The Best Online Master’s in Civil Engineering Programs

Online students who want a structured course schedule and the same classes that on-campus students have should consider the University of Illinois. All online students have access to recorded on-campus lessons and follow the same syllabus, assignments, exams and projects as their on-campus counterparts.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
Available Concentrations: Construction Engineering and Management, Energy-Water-Environment Sustainability, Environmental Engineering and Science, Geotechnical Engineering, Infrastructure, Railroad Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure Systems, Societal Risk Management, Water Resources Engineering and Science
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor of Science degree or the equivalent from an accredited college in the United States or a recognized institution of higher learning abroad
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-5 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: May 15; Spring: November 1
GPA: 3.0

In today's busy environment, it's more convenient to enter a program that caters to mobile technologies and allows students to interact with classmates and instructors on the go. USC's Distance Education Network, or [email protected], makes it easy for civil engineering students to participate in lectures, discussions and projects anywhere there's an internet connection.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Viterbi School of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Accrediting body: WASC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.
Credit Requirements: 27 units

Program LengthProgram start dates: Spring, Fall, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: January 15, 2019; Summer: March 15, 2019; Spring: September 15, 2019

Columbia University's master's in civil engineering program includes numerous concentrations to enhance the students' degrees and to hone their skills in a particular area of the field. Whether it's a concentration in construction engineering and management or environmental engineering and water resources, students can create their own learning path based on their career goals.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Structures, Construction Engineering, Reliability, Soil Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Hydrogeology, Continuum Mechanics, Finite Element Methods, Computational Mechanics, Experimental Mechanics, Acoustics, Vibrations and Dynamics, Earthquake Engineering
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree in civil engineering or a related field
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

The University of Washington's master's in civil engineering program features two tracks for students pursuing their degree: a professional master's program track and a research-intensive academic track. The PMP track is a coursework-based option for students who want to build their skill set before entering the field; the RIA track is for those who want to pursue a Ph.D. or are interested in research.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Available Subdisciplines: Construction Engineering, Energy Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation
Accrediting body: NWCCU

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 42 credits or 43 credits (Sustainable Transportation)

Program LengthProgram Options: Part-time
Program Length: 3 years
Program start dates: Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer; Sustainable Transportation has only Autumn as an entry point

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Autumn: July 1; Winter: November 1; February1; Summer: May 1. Sustainable Transportation: May 1 (Priority), September 15 (Final)
GPA: 3.0

Students who have prior obligations and can't commit to a full-time, two-year schedule should consider the University of Virginia for earning their master's degree in civil engineering. It's an extended graduate program that may take up to five years to complete, making it perfectly suited for working professionals or those who have other full-time commitments.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Engineering and Applied Science
Program Name: MEng in Civil and Environmental Engineering

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree in engineering or related fields from an accredited institution of higher learning.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 7 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: October 1; Spring: February 1; Summer: June 1
GPA: 3.0

NCSU offers a master's in civil engineering program for students who want to excel in their chosen field. This is a very accessible program for undergraduates with a degree in engineering, waiving the GRE requirements to those who qualify for exemption.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Construction Engineering, Environmental, Water Resources and Coastal Engineering, Geotechnical/Geoenvironmental Engineering, Structures and Mechanics, Transportation Materials, Transportation Systems.
Accrediting body: SACSCC

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate engineering degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 1 year
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 1; Spring: November 1; Summer I: March 15; Summer II: May 1
GPA: 3.0

The University of Florida caters to distance learners, providing a master's degree in civil engineering through the Electronic Delivery of Graduate Engineering program. Students can stream the lessons on their laptops or tablets or view them on DVDs, which are shipped directly to their homes.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science Civil Engineering
Available Specializations: Geographic Information Systems, Hydrologic Sciences, Wetland Sciences
Accrediting body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: June 1, November 15, March 31
GPA: 3.0

The University of Pittsburgh offers state-of-the-art tools, materials and resources for students in the online master's in civil engineering program. Distance learners work together in a collaborative environment and attend lectures alongside on-campus students, including using the same software to complete class assignments and projects.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Swanson School of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Construction Management
Accrediting body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 30-36 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: March 1; Spring: July 1; Summer: February 1
GPA: 3.0

