This pathway is designed for students who prefer to strengthen their professional engineering skills and enter the workforce directly after graduation. Both options emphasize core and advanced civil engineering principles, including structural engineering, transportation systems, environmental engineering, water resources, and construction engineering and management, ensuring a strong foundation across key subdisciplines. Regardless of the chosen pathway, students develop critical analytical, design, and problem-solving abilities necessary for modern engineering practice. The program maintains rigorous academic standards while offering flexibility to tailor study plans toward either research or professional practice, making it suitable for a wide range of engineering career paths.