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Civil Engineering M.E.

3
Years to Earn Your Masters
95%
CSU Online Grad Students have Plans Related to their Career
93%
Grad Students would choose CSU Online Again
2023
Most Affordable Online Degrees
(OnlineU.com)
Degree Overview Open Accordion

Earn your civil engineering degree online

Deepen your engineering knowledge as you gain the foundation to take on new and complex challenges in the field.

With an ever-growing population, today's civil engineers face the challenge of building and maintaining a sustainable infrastructure. One of our most critical resources is water, and the focus of this degree program prepares you to tackle the evolving water concerns facing future generations. Colorado State University is a leader in water-related issues and one of the few institutions providing an online master's in civil engineering with a focus on water resources engineering and management.

Learn from engineering faculty with a wealth of knowledge and experience in:

  • Hydrology
  • Water resources
  • Infrastructure and utility management
  • Environmental statistics

Develop the skills needed to solve 21st century water resource problems

Global population growth has increased demand for the development and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure to address water-related issues. Be prepared by studying topics such as:

  • Water control and measurement
  • Hydrology
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Infrastructure management

Learn about the most recent industry research, so you will be ready to tackle infrastructure-related issues and changing water concerns. You will gain the skills to leverage engineering concepts and computer technology to create a more sustainable infrastructure for generations to come.

High-quality, affordable education

In 2023, CSU was ranked one of the most affordable universities for an online master’s degree in civil engineering by OnlineU.com.

2023 OnlineU Ranking Badge
Curriculum Open Accordion

Degree Requirements

  • A minimum of 30 total credits must be completed with at least 15 of the 30 credits completed in civil engineering courses.
  • 24 credits must be earned from Colorado State University at the 500-level or above, of which 21 of the 24 credits must be earned after formal admission.
  • No more than two courses at the 400-level taken at Colorado State University are permitted.
  • A thesis, project paper, and final examination are not required. The M.E. is a coursework-only (Plan C) degree.
  • No independent study credits will count toward graduation.

Courses

Faculty Open Accordion
Mazdak Arabi

Professor
Borland Professor of Water Resources

José L. Chávez

Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Robert Ettema

Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Neil Grigg

Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Peter Nelson

Associate Professor
Borland Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Sybil Sharvelle

Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Karan Venayagamoorthy

Professor
Borland Professor and CSU Monfort Professor

Career Opportunities Open Accordion

An advanced degree in engineering provides you with the skills and knowledge to handle the new engineering problems that arise from our industrial-oriented society. By becoming a more environmentally-educated engineer, you will be well situated to pursue green positions, helping with areas such as water purification, flow, containment and transport. Consulting firms, industrial firms, and governmental agencies want engineers with advanced training in water resources engineering, systems analysis and optimization, hydrology, hydraulics, and civil engineering infrastructure.

Civil engineers with a focus on water resource engineering are needed in the global marketplace, though specific career opportunities depend on the desired region and job market. As a civil engineering graduate you'll find outstanding employment prospects in public works, private consulting or regulatory organizations, and government or military agencies.

In a recent study conducted by EMSI, it was determined that civil engineering is among the top 25 occupations facing potential skill shortages. This suggests that workers have failed to acquire the education employers are looking for. This paired with a predicted 19% rate of growth in the industry's employment opportunities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, offers an optimistic jobs outlook. Prepare yourself to meet market demand with a civil engineering master's degree.

You are encouraged to ask instructors about prominent regions for degree application and salary ranges. Professors may be able to connect you to valuable career resources, including job opportunities with private organizations or public agencies.

Hear from Our Students Open Accordion

Matt Thomas

Matt’s love of rivers started when he was just 16, working as a rafting guide. See how CSU’s online civil engineering master’s gave him the opportunity to put his passion to work.




