Whether you’ve just become an engineer or you have years of experience, earning a master’s degree in civil engineering can enhance your technical knowledge and skillset. The best online civil engineering master’s degree programs teach advanced techniques for addressing globalization, sustainability, and emerging technology challenges that will play a part in your work.
But which programs are indeed the best? Which have the right curriculum, affordable prices, and the student and career services you need to succeed before and after graduation? Find out with our ranking of the top online master’s degrees in civil engineering.
Top Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Programs Online
From structural design nuances to crucial environmental considerations, online master’s degree programs in civil engineering are designed to foster a profound understanding of engineering principles. If you’re ready to postively influence the our nation’s infrastructure development, our curated list of 2024’s best online master’s degree programs in civil engineering will steer you toward the available best program.
The Engineering School of Sustained Infrastructure and Environment (ESSIE) at the University of Florida offers two online engineering master’s degrees, including one in civil engineering. Of the required 30 credits needed for graduation, 15 must be completed in ESSIE, but 15 can come from any graduate-level online course offered by the university. Students can choose from either a master of science or master’s in engineering degree. The curriculums are the same for each, except the master of science degree requires a final exam. Also, the master’s of engineering degree is only open to students who already have a bachelor of science in an engineering field.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science or Master’s of Engineering in Civil Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
North Carolina A&T State University’s Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering offers one of the most flexible civil engineering master’s degree programs. The bulk of the curriculum is online, but students can choose from three program tracks. These include the project option, thesis option, and course option. Regardless of which track they choose, students will take the same nine core credits and take courses that cover subject areas such as environmental/water resources, regional/transportation development, and construction management. Online students can decide what pace they want to progress through the program, with full-time and part-time curriculum plans available.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: Two to three semesters
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering program at the University of Central Florida has several key features that make it attractive to prospective civil engineering graduate students. There’s no GRE required to apply, which simplifies the admissions process and accommodates future students who might already be working full time. The program’s curriculum is designed for students who already have a civil engineering undergraduate degree, but wish to expand their engineering knowledge in a broad range of areas, like structural analysis and design. Students who prefer to specialize in a particular area can choose from several concentration tracks, including structural, transportation, water resources, and smart dities.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2-3 years
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Inside Scoop: Online Master’s in Civil Engineering
Before applying to master’s programs in civil engineering, it’s critical to do your research, not only on basics such as tuition and graduation rate, but coursework, student services, and other details that give you a clearer picture. The spotlights below serve as a great starting point for that deeper research. See if these popular programs have what you need to move your civil engineering education forward.
University of Illinois
A Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign involves 36 credit hours and does not require a thesis. Traditional specialty areas include construction engineering and management, construction materials engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and water resource engineering and science. The program offers three cross-disciplinary options: sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems, energy-water environment sustainability, and societal risk management.
Students in this online master’s program in civil engineering can take up to five years to complete their degree. To be admitted, they need a Bachelor of Science or equivalent from an accredited college, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a minimum GRE score. Note that the GRE is optional for Fall 2021 but is still preferred as scores may provide added weight for admission or funding decisions.
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Designed to help engineering professionals elevate and refresh their knowledge and advance their careers, LSU’s online Master of Science in Civil Engineering offers many specializations. With a focus on equipping students to design, develop, and effectively lead in the industry, LSU’s online master’s in civil engineering provides the tools needed for addressing globalization and sustainability.
This 36-credit-hour program allows students to earn a degree on their time frame and provides continued support with a Learner Concierge always available to answer questions and offer encouragement. Admissions into LSU’s online master’s program in civil engineering requires a 3.0 GPA, though a 2.75 GPA may be accepted with relevant work experience. The same is true for the GRE; applicants also need a minimum GRE score, though waivers may be issued for those with relevant work experience. The total program costs $28,044; you may be able to save money and earn credit through previous work or training.
Ohio University
An online Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Ohio University equips graduates with the skills to research, design, develop, and test new technologies and industry applications. Graduates learn to engineer a better future with responsible and sustainable design. An integrated approach teaches specialized knowledge in topics such as construction engineering and management, environmental engineering, structural engineering, and transportation engineering.
This online master’s degree offers a flexible program that students can complete in just five semesters. The curriculum teaches advanced techniques and principles in mathematics and physical science essential for addressing globalization, sustainability, and emerging technology. Courses include those in construction planning and scheduling, applied civil engineering statistics, engineering writing, and principles of pavement design.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Ohio University’s online master’s in civil engineering program does not require a GRE score and has three start times (spring, summer, and fall) yearly.
Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in Civil Engineering
A master’s degree in civil engineering online provides the skills necessary to succeed in this ever-changing field. Online programs offer the benefits of flexibility and convenience, updated skills, and career advancement for both those just entering the field and experienced professionals. Learn more:
Flexibility and Convenience
Online master’s degree programs in civil engineering are flexible and convenient and many have generous time frames of up to six years for completion. Not only do they provide the options needed for balancing work, school, and personal lives, but they also offer cutting-edge skills to propel your career forward.
Updated Skills
A master’s degree in civil engineering offers expertise in a cross-section of topics to meet individual interests and career goals. A plethora of programs is available to complement almost any specialty. The updated technical knowledge gained in an engineering master’s program not only opens doors for more challenging tasks but also can lead to a promotion or pay raise.
Career Advancement
A focused specialty along with updated technical knowledge gives you an edge over others, whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance in an already-established career. Not only that, but those with master’s degrees generally earn higher salaries than those with bachelor’s degrees.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Program
Courses within an online civil engineering master’s degree program prepare students for building civilization’s infrastructure through advanced techniques and principles of mathematics and physical sciences. Most courses also address timely topics such as globalization, sustainability, and emerging technology.
The exact topics you’ll study in an online civil engineering master’s degree program vary depending on the concentration you choose, but they do overlap in general areas. Popular topics are related to environmental and water resources, geotechnical topics, highway and airport design, heavy construction, and traffic. Take a look at some in-demand courses.
Popular Courses
Pavement Design
A course in pavement design analyzes the behavior, performance, and structural design of highway pavements. It considers topics like design methods and tests, climate factors, traffic loading analysis, and life-cycle cost analysis. Common methods used in designing pavement structures may be presented.
Bridge Engineering
Bridge engineering courses review bridge structures and design standards. They consider load specifications, structural analysis, and design. They study the performance of highway and road bridges, sometimes focusing on areas like steel and prestressed concrete structures. Coursework may include computer applications like bridge geometry, abutment design, and composite beam design.
Geotechnical Engineering
Courses in geotechnical engineering often consider soil classifications and involve laboratory and field studies. They also explore soil permeability, settlement analysis, and soil strength. Some geotechnical engineering courses look at aspects of solid waste, earthquake engineering, and soil improvement.
Environmental Engineering Principles
A course in environmental engineering principles looks at the sources, characteristics, spread, and effects of air and water contaminants. It also considers the biological, chemical, and physical processes of water. Air quality and solid-waste management may also be discussed along with environmental quality standards.
Construction Engineering
A course in construction engineering looks at engineering processes as they relate to contracting, planning, scheduling, estimating, project control, and more. It may consider construction equipment economics, construction law, aspects of administration, and heavy construction management. Case studies play a big role in helping to teach construction engineering and management topics.
Specialization Tracks
Concentrations within online master’s in civil engineering programs offer the opportunity to target specializations that allow civil engineering professionals to advance in their careers. Not only does a specialization set you apart, but it provides a unique and updated skill set that those without a master’s degree in civil engineering might not have. Below are five examples of degree concentrations for a master’s degree program in civil engineering to give you an idea of the possibilities.
Construction Engineering & Management
Construction engineering and management blends a design focus with a concern for overseeing construction. Courses include construction productivity, planning, and cost analysis. This concentration considers sustainable construction and equipment methods. Students analyze case studies to develop skills in areas like construction operations and decision making.
Structural Engineering
Structural engineers focus on designing and constructing safe structures able to withstand various elements. This specialization studies structural analysis, mechanics, and dynamics. It requires learning finite element analysis methods about steel structures and reinforced concrete. It also considers decision and risk analysis, highway and bridge design, earthquake engineering, and probabilistic load and design.
Transportation Engineering
Transportation engineers plan roadway construction and maintenance. They also design airports, subways, and metro transit systems. Topics in this concentration include principles of pavement design, environmental analysis of transportation systems, and traffic parameters. Construction management courses in this concentration consider productivity, planning, and sustainable construction methods. Environmental and geotechnical topics also may be covered.
Water Quality
Water quality engineers find ways to provide clean water, manage waste, and prevent flood damage. This concentration covers fluid mechanics, water resources, environmental microbiology, and chemistry. Water quality engineers address challenges like global warming, aging infrastructures, population growth, and high-quality living standards.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineers study physical, chemical, and biological engineering principles to develop solutions to environmental problems. This concentration considers cleanup of environmental pollutants, air quality engineering and modeling, and sustainable design technology to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and pollution control.
