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Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

The overarching mission of the Master of Science in Civil Engineering program is to produce the next generation of civil engineers, make important discoveries, develop new technologies, and apply cutting-edge approaches to ensure the safety, resilience, and sustainability of our infrastructure systems.

Research areas of environmental engineering, water resources engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, construction engineering, and geotechnical engineering comprise our graduate program.

Our faculty members are actively involved in state-of-the-art sponsored research programs and work collaboratively with graduate students on projects that are fundamental and applied in nature. You'll join a group of students and faculty who engage in sponsored research projects funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation, the U.S. Air Force, as well as water and wastewater companies and agencies.

Starting in Fall 2020, UD's civil engineering master's program expanded its course offerings related to construction engineering and management and will increase them in upcoming terms. 

There are two new courses related to construction management:

  • Management of Construction Field Operations (CEE 516) prepares graduate students for roles as field supervisor or field engineer and has an emphasis of leadership, execution planning, quality, and safety during their efforts at the construction site. 
  • Management of Construction Organization (CEE 517) covers construction leadership from a home office perspective. Topics covered in the course include different types of construction companies and legal structures, finance and accounting principles for construction companies, bidding, selection and administration of construction subcontracts and purchase orders, managing construction labor productivity, and company-wide management of quality, health, safety, security and environmental considerations. 

In upcoming terms, there are plans to introduce courses related to performance management of construction projects, risk management for construction projects, building the 21st Century project and applying best and innovative practices.

Plan of Study

University Catalog for Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.)

A minimum of 30 semester credit hours as outlined below is required:

  • Minimum twenty-one (21) semester credit hours of civil engineering and engineering mechanics from concentration areas of engineering mechanics, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, or water resources engineering.
  • Maximum nine (9) semester credit hours from other engineering disciplines or basic science course offerings.

Areas of Research

  • Top 100

    careers with big growth, great pay and satisfying work as ranked by CNN Money.com

  • Top 60

    in the nation: UD's graduate engineering school as rated by College Choice and U.S. News

  • #1

    Catholic university for sponsored engineering R&D

  • #2

    in Ohio for sponsored physical STEM R&D

  • #3

    Catholic university for sponsored R&D in all categories

  • #10

    nationally for federally sponsored engineering R&D

Successful Outcomes

Graduates of University of Dayton’s Master of Civil Engineering program go on to pursue Ph.D. degrees or professional careers and below are just representative examples:

  • Representative employers: HDR Inc., Woolpert, Jacobs Engineering Group, WSP, AECOM, Kimley-Horn, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ferguson Construction, Bracket Builders, Danis Construction, etc.
  • Representative Ph. D. universities: University of Central Florida, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kansas State University, University of West Virginia, Iowa State University, Case Western University, University of Akron, University of Connecticut, Michigan Western University, etc.

Program Details

A comprehensive program that delivers the principles and hands-on methods that are fundamental to the civil engineering profession. Our broad spectrum of courses maximizes your career options and provides flexibility to concentrate in your area of interest. 

Technical electives in environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, water resource engineering, make your customized program possible. Enjoy real-world design projects that link leadership and service to learning and scholarship in our Catholic, Marianist tradition. Our scholarship focuses on advancing design and building safe, reliable and affordable infrastructure.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the online application, you should submit the following:

  1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked: Issued to Student, and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
  2. Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
  3. A personal statement.
  4. Results from the GRE are not required. However, candidates are welcome to submit a score in support of their application.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, chemistry, applied mathematics or other appropriate program of study. Applicants with a different undergraduate degree may be required to complete prerequisites. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be admitted on a conditional basis.

Additional requirements apply for international students  (English Proficiency Options )

Domestic Students

A bachelor’s in civil engineering and a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (Students in other engineering or related programs may be admitted with preparatory courses at the undergraduate level.)

International Students

You are required to submit proof of English proficiency by submitting one of the following if English is not your native language:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Internet-based (IB) test, 80 or better; paper-based test, 550
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 minimum band score
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): 60 or better

Application Deadlines

Applications accepted on a rolling basis with the following approximate deadlines:

  • Fall Term: June 15th
  • Spring Term: November 15th
  • Summer Term: March 15th

Please contact the CEE graduate program director, Dr. Deogratias Eustace (deustace1@udayton.edu ) to follow up on exact deadlines.

Assistantship Opportunities for You

Annual, renewable assistantships with tuition and a monthly stipend are available in all engineering departments. Master’s and doctoral students may apply, but current University of Dayton undergraduate and graduate students are not eligible.

Graduate Assistantships
CONTACT

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Dr. Robert Liang, Department Chair

Kettering Laboratories
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 0243
937-229-3847
Email