University of North Florida

What you'll study

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of North Florida combines advanced coursework with options for a research thesis or a professional project. Core topics build on undergraduate fundamentals and typically cover advanced structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering, transportation systems, and water resources and environmental engineering. Students also study complementary subjects such as construction materials and management, finite element methods, pavement engineering and infrastructure asset management.

Programme structure usually consists of a defined number of graduate credit hours, with pathways for a thesis-based degree (research emphasis) or a non-thesis/project-based degree (coursework emphasis). Typical modules and course components include:

• Advanced Structural Engineering — analysis and design of steel, concrete and composite systems, structural dynamics and seismic design concepts.
• Geotechnical Engineering — soil mechanics, foundation design, slope stability and ground improvement methods.
• Transportation Engineering — traffic flow theory, highway design, pavement materials and transportation planning.
• Water Resources and Environmental Engineering — hydraulics, hydrology, stormwater management and water quality.
• Construction Materials and Management — concrete and asphalt materials, construction planning, estimating and contracts.
• Computational Methods — finite element analysis, numerical modelling and use of industry-standard engineering software.

Students can personalise their programme through elective choices and independent study under faculty supervision. Research students work with faculty on topics aligned with departmental strengths, often related to regional infrastructure, coastal and water resources challenges, transportation systems or materials performance.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution. Candidates with a strong mathematics and engineering background from other disciplines may also be considered, sometimes with required preparatory coursework.

Typical application materials include:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Statement of purpose describing academic and professional goals and areas of interest within civil engineering.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé summarising education and relevant work or research experience.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s preparation for graduate study.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (acceptable tests are specified by the university).

The department may also consider prior professional experience, undergraduate GPA and the match between an applicant’s interests and faculty expertise when making admissions decisions. Prospective students should consult the School of Engineering admissions page or contact the department for details about specific documentation or preparatory course expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates of the master’s programme move into technical specialist and leadership roles across public agencies, consulting firms, contractors and research organisations. Common career paths include:

• Structural engineer — design and analysis of buildings, bridges and other structures.
• Geotechnical engineer — foundation and earthworks design, site investigations and ground remediation.
• Transportation engineer — highway and transit planning, traffic engineering and pavement design.
• Water resources/environmental engineer — stormwater management, hydraulic modelling and water quality projects.
• Construction/project manager — oversight of construction delivery, contracts and site operations.
• Consultant or specialist — providing expertise in materials, infrastructure resilience, coastal engineering or asset management.
• Research and academia — doctoral study or research roles in universities, government laboratories and private research groups.

The programme’s emphasis on applied skills and technical analysis also supports professional licensure pathways where applicable, and provides a foundation for roles that require advanced analytical and project leadership capabilities.

Why study at University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers a master’s programme that is regionally engaged and oriented to practical infrastructure challenges. Students benefit from faculty with active research and professional experience in areas such as transportation, water resources and materials, and from opportunities to collaborate on projects with local agencies and industry partners in the Jacksonville metropolitan area.

Facilities supporting graduate study include engineering laboratories and access to computational modelling tools used in contemporary civil engineering practice. The programme’s size and structure allow for personalised faculty supervision, flexible coursework options and the ability to pursue either a research thesis or a professionally focused project, making it suitable for both those aiming for advanced technical positions and those preparing for further academic study.