University of Michigan

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, laboratory work and an individual research or design project. Students typically choose a concentration within civil engineering—such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental and water resources engineering, transportation systems, construction engineering, or materials and mechanics—and tailor their electives accordingly.

• Core technical topics: advanced structural analysis and design, soil mechanics and foundation engineering, environmental processes and water treatment, transportation planning and modelling, construction management and practice, and materials behaviour.
• Computational and analytical methods: finite element methods, computational fluid dynamics, numerical methods, optimisation, uncertainty quantification and data-driven modelling applied to civil problems.
• Laboratory and field work: experimental testing in structures and materials labs, geotechnical centrifuge and soil testing, hydraulics and water resources experiments, and transportation data collection techniques.
• Research or design project: options typically include a thesis (research-focused) or a capped design/project report, supervised by faculty members. Independent study and graduate seminars are also available.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: collaboration with nearby units such as environment and sustainability, computer science, public policy, and business for projects in smart infrastructure, resilience, and climate adaptation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an accredited undergraduate degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. Strong applicants demonstrate a solid foundation in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra), engineering mechanics, materials, fluid mechanics and basic structural and geotechnical concepts.

• Academic record: a competitive undergraduate GPA from a recognised institution; applicants with non‑engineering degrees may be considered if they have sufficient preparatory coursework.
• Supporting documents: academic transcripts, statement of purpose outlining research or professional goals, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose first language is not English; acceptable proof includes recognised English language test scores unless otherwise exempted.
• Preparatory work: candidates lacking specific prerequisites may be admitted conditionally and required to complete remedial undergraduate courses before progressing to advanced study.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across private, public and research sectors. The degree prepares students for technical, managerial and research roles that involve designing, analysing, and managing infrastructure systems.

• Industry roles: structural or geotechnical engineer, transportation planner/engineer, environmental engineer, water resources engineer, materials specialist, and construction project manager in consultancies and engineering firms.
• Public sector and agencies: roles in municipal, state or federal agencies overseeing infrastructure design, maintenance, policy and regulatory compliance.
• Research and academia: pathway to PhD study or positions in research laboratories, university teaching and applied research centers.
• Specialised and emerging areas: infrastructure resilience, asset management, smart cities and intelligent transport systems, climate adaptation engineering, and sustainable design consulting.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers Civil Engineering students access to a large, research-intensive engineering school with a broad network of faculty expertise and multidisciplinary research centres. The department maintains well-equipped laboratories for structures, materials, geotechnical testing, hydraulics and transportation research, enabling hands-on experimental and computational work.

• Faculty and research: work with faculty who lead research in advanced structural systems, geomechanics, water resources, transportation modelling and sustainability-focused engineering.
• Industry connections: strong links with engineering firms, public agencies and national research programmes provide opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and technology transfer.
• Professional development: resources such as career services, technical seminars, student chapters of professional societies and entrepreneurial support help students transition to professional practice or further study.
• Location and community: based in Ann Arbor, the university offers an intellectually active campus with access to regional infrastructure initiatives and a supportive community for graduate students.