The UW Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) program prepares students to enter the workforce with advanced skills or pursue further studies in a doctoral program. The MSCE degree can increase competitiveness in the job market, advance an existing career, or serve as a gateway to a Ph.D. degree. Master’s degree students include recent undergraduates who seek a specialized focus, engineers who want to advance their career and people from other backgrounds who are looking for a new and rewarding career.

Degree options

The master’s program offers two degree options, depending on whether students want to pursue research prior to doctorate studies or professional practice. All master’s students receive a Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree regardless of which track they pursue.

Professional Master’s Program (PMP): This coursework-based option is for students who would like to hone their expertise before entering the workforce, as well as experienced professionals who desire job advancement. Students pursuing this degree are not expected to complete a thesis. Depending on the focus area, students can select from in-person or online courses or a combination.

Research-intensive academic track: This option is for students who plan to pursue Ph.D. studies or who are interested in participating in research prior to professional practice. The majority of students who pursue the research track are fully funded with research assistantships or fellowships. If your application is competitive, but funding is not available for research track admittance, your application will be considered for the Professional Master’s Program. Learn more about graduate student research. 

Six specialty areas

UW CEE offers master's degree programs in six specialty areas. Depending on the specialty area, students can select from in-person or online courses or a combination.

• Construction, Energy, and Sustainable Infrastructure (online programs available in Construction Engineering and Energy Infrastructure)
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Hydrology & Hydrodynamics
• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• Transportation Engineering (online programs available in Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics and Sustainable Transportation)

The Future Rivers NSF Research and Training

In partnership with the College of Environment, the College of Engineering, the eScience Institute, EarthLab and the Freshwater Initiative at UW, CEE is excited to offer a unique training and mentorship program called The Future Rivers NSF Research and Training Program (Future Rivers NRT). Interested graduate applicants should apply to both the graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) and to the Future Rivers NRT where they may be selected for financial support. Applicants should mention if they intend to apply to the Future Rivers NRT with a brief description of why in the CEE application material. Additional details and how to submit your NRT application is available on the Future Rivers NRT website. Please contact futurerivers.uw.edu if you have questions. 

2024-2025 CEE master's programs

The majority of students who pursue the research track are fully funded with research assistantships or fellowships, which cover the cost of tuition, most fees and provide a living stipend.