RICE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 30 credit hoursTotal graduate credit hours required
- 24 credit hoursMinimum graduate coursework at Rice
- 6 credit hoursThesis research credit hours
- Minimum 3.00 GPARequired GPA
- B- minimum gradeRequired grade in core courses
- Thesis-based master's degreeDegree type
The Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering is a thesis-based graduate program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and research skills in the field. Graduates will possess a strong foundation in civil and environmental engineering principles, the ability to apply this knowledge to complex technical challenges, and the capacity to conduct independent research. The program emphasizes developing professional written and oral communication skills, preparing students for impactful careers or further doctoral studies. This program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study, including coursework and thesis research. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 and achieve a grade of B- or higher in core courses. The curriculum typically spans two academic years and an intervening summer, culminating in the defense of an original research thesis. Students interested in pursuing a PhD should be aware that an MS degree is not automatically awarded upon completion of PhD requirements without a satisfactory master's thesis.
Curriculum
The MS in Civil Engineering program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study. This includes coursework focused on breadth, depth, and core competencies in civil and environmental engineering, as well as thesis research. Specific requirements ensure students gain expertise in key areas.
- Year 1 and Year 2
- Graduate-level coursework
- Thesis research
Careers
Graduates of the MS in Civil Engineering program are equipped for a variety of professional roles in the field. The program's research focus also prepares students for further academic pursuits.
- Civil Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Research Engineer
- Project Manager
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic requirements for the MS in Civil Engineering program?
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. You must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 and achieve a grade of B- or higher in core courses. Specific coursework requirements may apply based on your chosen specialization.
- How long does the MS in Civil Engineering program typically take to complete?
- The curriculum typically spans two academic years and an intervening summer, culminating in the defense of an original research thesis.
- What is the total credit hour requirement for the program?
- The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study, including 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of thesis research.
- What are the potential career outcomes after completing the MS in Civil Engineering?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Civil Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Structural Engineer, Research Engineer, or Project Manager. The program also equips students for further doctoral studies.
- Where can I find information about tuition and living costs for international students?
- The provided pages do not contain specific tuition or living cost details for the MS in Civil Engineering program.
- What funding or scholarship opportunities are available for graduate students?
- Opportunities mentioned include NASA internships and fellowships, NRC Research Associateship Program, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, and various others like the DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship and DOD National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. Specific coursework requirements may apply based on the chosen specialization within Civil Engineering. Core courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and a minimum grade of B- in each core course.
Students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours at Rice University from approved graduate-level courses. For students focusing on civil, structural engineering, and mechanics, coursework must include at least one course in each of the following areas: structural mechanics and FEM, structural dynamic systems, earthquake engineering, probabilistic mechanics, and applied mathematics. Comparable coursework may be substituted upon approval. Up to 2 courses (6 credit hours) of transfer credit from universities of similar standing may be applied towards the degree, subject to departmental and university approval.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information on international tuition fees is not available on the provided pages.
Tuition (home)Information on home/domestic tuition fees is not available on the provided pages.
LivingInformation on estimated living costs is not available on the provided pages.
The provided pages do not contain specific tuition or living cost details for the MS in Civil Engineering program.
How to apply
1. Direct InquiriesAll undergraduate admission inquiries should be directed to the Office of Admissions at Rice University.
2. Consult Departmental ResourcesReview the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering's Graduate Program Handbook and website for specific program information and application guidelines.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the graduate application form through the university's online application portal. Ensure all required supporting documents are included.
4. Thesis Committee SelectionOnce admitted and enrolled, select a thesis committee according to departmental requirements.
5. Research and Thesis DefenseConduct original research in consultation with your committee, culminating in the presentation and oral defense of your research thesis.
Scholarships
NASA Internships—
NRC Research Associateship Program—
NASA Fellowships—
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP)—
Fullbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program (DDRA)—
DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship—
DOD National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG)—
Pathways to Science—
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic requirements for the MS in Civil Engineering program?
+
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. You must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 and achieve a grade of B- or higher in core courses. Specific coursework requirements may apply based on your chosen specialization.
How long does the MS in Civil Engineering program typically take to complete?
+
The curriculum typically spans two academic years and an intervening summer, culminating in the defense of an original research thesis.
What is the total credit hour requirement for the program?
+
The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study, including 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of thesis research.
What are the potential career outcomes after completing the MS in Civil Engineering?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Civil Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Structural Engineer, Research Engineer, or Project Manager. The program also equips students for further doctoral studies.
Where can I find information about tuition and living costs for international students?
+
The provided pages do not contain specific tuition or living cost details for the MS in Civil Engineering program.
What funding or scholarship opportunities are available for graduate students?
+
Opportunities mentioned include NASA internships and fellowships, NRC Research Associateship Program, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, and various others like the DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship and DOD National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship.