Colorado State University

What you'll study

The programme builds on undergraduate fundamentals and advances knowledge in core civil engineering areas. Students choose between a thesis option focused on original research and a non‑thesis (coursework or professional) option emphasising applied technical skills and industry practice. Typical core and elective subject areas include:

• Advanced Structural Engineering – structural analysis, finite element methods, design of steel and reinforced concrete systems, seismic design and structural dynamics.
• Geotechnical Engineering – advanced soil mechanics, foundation engineering, slope stability, ground improvement and geotechnical laboratory testing.
• Water Resources and Environmental Engineering – hydraulics and hydrology, water resources systems, stormwater management, environmental remediation and water quality modelling.
• Transportation Engineering – transportation planning, traffic engineering, pavement design and sustainable mobility systems.
• Construction and Materials – construction management principles, materials behaviour, durability and performance testing of construction materials.
• Computational and Systems Methods – numerical methods, computational modelling, optimisation, uncertainty quantification and data analysis for infrastructure systems.
• Laboratory and Field Work – experimental techniques, instrumentation, laboratory testing and field investigations integrated with course work and research.
• Professional and Ethics Topics – engineering economics, project management, engineering ethics and preparation for professional licensure (PE/Chartered equivalence).

Students complete a combination of graduate‑level coursework, seminars and either a supervised research thesis or a capstone practicum/project. Individual study plans are developed with a faculty advisor to match specialisation and career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution. Admission typically requires a strong academic record in engineering fundamentals (structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, mathematics and materials), and submission of the following materials:

• Official transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of purpose describing academic background, research or professional interests and goals.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé outlining relevant experience and skills.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees.
• Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) for applicants whose first language is not English.

Standardised tests such as the GRE may be requested or considered for some applicants depending on the applicant’s background. Applicants with degrees in related fields may be admitted with conditions that address any prerequisite course deficiencies.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s in Civil Engineering progress into a broad range of professional roles across private industry, consulting firms, government agencies and research organisations. Common career paths include:

• Structural engineer or bridge engineer in design and analysis roles.
• Geotechnical engineer specialising in foundations, ground improvement and site investigations.
• Water resources and environmental engineer working on water supply, flood risk management and pollution control.
• Transportation engineer or planner engaged in traffic analysis, pavement engineering and mobility systems.
• Construction manager or project engineer overseeing large infrastructure projects.
• Research and development positions in industry or continued academic study leading to a PhD.

The programme also helps prepare students for professional licensure and leadership positions by emphasising technical competence, project experience and communication skills valued by employers.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s civil engineering programme combines strong faculty expertise with practical, hands‑on research facilities and close links to regional industry and public agencies. Located in Fort Collins, the university provides access to a variety of field conditions for water resources and environmental projects and a networked engineering community in Colorado’s dynamic infrastructure sector.

Students benefit from active research groups across structural, geotechnical, transportation and water resources engineering, access to dedicated laboratories and test facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on funded research or with local partners on real‑world projects. The department emphasises experiential learning, multidisciplinary collaboration and preparation for professional practice and licensure.