Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering
The online Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) is designed for professionals with a bachelor’s in civil engineering who want to stay on top of industry advancement and take the next step in their career.
UofL's online master's in Civil Engineering program delivers an innovative curriculum taught by award-winning faculty, and provides the knowledge and training you need to move forward in your career as a civil engineer. Learn about the latest industry trends and gain the technical knowledge needed for you to stand out and stay competitive in a demanding marketplace.
The online Master of Science in Civil Engineering is offered through the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville.
Academic Year Tuition
$830 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering Highlights
- Skip the GRE or GMAT – not required for admission!
- Join a highly-regarded program, trusted by industry employers and featuring courses that reflect changes and advancements in the field.
- Acquire knowledge that helps you stay up-to-date on licensure standards and requirements.
- Study software and tools that are vital in real job situations.
- Move successfully through the program with a dedicated advisor to assist you from enrollment through graduation.
- Work with UofL’s career service center for any job-related needs.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Online Graduate Civil Engineering Certificates
Want to test the waters first? Start with a certificate program, gain momentum and move into the master’s program with ease.
- Graduate Certificate in Structural Engineering (12 credit hours)
- Graduate Certificate in Transportation Engineering (12 credit hours)
Complete this degree on your own time through fully online coursework.
Learn MoreTake only 10 courses to graduate with your master’s degree.
Learn MorePer-credit hour active-duty rate
"As we continue to see an increase in the standards and requirements for professional licensure, the Master’s in Civil Engineering is one of the advanced degrees that [engineers] will have to have. I want [students] to walk out and be prepared for those professional examinations that they have to go through as part of our career."
PROF. BRANDON SHELLEY
ONLINE MSCE FACULTY
Why Earn a Master's in Civil Engineering?
While a master’s degree isn’t necessary to pursue a career as a civil engineer, it does give you a leg up in the industry.
Highly educated civil engineers are prepared to address contemporary issues such as increasing urbanization and aging infrastructure with confidence and expertise.
Not only will you have a more well-rounded and expanded understanding of key civil engineering areas, but you’ll be prepared to step into management roles, standout in a competitive job market and increase your potential earnings.
Career options after graduation include managing, supervising or leading civil engineering teams and projects, as well as pursuing roles including: Structural Engineer, Surveyor, Water Resource Engineer, Transportation Analyst, Project Engineer, Land Development Engineer and more. Many graduates of our program have stepped into key roles within their organization and put their knowledge to work immediately after completing the program.
The median annual wage for civil engineers was $95,890 in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Preferred Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| November 15 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.
How to Apply for the Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering Admissions Requirements and Materials
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Required application packet materials include:
- transcript showing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or equivalent
- two letters of recommendation
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
International Students – Additional Notes/Requirements
- Bachelor's degrees earned internationally must be assessed to ensure that entrance requirements are met.
- International students whose primary language is not English must show English language proficiency by either TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score or demonstration of a degree awarded from an acceptable English language institution. The successful applicant will typically have a TOEFL score of 79 or higher or overall lELTS score of 6.5 or higher or a Duolingo score of 105 or higher.
- If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to view special requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to the online MSCE program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
Online MSCE for Transfer Students
You may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate coursework from an accredited university, pending department approval. See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
The online MSCE is a 30 credit hour (10 course) program with course options that allow you to pursue your interests in areas like management, communications and geography. The program is 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length.
