University General Course Catalog 2025-2026 (DRAFT)
Civil and Environmental Engineering, M.S.
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 Return to: Programs in the College of Engineering
Continuing education beyond the bachelor’s degree is recommended for prospective civil and environmental engineering professionals. The department offers programs leading to the master of science degree in civil and environmental engineering. In consultation with an advisor, students take courses with emphases in earthquake and structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, pavement engineering and science, or transportation engineering. More specific departmental requirements may be obtained from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering website.
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Program 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 additional educational background to become licensed professional engineers (PE) as civil engineers or environmental engineers. In addition, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) counts M.S. degree as experience credits towards the PE license requirements. Students will be able to: - apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline.
- design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data.
- understand research methodology.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the master’s degree program requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field and completion of any applicable undergraduate prerequisite requirements. The following must be included with your application: - Undergraduate transcript(s): Recommended B.S. GPA of 3.0.
- English language exam for international applicants: please refer to the graduate school website
- Statement of purpose describing research interests and career goals.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Optional: GRE (highly encouraged for applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship)
I. Program Requirements
Specific core and elective coursework requirements vary by emphasis. Students must complete a selection of core and elective courses for their chosen emphasis, meeting the recommended number of units as outlined below. Students work closely with faculty advisors to design a program of study that meets degree requirements and prepares them to write a thesis or pass a comprehensive exams in their area of emphasis. 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 the student’s area of emphasis.
- 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 the student’s area of emphasis. Specific questions are determined by the student’s primary graduate advisor and examining committee.
Note: The 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
A. Plan A and Plan B Core Courses
All Emphases (Plan A) (3-6 units required)
Earthquake and Structural Engineering (9 units)
Environmental Engineering (12 units)
Geotechnical Engineering (15-19 units)
Pavement Engineering and Science (12-15 units)
Transportation Engineering (9 units)
B. Plan A and Plan B Elective Courses
Coursework should be selected in consultation with the student’s graduate advisor and thesis/examining committee. The most recent list of offered courses can be found on the department website and the University Catalog. Earthquake and Structural Engineering (11-17 units)
Environmental Engineering (8-14 units)
Geotechnical Engineering (1-11 units)
Pavement Engineering and Science (5-14 units)
Transportation Engineering (11-17 units)
II. Total Units
Plan A (Thesis Option) 26 units Plan B (Non-Thesis Option) 26 units III. M.S. Program Progression
| Progression Step | Deadline | | 1. Establish advisor/committee chair. | Within the first year. | | 2. Submit Program of Study form. | By the end of third semester. | | 3. Complete coursework and/or research. | | | 4. Apply for graduation. | During final semester. | | 5. Defend thesis (Plan A) or Complete comprehensive exam (Plan B), and Submit Notice of Completion. | During final semester. | | 6. Submit Master’s Final Review Approval (Plan A only). | During final semester. | IV. Notes
Curriculum requirements in the catalog supersede the Graduate handbook. Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available in civil and environmental engineering. V. Undergraduate Prerequisites
Admission to the master’s degree program requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field such as biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, or physics. Other disciplines will be considered provided prerequisite courses in mathematics, science and basic engineering are completed. Applicants are encouraged to contact CEE Graduate program Director (ceegraduate@unr.edu) for the assessment of individual cases. |
Return to: Programs in the College of Engineering
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