Get ahead in your career with a master's degree in civil engineering from Colorado State University's internationally recognized Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Our online program is focused in water resources engineering and management, and because we stay on top of current research and industry trends, we can help better prepare you to tackle today's evolving water concerns.
Why earn a civil engineering degree at CSU?
Leadership in the field
CSU is a leader in water-related issues. Our team of expert faculty distinguishes us as a leading university in the field. Our department also offers one of the largest selections of water resources courses in the nation.
Flexibility to fit your schedule
Fit quality education into your busy life with our flexible, online program designed to meet the needs of today’s working professional.
Academic options to suit your goals
Depending on your academic and professional needs, you can earn your Master of Engineering or Master of Science in Civil Engineering – each has a water resources focus.
Degree at a glance
| Delivery | Online |
| Credits | M.E. - 30 credits | M.S. - 32 credits |
| Tuition | $882 per credit
Includes Student Services Fees assessed separately Financial aid is available; eligibility determined on an individual basis |
| Time frame | Can be completed in 3 years. May vary based on intensity of study and previous coursework. |
| Degree Awarded | Master of Science in Civil Engineering or Master of Engineering; transcript reflects the civil engineering specialization. |
| Offered by | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering |
What will I learn?
Colorado State University is a leader in water resources and related issues, and is one of the few institutions providing an online graduate degree in civil engineering with a focus in this area.
Customize your program of study based on your interests. Course options include:
- Irrigation Systems Design
- Water Control and Measurement
- Irrigation Water Management
- Physical Hydrology
- Engineering Hydrology
- Wells and Pumps
- Residuals Management
- Advanced Biological Wastewater Processing
- Water Resources Planning and Management
- Water Resource Systems Analysis
- Drainage and Wetland Engineering
- Stability and Retaining Structures
- Pipe System Engineering and Hydraulics
- Urban Stormwater Management
- Civil Engineering Project Management
- Sustainable Water and Waste Management
- GIS in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Infrastructure and Utility Management
- Engineering Optimization: Method/Application
- Engineering Decision Support/Expert Systems
- Object-Oriented GIS Programming for Engineers
What career opportunities will I have?
An advanced degree in civil engineering sharpens your skills and knowledge so you'll become a better engineer, increase your credibility as an industry professional, and improve your prospects for promotions and new employment.
Keep up with cutting-edge industry research, trends, and technology, and immediately apply what you learn to the important issues you'll face in your career. This degree applies to professionals in fields including, but not limited to:
- Civil engineering infrastructure
- Hydraulics
- Hydrology
- Systems analysis and optimization
- Water resources engineering
Application Deadlines
| Fall Semester | May 1 |
| Spring Semester | October 15 |
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
1Review Admission Requirements
Master of Engineering
- B.S. in Engineering (students with an undergraduate degree in another discipline click here for admission requirements).
- 3.0 GPA in undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution (exceptions may be made for students who have 5 years of work experience and who have passed the PE exam. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may also be required to submit GRE scores).
- GRE scores are not required.
Master of Science
- B.S. in Engineering (students with an undergraduate degree in another discipline click here for admission requirements).
- 3.0 GPA in undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- GRE scores are required.
- A GRE preparation course is available face-to-face and online through CSU.
Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.
2 Prepare Application Materials
Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.
- Three letters of recommendation Three professional recommendations are required. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.
- Resume or vita Outline your professional employment, collegiate work, and any publications, exhibitions, service activities, prizes, and awards.
- Statement of Purpose The statement of purpose is typically 1-2 pages and briefly describes your background, educational goals, research interests, and why you would be a good fit in the program. Include in this statement why you think you will succeed in this program, and how you intend to be successful taking graduate level courses. Please include your statement in the online application process.
3 Complete Online Application
Complete the online graduate application form and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. You do not need to wait for recommendations or transcripts to move your application forward.
- M.E. Select "Engineering (Civil Engineering) ME - Distance" when choosing the program of study.
- M.S. Select "Engineering (Civil Engineering) MS - Distance" when choosing the program of study.
4Request Transcripts
Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Official transcripts can either be mailed in or sent as e-transcripts.
Send e-transcripts to: gradadmissions@colostate.edu
Send paper copies to: Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
5Submit Test Scores (M.S. Only)
Master of Science (M.S.) applicants are required to submit GRE test scores. This is optional for Master of Engineering (M.E.) applicants.
- GRE test scores GRE test scores are not required, but may be submitted if you feel these will strengthen your application. Submit official GRE General Test scores through the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075, leave the department code blank). Scores are typically received by the University 4-6 weeks after your testing date.
- A GRE Preparation course is available face-to-face and online through CSU.
Check Your Application Status
- View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
- Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.
Information for International Students
International applicants must include the following items in addition to those listed above:
Official transcript translationIf transcripts are in a language other than English, ensure official copies include a certified translation into English.
Official test scoresColorado State University requires that proficiency in English language be demonstrated either by the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE academic tests prior to admission. Please submit one of the official scores from the list below. Scores must be taken within two years prior to admission and submitted directly from the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075).
- The minimum TOEFL score for admission without condition is 550 (paper-based), or 80 (internet-based).
- The minimum IELTS score for admission without condition is 6.5.
- The minimum PTE Academic score for admission without condition is 62.
It generally takes 3-6 weeks for ETS to send the scores to CSU, so allow plenty of time.
Generally, applicants may be exempted from the TOEFL or IELTS requirement if the official language of your country is English or if you have recently earned a degree at an American university. If you have questions about whether you qualify for this exemption, contact the Graduate School.
Questions? Contact a Student Success Coach for help with your application. Call (970) 492-4898.
Download the program brochure »
Why choose Colorado State University?
As a CSU Online student, you can expect:
- Academic Excellence: Earn a highly respected, regionally accredited degree from a top-tier university that consistently earns top rankings.
- Quality: Learn online from respected campus faculty and earn the same diploma awarded to on-campus students.
- Value: Our affordable tuition rates are not impacted by residency, and financial aid is available for all programs.
- Convenience: You have the flexibility of taking courses at times and locations that fit your life.