| Online MSCE Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| CEE 522 Fundamentals of Prestressed Concrete | 3 |
| CEE 523 Timber Design | 3 |
| CEE 524 Bridge Design | 3 |
| CEE 540 Construction Management | 3 |
| CEE 541 Construction Equipment and Practice | 3 |
| CEE 560 Traffic Engineering | 3 |
| CEE 562 Geometric Highway Design | 3 |
| CEE 563 GPS Theory and Application | 3 |
| CEE 565 GIS Application to Transportation | 3 |
| CEE 573 Groundwater Hydrology | 3 |
| CEE 626 Masonry Design | 3 |
| CEE 660 Transportation Planning & Urban Development | 3 |
| CEE 661 Environmental Analysis of Transportation Systems | 3 |
| CEE 662 Airport Planning and Design | 3 |
| CEE 663 Advanced Traffic Operations | 3 |
| CEE 664 Fundamentals of Intelligent Transportation Systems | 3 |
| CEE 665 Pavement Design | 3 |
| CEE 694 Building Information Modeling | 3 |
| CEE 694 Wetland Design | 3 |
| Total Required Hours | 30 |
To optimize the mix of courses in your program, contact your advisor each semester prior to registration.
See other available courses in the Transportation Engineering Certificate and the Structural Engineering Certificate, also 100% online.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Course Descriptions
CEE 522 Fundamentals of Prestressed Concrete
Introduction to pre-tensioned and post-tensioned prestressed concrete. Design of precast concrete slabs, buildings, and bridges in accordance with ACI specifications and the Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) recommended practices. Application of computer programs for member analysis and design.
CEE 523 Timber Design
Concepts of Structural Timber design will be taught. The properties of wood materials will be reviewed and the procedures for the design of typical timber components will be presented. In addition to course assignments, and tests, required of all students, students taking this course for graduate credit will be required to complete a group design of a simple building.
CEE 524 Bridge Design
This class offers detailed coverage of engineering basics for the design of short- and medium-span bridges. Learning modules are designed for students to: 1) identify/apply basic bridge design considerations, 2) structurally analyze multi span bridges, 3) estimate AASHTO bridge loads, and 4) complete design concrete bridges to conform with the latest fifth edition of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
CEE 540 Construction Management
This course discusses construction management including estimating, bidding, time/cost management, provisions, surety bonds, ownership, and project scheduling. Other topics, such as temporary erosion control and plan & print reading will also be covered.
CEE 541 Construction Equipment and Practice
This course will provide an overview of construction planning and practices rather than construction management. The emphasis will be on the Construction Depth content of Civil Engineering. The topics covered in the course will be guided by the anticipated content of fundamental construction engineering practice and will follow the various chapters of the required textbook.
CEE 560 Traffic Engineering
Examines characteristics of the vehicle, the driver, and the traffic stream. Highway and intersection capacity, theory of traffic flow, parking, traffic safety.
CEE 562 Geometric Highway Design
The concepts of geometric design for rural and urban highways, utilizing proprietary design software are introduced and applied.
CEE 563 GPS Theory and Application
This course is designed to give the student an overview of the use of Global Positioning Systems in surveying and engineering applications. Elements of coordinate systems, map projections, PS principles of operation, mapping, boundary, and construction surveys will be covered.
CEE 565 GIS Application to Transportation
Introduces an overview and application of current methods of implementing GIS solutions to highway data analysis and planning studies.
CEE 573 Groundwater Hydrology
Fundamental concepts of fluid flow and soil properties; theory of groundwater movement; mechanics of well flow; groundwater contaminant transport.
CEE 626 Masonry Design
Concepts of masonry design will be taught. The properties of masonry materials will be reviewed and the procedures for the design of typical masonry components will be presented.
CEE 660 Transportation Planning & Urban Development
Focuses on the principles of transportation planning in the urban environment, including land use planning, with emphasis on the orderly development of the transportation system.
CEE 661 Environmental Analysis of Transportation Systems
An examination of the various impacts that transportation systems and projects may have on the natural and human environment. A detailed review and application of transportation noise analysis.
CEE 662 Airport Planning and Design
Addresses the planning, design and development of 21stcentury airports. When you complete this course, you will have a better understanding of the complex issues facing today’s airports.
CEE 663 Advanced Traffic Operations
A continuation of CEE 560, with an emphasis on mathematical and computer techniques to solve traffic problems.
