Graduate Program in Civil Engineering

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

The M.S. in Civil Engineering is designed for the pursuit of advanced civil engineering studies at Michigan Tech. The primary areas of study focus on construction, geotechnical, structures, transportation, and water resources.

Students with a B.S. degree in engineering are considered for admission to the program. M.S. applicants holding non-engineering degrees, provided that they meet ABET guidelines for a first degree in engineering, are also considered for admission. This is interpreted to mean that, including both the B.S. and M.S. programs, the student must earn at least one and one half year (48 credits) of engineering topics and one year (32 credits) of basic mathematics and science.

A faculty Advisor is assigned by the Department Chair, based on recommendation of the faculty and consultation with the student. With the assistance of the Advisor, the student will assemble an Advisory Committee that must be approved by the Department Chair.

The primary focus of the M.S. in Civil Engineering is the integration of environmental science, mathematics, and engineering application. Each student must take thirty credits. Plan A (Thesis), Plan B (Report), and Plan C (Course Work) are options for the M.S. in Environmental Engineering.

Plan A -- Thesis Option
In addition to a minimum of 20 credits of course work, this plan requires a research thesis (6 - 10 credits) for a 30 credit minimum total. The research and thesis, supervised by the Advisor, describes an in-depth research investigation and its results. Course work credit distribution must be at least 12 credits must be from 5000-6000 level courses and no more than 12 credits may be at the 4000-level. Up to 4 credits of 3000-level course work earned outside the major department can be substituted for 4000-level courses.

Plan B -- Report Option
Of the total minimum 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in course work other than the project and 2-6 credits are credited of project research. This plan requires a research report, supervised by the Advisor, which describes a less-detailed research investigation and its results. At least 12 credits must be from 5000-6000 level courses and no more than 12 credits may be at the 4000-level. Two to 9 credits are to be assigned to a report describing the results of an independent study project. Up to 4 credits of 3000-level course work earned outside the major department can be substituted for 4000-level courses.

Plan C -- Course Work Option
Of the minimum 30 credits of course work required, at least 12 credits must be from 5000-6000 level courses and no more than 12 credits may be at the 4000-level. Up to 4 credits of 3000-level course work earned outside the major department can be substituted for 4000-level courses. The Plan C option is intended primarily for persons with professional experience. Otherwise, the prospective student is encouraged to apply to the Master of Engineering – Civil Engineering.

Due to the broad nature of Civil Engineering, there are no structured course requirements. Instead each M.S. student, under the guidance of his or her Advisory Committee, will tailor an academic plan of mutual interest and benefit. The general requirements will be under the control of the Advisory Committee to ensure that the student's course work addresses the basic concepts of civil engineering.

In addition to the general requirements, each student must declare an emphasis area for focused study. Again, with consultation of the Advisory Committee, a sequential development of course work will be selected to increase exposure to one of the following major focus areas of civil engineering: construction, geotechnical, structures, transportation, and water resources.

While candidates could fulfill all course requirements from offerings in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, course work outside the Department will be encouraged when appropriate.

Oral Examination or Defense
Examination by and approval of the Advisory Committee is required for awarding the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering. The Advisory Committee will examine the general professional knowledge, course work, and in Plans A and B, the thesis or report of each master's candidate.

An oral presentation of the thesis or report will be made following the completion of the written work. Copies of the thesis or report are to be distributed to the Advisory Committee at least two weeks prior to the examination data.

The thesis, report, or course work examination is acceptable if the Advisor and at least two of the other three Advisory Committee members concur on its acceptance. The oral presentation for the thesis or report is open to the public.