The basic requirements for both the master of science in civil engineering and master of science in engineering (environmental engineering) are identical. A total of 30 hours is required for a master's degree, consisting of at least 24 regular course hours and 6 or more thesis research hours for Plan I students. The student’s adviser and supervisory committee work with the student to define an appropriate plan of study that meets all degree requirements, including any prerequisite or preparatory work and a core set of courses as required and specified by each specialty area. Plan I students are required to pass a thesis defense administered by the student’s supervisory committee while Plan II students must pass CE 501 MS Capstone Project Plan II.

Thesis Option (Plan I):

Plan of Study (minimum of 30 credit hours)

6 hours of CE 599 Thesis Research
0-3 hours of CE 593 Practicum/CE 693 Practicum
21-24 hours of approved coursework

• 9 hours of core coursework (see below)
• 6 hours maximum of approved 400-level courses
• 12 hours maximum of approved transfer credit
• 15 hours minimum of CE courses

Thesis Committee and Defense

• Minimum of three graduate faculty, with the majority from the department and at least one member from outside the department
• Maximum of two attempts to pass defense
• The Committee may require additional prerequisite courses (not allowed as part of the Plan of Study) for those students without an ABET/EAC-accredited degree

Maximum of 6 years to complete degree requirements

Non-Thesis Option (Plan II):

Plan of Study (minimum of 30 credit hours)

0-3 hours of CE 593 Practicum/CE 693 Practicum
0-3 hours of CE 598 Non-Thesis Research
21-27 hours of approved coursework
Approved Coursework (21-27 hours)

• 9 hours of core coursework (see below)
• 6 hours maximum of approved 400-level courses
• 12 hours maximum of approved transfer credit
• 18 hours minimum of CE courses

3 Hours CE 501 Master Capstone Project
Maximum of 6 years to complete degree requirements