CEE 664 Fundamentals of Intelligent Transportation Systems
Examines the elements of traffic flow theory, incident/emergency management, dynamic route guidance, in-vehicle systems, and traffic signal systems.
CEE 665 Pavement Design
Design of flexible and rigid pavements, base courses, and subgrades. Effects of loading on pavement life. Investigation of pavement distress and rehabilitation. Introduction to pavement management systems.
CEE 694 Building Information Modeling
This class provide an overview of creating, modifying, analyzing, and documenting a typical building model in the BIM environment. Students will learn to create structural system components and details, including steel connections and rebars using BIM. Students will also learn to develop custom families that interfaced with structural analysis tools.
CEE 694 Wetland Design
Wetland Design will show you how to plan, and build naturally appearing, and functioning wetlands. The detailed modules explain the values of wetlands, how wetlands were drained, factors affecting site selection for restoration, techniques for construction, and how nonfunctioning wetlands can be repaired. The class focuses on teaching practical, low cost, and highly effective techniques for restoring wetlands that will require little, if any maintenance.
The Online MSCE Team
-
Is this program ABET-accredited?No, typically bachelor's in engineering programs are ABET-accredited while master's in engineering degrees are typically not ABET-accredited. The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
-
Can I earn the online M.S. in Civil Engineering degree and one of the Graduate Certificates at the same time?Yes! You can work toward earning both your M.S. in Civil Engineering and either the Graduate Certificate in Structural Engineering or Transportation Engineering at the same time. If you let the academic adviser know when making the degree plan, you can finish both programs within 10 classes.
-
Can I receive credit for graduate courses completed at another institution?Once admitted, students may request department permission to transfer up to six (6) credit hours from an accredited graduate program. Only courses that have not counted towards another degree program will be considered. See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
-
What bachelor’s degrees, other than engineering, are acceptable for admission in the MS Civil Engineering program?Students must have a bachelor's in civil engineering. Similar degrees and professional experience in concrete design may, on a case by case basis, be accepted for admission. International students must have the equivalent of a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
-
Are GRE scores required for admission?No! There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission into the online master's in civil engineering at UofL.
-
Are scholarships available for the MSCE program?No, at this time there are no scholarships available. However, some employers may provide tuition support through employer reimbursement programs.
Academic Year Tuition
$830 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering Highlights
- Skip the GRE or GMAT – not required for admission!
- Join a highly-regarded program, trusted by industry employers and featuring courses that reflect changes and advancements in the field.
- Acquire knowledge that helps you stay up-to-date on licensure standards and requirements.
- Study software and tools that are vital in real job situations.
- Move successfully through the program with a dedicated advisor to assist you from enrollment through graduation.
- Work with UofL’s career service center for any job-related needs.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Online Graduate Civil Engineering Certificates
Want to test the waters first? Start with a certificate program, gain momentum and move into the master’s program with ease.
- Graduate Certificate in Structural Engineering (12 credit hours)
- Graduate Certificate in Transportation Engineering (12 credit hours)
Complete this degree on your own time through fully online coursework.
Learn MoreTake only 10 courses to graduate with your master’s degree.
Learn MorePer-credit hour active-duty rate
"As we continue to see an increase in the standards and requirements for professional licensure, the Master’s in Civil Engineering is one of the advanced degrees that [engineers] will have to have. I want [students] to walk out and be prepared for those professional examinations that they have to go through as part of our career."
PROF. BRANDON SHELLEY
ONLINE MSCE FACULTY
Why Earn a Master's in Civil Engineering?
While a master’s degree isn’t necessary to pursue a career as a civil engineer, it does give you a leg up in the industry.
Highly educated civil engineers are prepared to address contemporary issues such as increasing urbanization and aging infrastructure with confidence and expertise.
Not only will you have a more well-rounded and expanded understanding of key civil engineering areas, but you’ll be prepared to step into management roles, standout in a competitive job market and increase your potential earnings.
Career options after graduation include managing, supervising or leading civil engineering teams and projects, as well as pursuing roles including: Structural Engineer, Surveyor, Water Resource Engineer, Transportation Analyst, Project Engineer, Land Development Engineer and more. Many graduates of our program have stepped into key roles within their organization and put their knowledge to work immediately after completing the program.
The median annual wage for civil engineers was $95,890 in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Preferred Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| November 15 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.
How to Apply for the Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering Admissions Requirements and Materials
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Required application packet materials include:
- transcript showing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or equivalent
- two letters of recommendation
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
International Students – Additional Notes/Requirements
- Bachelor's degrees earned internationally must be assessed to ensure that entrance requirements are met.
- International students whose primary language is not English must show English language proficiency by either TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score or demonstration of a degree awarded from an acceptable English language institution. The successful applicant will typically have a TOEFL score of 79 or higher or overall lELTS score of 6.5 or higher or a Duolingo score of 105 or higher.
- If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to view special requirements for international students.
- International students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to the online MSCE program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.
Online MSCE for Transfer Students
You may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate coursework from an accredited university, pending department approval. See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
The online MSCE is a 30 credit hour (10 course) program with course options that allow you to pursue your interests in areas like management, communications and geography. The program is 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length.
| Online MSCE Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| CEE 522 Fundamentals of Prestressed Concrete | 3 |
| CEE 523 Timber Design | 3 |
| CEE 524 Bridge Design | 3 |
| CEE 540 Construction Management | 3 |
| CEE 541 Construction Equipment and Practice | 3 |
| CEE 560 Traffic Engineering | 3 |
| CEE 562 Geometric Highway Design | 3 |
| CEE 563 GPS Theory and Application | 3 |
| CEE 565 GIS Application to Transportation | 3 |
| CEE 573 Groundwater Hydrology | 3 |
| CEE 626 Masonry Design | 3 |
| CEE 660 Transportation Planning & Urban Development | 3 |
| CEE 661 Environmental Analysis of Transportation Systems | 3 |
| CEE 662 Airport Planning and Design | 3 |
| CEE 663 Advanced Traffic Operations | 3 |
| CEE 664 Fundamentals of Intelligent Transportation Systems | 3 |
| CEE 665 Pavement Design | 3 |
| CEE 694 Building Information Modeling | 3 |
| CEE 694 Wetland Design | 3 |
| Total Required Hours | 30 |
To optimize the mix of courses in your program, contact your advisor each semester prior to registration.
See other available courses in the Transportation Engineering Certificate and the Structural Engineering Certificate, also 100% online.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Course Descriptions
CEE 522 Fundamentals of Prestressed Concrete
Introduction to pre-tensioned and post-tensioned prestressed concrete. Design of precast concrete slabs, buildings, and bridges in accordance with ACI specifications and the Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) recommended practices. Application of computer programs for member analysis and design.
CEE 523 Timber Design
Concepts of Structural Timber design will be taught. The properties of wood materials will be reviewed and the procedures for the design of typical timber components will be presented. In addition to course assignments, and tests, required of all students, students taking this course for graduate credit will be required to complete a group design of a simple building.
CEE 524 Bridge Design
This class offers detailed coverage of engineering basics for the design of short- and medium-span bridges. Learning modules are designed for students to: 1) identify/apply basic bridge design considerations, 2) structurally analyze multi span bridges, 3) estimate AASHTO bridge loads, and 4) complete design concrete bridges to conform with the latest fifth edition of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
CEE 540 Construction Management
This course discusses construction management including estimating, bidding, time/cost management, provisions, surety bonds, ownership, and project scheduling. Other topics, such as temporary erosion control and plan & print reading will also be covered.
CEE 541 Construction Equipment and Practice
This course will provide an overview of construction planning and practices rather than construction management. The emphasis will be on the Construction Depth content of Civil Engineering. The topics covered in the course will be guided by the anticipated content of fundamental construction engineering practice and will follow the various chapters of the required textbook.