Accreditation for Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
Accreditation demonstrates that a college or university is qualified to educate students and grant degrees. A school’s accreditation impacts whether your credits will transfer and if you’re eligible for financial aid. It’s generally best to find a regionally accredited college or university. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation coordinates regional accreditation and ensures high levels of quality. You can find a list of accredited schools on the U.S. Department of Education website.
In addition to being regionally accredited, online civil engineering master’s degree programs should also be recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accredits institutions already recognized by national or regional accreditation agencies or national education authorities worldwide. ABET accreditation assures a program meets the industry standards that are respected by prospective employers.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Civil Engineering
A master’s degree in civil engineering helps those already in the workforce stay updated on innovations in science and provides the best employment and promotion opportunities. Not only does a master’s degree in civil engineering provide the updated knowledge necessary for leadership in the field, but it also often leads to salaries well above the median income. Obtaining a master’s degree in civil engineering online prepares graduates for a range of advanced career opportunities.
Below are five potential careers for graduates of an online master’s in civil engineering program.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, build, supervise, operate, and maintain large construction projects and systems. These include airports, buildings, roads, tunnels, bridges, and community water supply and drainage systems. Just about every large construction project needs a civil engineer to analyze plans, consider costs, submit permits, test materials, and design structures.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$55,380 | $87,060 | $144,560 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers make recommendations for maintaining and improving environmental performance. They collaborate with environmental scientists, engineers, and other specialists to address any environmental problems, manage projects, and recommend changes in response to environmental considerations.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$54,330 | $88,860 | $142,070 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Health and Safety Engineer
Health and safety engineers prepare, maintain, and update environmental policies and procedures. They ensure compliance with all environmental and health and safety regulations, and they develop hazard-control processes and programs. Their main goal is to keep people safe while making sure properties function effectively.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$53,650 | $91,410 | $143,880 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee construction sites, including general contractors and construction workers, to ensure a high level of quality and safety. They manage proposals and orders, and they guarantee that work complies with approved procedures.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$56,140 | $95,260 | $164,790 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Urban and Regional Planner
Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities. They collaborate with a variety of professionals, gather and analyze data, conduct field investigations, and much more.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$45,850 | $74,350 | $116,280 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering
The cost of obtaining an online master’s degree in civil engineering can be significant. That means you’ll be looking for financial aid, including private and school scholarships, fellowships, work-study programs, and employer tuition programs. Many schools, like the University of Washington’s Graduate Funding Information Service, help students find fellowships, awards, and assistantships. Employer tuition assistance, a program where an employer covers all or part of a professional education in exchange for a set period of employment, is another possible funding source for those working as civil engineers or at engineering companies. Additionally, some schools offer credit for previous work experience or training, which can also save you money in tuition costs.
Visit this financial aid page for more information.
How Affordable Your Online Master’s in Civil Engineering Could Be
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
42 | $640 | $26,880 | |
30 | $513 (NC residents) $1,361 (nonresidents) | $15,390 (NC residents) $40,830 (non-residents) | |
36 | $779 | $28,044 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in civil engineering?
Some online civil engineering master’s degree programs require a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Others accept STEM-related degrees, architecture degrees, or any engineering bachelor’s degree. Those with closely related work experience may also be considered.
Minimum admissions requirements usually include:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0. Lower GPAs are sometimes accepted with relevant work experience.
- Minimum GRE scores. A GRE is sometimes waived for those with relevant experience or at least a 3.0 GPA in an undergraduate engineering program.
- Demonstrated English language proficiency for those whose first language is not English.
Most programs also typically require school transcripts, a resume or curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
How long will it take to finish my master’s in civil engineering online?
Some programs allow up to six years for completion of a master’s in civil engineering, while others limit programs to five semesters for completion. Credits also vary among schools. For example, North Carolina State requires 30 credits, LSU requires 36 credits, and the University of Washington requires 42 credits. The number of required credits along with the personalized pacing allowed with online programs both affect the time frame for completion. A thesis requirement also figures into how long a program will take, though many programs do not have this requirement.
Can I earn a master’s in civil engineering 100% online?
Most online civil engineering master’s degree programs can be obtained completely online. Some also offer blended approaches with a combination of on-campus and online courses. Online master’s degree programs in civil engineering offer the same quality as in-person programs. Both teach students how to solve real-world problems and ready them to lead in the workforce. Earning a master’s degree online allows completion of coursework while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. This flexible learning experience provides working professionals with the opportunity to upgrade skills and advance in their careers without putting their lives on hold.