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's master's in civil engineering program includes an internship opportunity, especially for students who select the public works option. These internship options provide hands-on experience and increase the students' skill set for career advancement after graduation.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Tickle College of Engineering
Program Name: MS in Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Public Works, Transportation
Accrediting body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree may be in engineering fields other than civil engineering. Proficiency level in math, basic engineering, and basic analysis and design courses in the area of interest equivalent to that required at the BS level in civil engineering
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Applicants may apply up to two weeks prior to the beginning of the desired term of entry
GPA: 3.0

Johns Hopkins University has established itself as a leader in engineering, providing some of the top engineering programs in the entire nation. Students who want to attend an online or on-campus civil engineering program with an expert faculty and a career-driven curriculum will find what they're looking for at JHU.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Whiting School of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Civil Engineering
Available Focus Tracks: Structural Engineering
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related technical discipline
Course Requirements: 10 courses

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Students who want to pursue management positions in construction engineering should look no further than Iowa State's online master's in civil engineering program. This program has an emphasis in construction engineering and management, providing students with a solid understanding and the technical skills to achieve management-level positions in engineering firms upon graduation.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Masters Degree Program in Civil Engineering
Emphasis: Construction Engineering and Management
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Summer, Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: 5 or more years of experience

The University of Houston's master's in civil engineering program benefits students in many ways, such as offering all online courses and flexible scheduling to accommodate full- and part-time learners. This program also offers a nice return on investment when comparing tuition costs and average salaries after graduation

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Cullen College of Engineering
Program Name: Civil Engineering M.S.
Available Concentrations: Structural Engineering and Mechanics, Advanced Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics/Water Resources, Environmental Engineering and Geosensing Engineering.

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Students with degrees in fields related to Civil Engineering
Credit Requirements: 31 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: February 15; Spring: October 15
GPA: 3.0

Students who want a solid foundation to build upon will gain the knowledge and skills in Missouri S&T's master's in civil engineering program. This program covers a broad overview of the field, adding new layers to the students' existing skill set and preparing them to take on numerous roles in the industry after graduation.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering and Computing
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Available Certificates: Environmental Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Construction Engineering
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited program
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 3 years
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

UT Arlington works with students every step of the way from enrollment to graduation, also providing assistance when it comes to creating a plan of study. Faculty advisers help students select technical areas in civil engineering that will peak their interests and promote their personal and professional development.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Civil Engineering, MS
Accrediting body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Spring, Fall, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: March 15; Spring: October 15; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0

The master's in civil engineering program at CSU covers both foundational and advanced topics for students who not only want to advance their careers but also to lead their engineering departments. Students learn a wealth of information, from hydrology to infrastructure and utility management, becoming proficient in their chosen field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Accrediting body: THLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: B.S. in Engineering
Credit Requirements: 32 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: May 1; Spring: October 15
GPA: 3.0

Michigan Tech's online master's in civil engineering program includes a structural engineering focus for those who want to explore a career in this particular field. Graduates are prepared for senior-level positions upon graduation, having advanced skills in structural analysis, material dynamics and structural engineering theory to propel their careers to the next level.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Geotechnical, Infrastructure, Structural
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in engineering
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: Few as 5 semesters
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling

Auburn University offers an online master's of civil engineering targeted toward those who work in the industry, and want to move into a level of seniority and management. With world-renewed faculty expertise and a curriculum structured to make students stand out in the professional world, Auburn offers a premier graduate degree from the comfort of home, the office or anywhere.

