NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Fall admissions onlyAdmission Start
- No GRE requirement for 2026 admissionsStandardized Tests
- Rolling admissions with recommendation to apply by April 15Application Timeline
- Official transcript required only upon admissionApplication Material
- Minimum IELTS score of 7.0English Requirement
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University offers a Master of Science (MS) program designed to educate students in advanced research and development within the field. The program admits students only in the fall quarter, as courses are sequenced to begin at this time. All financial support packages also commence in the fall. The department encourages students interested in pursuing a PhD to apply directly to the PhD program, even if they have not yet completed a Master's degree. If you are undecided about your ultimate degree objective, you may apply to the PhD program and indicate your willingness to be considered for the MS program if not admitted to the PhD.
Frequently asked questions
- When does the Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering program start, and what are the application deadlines?
- The program admits students only in the fall quarter. While admissions are rolling, the recommended application deadline is April 15, 2026, for Fall 2026 admission. The hard deadline for application submission is June 30, 2026.
- What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
- International students must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 85 or higher (internet-based).
- Is the GRE required for admission to the MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering program?
- No, the GRE is not required for 2026 admissions.
- What documents are needed for the application?
- You will need to submit unofficial transcripts, 2-3 letters of recommendation, an Academic Statement, a Statement of Purpose, and your resume/CV. English proficiency scores are also required for international students. Official transcripts are only submitted upon admission.
- Where can I find information about tuition and fees?
- Specific tuition amounts for the MS program are not detailed here. Please contact Student Finance or visit the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science graduate tuition page for detailed information.
- What are the career prospects after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in research and development, contributing to interdisciplinary scholarship in civil and environmental engineering.
Entry requirements
Previous DegreeApplicants should have completed or be pursuing a BS or BA degree. Students aiming for a PhD can apply directly to the PhD program without a prior MS.
IELTS7.0 or higher
TOEFL (internet-based)85 or higher
TOEFL (computer-based)213 or higher
TOEFL (paper-based)550 or higher
For international students, if academic documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by official English translations. Acceptable translations are from the issuing institution, American Translators Association (ATA) certified translators, or your consulate. Plain, notarized, or non-certified translations are not accepted. TOEFL/IELTS scores must be no older than September 2024 for Fall 2026 admissions.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are available through the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science graduate tuition page. Specific amounts for the MS program are not detailed here.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are available through the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science graduate tuition page. Specific amounts for the MS program are not detailed here.
LivingInformation regarding housing and meal plans for graduate students can be found on the Graduate Housing and Northwestern Dining websites. Additional fees will be added to your bill if you enroll in these options.
For detailed tuition and fee information, please contact Student Finance or visit their FAQ page. For comprehensive cost of attendance, consult your Financial Aid Office.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the ApplyWeb portal. The application for Fall 2027 admission opens in September 2026.
2. Upload Unofficial TranscriptsScan and upload unofficial transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions during the online application process.
3. Submit Letters of RecommendationProvide email addresses for 2-3 recommenders in the online application. They will be contacted electronically to submit their letters.
4. Write and Submit StatementsPrepare an Academic Statement and a Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages, single-spaced) detailing your career direction, qualifications, research interests, and reasons for choosing Northwestern.
5. Include Resume/CVIt is highly recommended to submit a resume or curriculum vitae with your application.
6. Provide Writing Samples (Optional)Encouraged to submit abstracts from papers or articles to broaden your application.
7. Submit English Proficiency ScoresInternational students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. Upload your test report with the application. If unavailable at submission, send it to logan.hart@northwestern.edu upon receipt.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering program start, and what are the application deadlines?
+
The program admits students only in the fall quarter. While admissions are rolling, the recommended application deadline is April 15, 2026, for Fall 2026 admission. The hard deadline for application submission is June 30, 2026.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International students must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 85 or higher (internet-based).
Is the GRE required for admission to the MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering program?
+
No, the GRE is not required for 2026 admissions.
What documents are needed for the application?
+
You will need to submit unofficial transcripts, 2-3 letters of recommendation, an Academic Statement, a Statement of Purpose, and your resume/CV. English proficiency scores are also required for international students. Official transcripts are only submitted upon admission.
Where can I find information about tuition and fees?
+
Specific tuition amounts for the MS program are not detailed here. Please contact Student Finance or visit the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science graduate tuition page for detailed information.
What are the career prospects after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in research and development, contributing to interdisciplinary scholarship in civil and environmental engineering.