Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering

The need for advanced degrees in civil and environmental engineering is both regional and global.

UMassD's Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering provides professionals with the skills needed to handle today's challenges, with opportunities to specialize in:

• structural and geotechnical engineering
• environmental and water resources engineering
• transportation engineering

Through faculty consulting and student projects, the civil and environmental engineering program has forged strong bonds in southeastern Massachusetts, one of the state's fastest-growing regions. The program:

• contributes to the growth of regional industries, businesses, and governmental agencies
• addresses problems related to development and infrastructure
• provides an accessible source of graduate education for the region's engineering employees

Faculty also address environmental problems that impact economic development, including:

• water quality and quantity issues
• lake eutrophication
• hazardous waste handling
• preservation of the ecological health of the bays
• industrial wastewater treatment
• solid waste handling
• leachate collection and treatment

The program offers:

• small classes
• close contact with faculty who have a diverse set of research interests and industry experiences
• access to well-supported research facilities
• state-of-the-art computational and experimental research facilities
• opportunities for full-time or part-time study
• convenient class schedule for students who are employed

Program objectives

Program objectives include:

• enhancing the knowledge of professional practicing civil and environmental engineers so that they are equipped to handle the complex problems of today
• providing graduates with the skills, experience, and confidence to solve problems not yet encountered

Graduates will have the ability to:

• apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
• design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data
• design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
• function as a team member
• identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
• communicate effectively
• act as a leader and direct civil engineering projects

Graduates will also possess:

• knowledge of contemporary issues and professional culture in their areas of specialization
• understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

Research areas

Civil & Environmental Engineering Department faculty are active in funded research activities, providing opportunities to support graduate students in conducting world-class research in areas such as:

• hydrology
• water resources engineering
• transportation materials and systems
• water and wastewater treatment
• hazardous waste decontamination
• geotechnical design and geoenvironmental engineering
• structural materials and mechanics

Assistantship opportunities

A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. This award is subject to the work needs of the position and department, your satisfactory performance of duties, your academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.

Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT)

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

UMassD advantages

Research facilities: The department maintains geotechnical, environmental, fluid mechanics, mechanics of materials, and transportation laboratories for research and educational purposes.

The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, in nearby Fall River, MA, offers transportation materials and environmental laboratories assigned to departmental faculty members.

UMassD College of Engineering Points of Distinction

• ABET Accredited
• Nationally recognized research institution
• Voted best Engineering program in 2021 by U.S. News & World Report
• 97% of graduates from the College of Engineering are either employed or enrolled in further education. Graduates have gone on to work at Google, Amazon, Dell, Raytheon, Hyundai, Apple; and one alumni is a NASA astronaut.