Program OverviewCollege Name: Samuel Gin College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Civil Engineering
Accrediting body: SACS

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: ABET-accredited bachelor's in engineering
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2-4 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling

Students in the master's in civil engineering program at MSU can customize the program to align with their needs and career goals. Students may select a particular specialization to hone their skills in a specific area of the industry, such as geotechnical engineering, and choose between thesis and nonthesis paths to graduation.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: James Worth Bagley College of Engineering
Program Name: Master's in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Available Concentrations: Construction Engineering and Management, Construction Materials Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering
Accrediting body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30-33 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: March 15; Spring: September 15; Summer: January 15
GPA: 3.0

Kansas State University Global Campus reaches far and wide and delivers an exceptional master's in civil engineering program to distance learners across the country. Students never have to visit the campus for any coursework but will need to travel to KSU once at the end of the program for their oral exams.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Carl R. Ice College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Year-round
GPA: 3.0

Clarkson University is well-known for its engineering programs, especially the master's in civil and environmental engineering program. This program takes between 18 and 24 months to complete and includes foundational courses in environmental chemistry, chemodynamics and more, providing graduates with the necessary skills to lead in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering
Program Name: MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering
Available Concentrations: Environmental, Geotechnical, Structural, Water Resources Engineering
Accrediting body: MSCHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 18 - 24 months

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: January 15
GPA: 3.0

The University of Louisville's master's in civil engineering program features an award-winning faculty that provides instruction for both online and on-campus students. The faculty members have become leaders in the engineering field and excel in academics, sharing their industry expertise as they mold current students into future career professionals.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: J.B. Speed School of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Accrediting body: SACS

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering. GRE Scores
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: Few as 3 intensive semesters
Program start dates: Fall. Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: August 1, November 30, April 1
GPA: 2.75

The University of Idaho offers a master's in civil engineering program through online delivery methods, providing numerous emphasis areas in which to build the students' skills for career advancement. This nonthesis degree program is delivered through Engineering Outreach and requires a technical paper and at least 33 credits to graduate.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering, Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics, Transportation Engineering
Accrediting body: NWCCU

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: February 1; Spring: September 1
GPA: 3.0

Ohio University offers a master's in civil engineering program with numerous specializations in construction engineering and management, structural engineering and more. Students who want to earn their degree quickly should choose this program as it can be completed 100 percent online in just five semesters.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Program Name: Master of Science In Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental, Structural, Transportation
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited university
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: Few as 5 semesters
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

UT Tyler designed its master's in civil engineering program for working professionals who are currently employed in the engineering field. This program not only prepares students for senior-level positions at engineering firms but allows them to earn their degree in only two years without interrupting their work schedules.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: MS in Civil Engineering, Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
Accrediting body: CCSASC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a civil engineering
Credit Requirements: 24 credits with thesis (MS) or 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsPriority application deadlines: Fall: March 15; Spring: October 15; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0

LTU's fully online master's in civil engineering program creates a campuslike atmosphere for distance learners, offering collaboration between peers throughout the program. The class sizes are kept small for better interaction with faculty members, providing greater one-on-one support as students work through the projects.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Structural Engineering
Accrediting body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor of science in civil engineering
Credit Requirements: 30-33 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: April 19; Fall: July 26
GPA: 3.0

Kennesaw State University prepares graduate students for successful engineering careers thanks to its extensive master's in civil engineering program. The American Society of Civil Engineers supports the master's degree in civil engineering as a prerequisite for the Professional Engineering license, making it perfect for those who want to obtain the necessary credentials for career advancement.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation and Pavement Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Water Resources
Accrediting body: SACSCC

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: November 1; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0

Old Dominion University's master's in civil engineering program includes a focus in coastal engineering, which is ideal for students who are interested in coastal science and engineering research. This program is offered entirely online and gives students advanced skills in wave theory, soil erosion and more to succeed as experts in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Frank Batten College of Engineering & Technology
Program Name: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Coastal Engineering
Accrediting body: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree, preferably, in civil or environmental engineering with a strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Students who want to learn every aspect of the civil engineering field should consider Norwich University. The civil engineering program features an in-depth curriculum with courses that align with the recommendations from the American Society of Civil Engineers, including concentration options that delve further into the students' area of interest.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Civil Engineering
Available Concentrations: Construction Management, Environmental/Water Resources, Engineering Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering
Accrediting body: NECHE

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: March 4, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: February 4, 2019
GPA: 2.75