University of Saskatchewan

What you'll study

The graduate programme in Civil Engineering provides a blend of advanced taught modules and supervised research or project work. Students can choose a thesis-based Master of Science (MSc) route to develop original research under a faculty supervisor, or a course-based Master of Engineering (MEng) route that emphasises technical breadth and professional practice.

• Core and elective subjects: advanced structural analysis and design, reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel design, finite element methods, soil mechanics and geotechnical design, foundation engineering, pavement engineering, transportation systems and planning, hydrology and hydraulic engineering, water resources management, environmental engineering and contaminant transport, and construction engineering and management.
• Research and project work: MSc students undertake a supervised research project culminating in a thesis; MEng students complete a major design or applied project and may take additional professional courses. Research themes commonly available in the department include cold regions and frost engineering, geotechnical and foundation systems, water resources and watershed modelling, infrastructure resilience, environmental remediation, and advanced materials for infrastructure.
• Laboratory and field experience: practical training uses departmental laboratories and field facilities, including geotechnical testing labs, hydraulics flumes, environmental testing suites and access to instrumented field sites for monitoring soils, water and infrastructure performance.
• Seminars and professional development: students participate in departmental seminar series, research symposia and opportunities for industry internships or collaborative projects with public and private sector partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a four-year bachelor's degree in civil engineering or an equivalent engineering degree with a strong academic record. Applicants to the MSc typically need to identify a potential supervisor aligned with their research interests; MEng applicants should demonstrate relevant technical background and readiness for advanced coursework.

• Academic record: a solid undergraduate performance in engineering subjects; specific minimum grade requirements are determined by the department and evaluated on an individual basis.
• Supporting documents: academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining objectives and research or career interests, a curriculum vitae, and the names of academic or professional referees.
• Research supervision: for thesis-based applications, prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty members whose research aligns with their interests prior to applying.
• English language proficiency: where applicable, proof of English proficiency is required and must meet the university's standard for graduate study.
• Additional requirements: some applicants may be asked for course-by-course evaluations of credentials, or to complete prerequisite courses if their undergraduate preparation differs from the programme expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers across the public and private sectors. The programme equips students for roles in infrastructure design, environmental assessment, water resources management and transportation planning, as well as research and development.

• Consulting engineering firms — design and project management for buildings, bridges, roads, pipelines and water systems.
• Public agencies and municipalities — infrastructure planning, asset management, water treatment and flood mitigation.
• Energy and natural resources companies — environmental compliance, geotechnical and pipeline engineering for resource projects.
• Construction and infrastructure contractors — site engineering, quality assurance and construction management.
• Research institutes and academia — continuation to doctoral study, research scientist positions and university teaching.
• Specialist roles — transportation modelling, hydrological modelling, materials testing, and environmental remediation.

Why study at University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan's civil engineering graduate programme is housed within a department known for strengths in cold regions engineering, water resources and geotechnical research, drawing on the university's experimental facilities and regional field sites. The campus location provides opportunities to study infrastructure and environmental challenges that are particularly relevant to prairie and northern contexts.

• Research facilities and collaborations: access to well-equipped laboratories, field monitoring sites and interdisciplinary research centres enables applied and fundamental research, often in partnership with industry and government agencies.
• Faculty expertise: a diverse group of faculty whose research covers structural and earthquake engineering, geotechnical and foundation systems, hydrology and watershed science, environmental engineering and transportation systems.
• Professional development: the programme prepares graduates for professional engineering licensure and offers connections to regional employers, co‑op opportunities and industry-sponsored projects.
• Supportive environment: relatively small cohort sizes promote close interaction with supervisors and peers, with opportunities to present at conferences and participate in department seminars and technical workshops.