Byrana Zuiderweg

Bryana Zuiderweg

“The information in this program was very applicable to my career. It helped me become a better, more developed engineer. My GIS courses allowed me to take my skills to another level. I apply what I learned in the pipeline and stormwater courses regularly in my daily job duties.”



Scott Kempin

Scott Kempin

“This program taught and prepared me to better use technology in the field, especially GIS and modeling tools. The case studies and literature prepared me to form defensible and sound engineering judgements. The professors prepared me to solve real-world challenges.”



Pamela Whitfield

Pamela Whitfield

“I wanted to switch disciplines from working at a natural gas utility to storm water design, but I struggled to get my foot in the door. Now I’m doing the work I really wanted to do and enjoying my career path. Much of what I learned in this program has direct connections to my job. I also learned to apply new ideas, such as incorporating GIS into projects to make a project more meaningful to the end user.”


Carlos Garcia

“Before completing the program, I had the seeds of ideas that could improve processes at work, but I wasn’t able to execute the ideas or build the tools. Since moving through this program, I have enhanced my abilities to create new and improved workflows, carving out an important role on my team at work.”

Learning Experience Open Accordion

All courses are delivered online via our learning management system called Canvas. The system allows you to watch recorded, campus-based lectures, engage in course content and communicate with peers online. Courses are asynchronous, allowing you to study at the time that best fits your schedule. Take a look at this engineering course capture to get a feel for the online student experience in our programs.

In your courses you will:

  • View recorded campus-based lectures online
  • Download and review lecture notes
  • Complete assigned and optional readings
  • Communicate and exchange ideas with instructors and fellow students through chat rooms, threaded discussions, and email
  • Complete individual projects and collaborate on group projects
  • Study for and complete exams
  • Write course-related papers

Although the online format of this degree offers flexibility, it still requires the same amount of work and time as an on-campus graduate program. Depending on your learning and studying style, expect to spend nine to twelve hours per week on a three-credit course. This will vary depending on your learning and studying style.

Your interactions with faculty depend on the specific course, but generally, your instructors have online or telephone office hours and are available by email or via course discussion boards.

This online program allows you to earn your degree while maintaining your busy work and family schedules.

Is online and distance learning right for you? »

Frequently Asked Questions Open Accordion
Do I have to write a thesis?

No. The Master of Engineering is a coursework-only (Plan C) degree.

Are scholarships available?

No. Scholarships are not available, but financial aid is available.

How will this program help me find a new job?

Civil engineers with a focus on water resource management are needed in a global marketplace, though specific career opportunities depend on the desired region and job market. You are encouraged to ask instructors about prominent regions for degree application and salary ranges. Professors may be able to connect you to valuable career resources, including job opportunities with private organizations or public agencies.

What are typical assignments and how much time will I spend preparing outside of class?

For this online program you can expect a similar workload to a traditional on-campus program. You can expect to spend approximately nine to twelve hours per week preparing for each three-hour course.

I don't have a B.S. in engineering, but I might still qualify. Should I apply?

Possibly. A B.S. in engineering is not required for the M.E. degree. However, certain prerequisite coursework is required. For detailed information visit the Application Requirements - Non-B.S.E. Students page.

How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Fall semester May 1
Spring semester December 1

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

1Review Admission Requirements

  • 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.

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.

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. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

  • Select "Engineering (Civil Engineering) M.E. - Distance" when choosing the program of study.

4Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

5GRE Test Scores (Optional)

GRE test scores are not required to apply for the Master of Engineering program. However, if you would like to submit GRE scores, you may do so 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.

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.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Tandi Hawkey
Prospective Student Support Coach
Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Credits
30
Tuition
$993 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Master of Engineering; transcript reflects the civil engineering specialization
Time Frame
Can be completed in 3 years
Admission Reqs.
  • B.S. in Engineering from a regionally accredited institution
  • 3.0 GPA; or 5 years of experience and PE exam
  • Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may need GRE scores

Application Dates

Fall semester
May 1
Spring semester
December 1

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