Civil and Environmental Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering Specialization), M.S.

Contact Information

Ramin Motamed, Graduate Program Director
(775)784-6960
motamed@unr.edu

Department website

Graduate Handbook *

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The master’s degree programs offered in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering will prepare graduates to work as civil and environmental engineers in private practice or in the public sector. Graduates will have the necessary educational background to become licensed professional engineers as civil engineers or environmental engineers in accordance with the provisions of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Student Learning Outcomes:

• an ability to apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline
• an ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data
• an understanding of research methodology

Admission Requirements

Admission to the master’s degree program requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field such as biology, chemistry, math or physics. Other disciplines will be considered provided prerequisite courses in math, science and basic engineering are completed. Additionally, applicants should meet the following minimum standards:

• GPA of 3.0
• Combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores of 302
• TOEFL or equivalent score of 550

Applicants should also submit three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose with their application.

I. Program Requirements

Specific coursework requirements vary for each specialty. Our students work closely with faculty advisors to design a course of study that meets degree requirements and prepares them to write a thesis or pass comprehensive exams in their area of expertise.

The department offers two options for master’s degree students:

• Plan A (Thesis option): This option combines coursework with a research-based thesis written on a topic within your specialty.
• Plan B (Non-thesis option): This option combines coursework with a comprehensive examination, which has an oral component. The comprehensive exam covers core topics in civil and environmental engineering as well as topics within your areas of expertise. Specific questions will be determined by your primary advisor and examining committee.

Note: Minimum 700-level course requirements by the Graduate School for M.S. students:

• Plan A (thesis option): 9 units of 700-level, exclusive of thesis.
• Plan B (non-thesis option): 12 units of 700-level

If you have not passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam as an undergraduate, you are highly encouraged to do so as part of your master’s degree program.

II. Total Units

Plan A (Thesis Option) 26 units

Plan B (Non-Thesis Option) 26 units

Note(s):

* Curriculum requirements in the catalog supersede the Graduate handbook.

** Teaching and research assistantships are available in civil and environmental engineering.

Undergraduate Prerequisites

Admission to the master’s degree program requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field such as biology, chemistry, math or physics. Other disciplines will be considered provided prerequisite courses in math, science and basic engineering are completed.