CEE 560 Traffic Engineering
Examines characteristics of the vehicle, the driver, and the traffic stream. Highway and intersection capacity, theory of traffic flow, parking, traffic safety.
CEE 562 Geometric Highway Design
The concepts of geometric design for rural and urban highways, utilizing proprietary design software are introduced and applied.
CEE 563 GPS Theory and Application
This course is designed to give the student an overview of the use of Global Positioning Systems in surveying and engineering applications. Elements of coordinate systems, map projections, PS principles of operation, mapping, boundary, and construction surveys will be covered.
CEE 565 GIS Application to Transportation
Introduces an overview and application of current methods of implementing GIS solutions to highway data analysis and planning studies.
CEE 573 Groundwater Hydrology
Fundamental concepts of fluid flow and soil properties; theory of groundwater movement; mechanics of well flow; groundwater contaminant transport.
CEE 626 Masonry Design
Concepts of masonry design will be taught. The properties of masonry materials will be reviewed and the procedures for the design of typical masonry components will be presented.
CEE 660 Transportation Planning & Urban Development
Focuses on the principles of transportation planning in the urban environment, including land use planning, with emphasis on the orderly development of the transportation system.
CEE 661 Environmental Analysis of Transportation Systems
An examination of the various impacts that transportation systems and projects may have on the natural and human environment. A detailed review and application of transportation noise analysis.
CEE 662 Airport Planning and Design
Addresses the planning, design and development of 21stcentury airports. When you complete this course, you will have a better understanding of the complex issues facing today’s airports.
CEE 663 Advanced Traffic Operations
A continuation of CEE 560, with an emphasis on mathematical and computer techniques to solve traffic problems.
CEE 664 Fundamentals of Intelligent Transportation Systems
Examines the elements of traffic flow theory, incident/emergency management, dynamic route guidance, in-vehicle systems, and traffic signal systems.
CEE 665 Pavement Design
Design of flexible and rigid pavements, base courses, and subgrades. Effects of loading on pavement life. Investigation of pavement distress and rehabilitation. Introduction to pavement management systems.
CEE 694 Building Information Modeling
This class provide an overview of creating, modifying, analyzing, and documenting a typical building model in the BIM environment. Students will learn to create structural system components and details, including steel connections and rebars using BIM. Students will also learn to develop custom families that interfaced with structural analysis tools.
CEE 694 Wetland Design
Wetland Design will show you how to plan, and build naturally appearing, and functioning wetlands. The detailed modules explain the values of wetlands, how wetlands were drained, factors affecting site selection for restoration, techniques for construction, and how nonfunctioning wetlands can be repaired. The class focuses on teaching practical, low cost, and highly effective techniques for restoring wetlands that will require little, if any maintenance.
The Online MSCE Team
-
Is this program ABET-accredited?No, typically bachelor's in engineering programs are ABET-accredited while master's in engineering degrees are typically not ABET-accredited. The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
-
Can I earn the online M.S. in Civil Engineering degree and one of the Graduate Certificates at the same time?Yes! You can work toward earning both your M.S. in Civil Engineering and either the Graduate Certificate in Structural Engineering or Transportation Engineering at the same time. If you let the academic adviser know when making the degree plan, you can finish both programs within 10 classes.
-
Can I receive credit for graduate courses completed at another institution?Once admitted, students may request department permission to transfer up to six (6) credit hours from an accredited graduate program. Only courses that have not counted towards another degree program will be considered. See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
-
What bachelor’s degrees, other than engineering, are acceptable for admission in the MS Civil Engineering program?Students must have a bachelor's in civil engineering. Similar degrees and professional experience in concrete design may, on a case by case basis, be accepted for admission. International students must have the equivalent of a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
-
Are GRE scores required for admission?No! There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission into the online master's in civil engineering at UofL.
-
Are scholarships available for the MSCE program?No, at this time there are no scholarships available. However, some employers may provide tuition support through employer reimbursement programs.
