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.

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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.

How to Apply for the Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering

1. Start your application for graduate admission
2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
3. Upload required materials*
4. 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.
5. Create a financial plan

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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.

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.

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Course Descriptions

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.