Master’s and PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering

Build a Stronger, Safer, More Sustainable Society

Across the U.S., there is unprecedented demand for qualified engineers who design and create the infrastructure we depend on. At the same time, the need to reduce our impact on the environment has reached a critical point. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering prepares future leaders who pioneer solutions for a stronger, safer, and more sustainable built environment. If you’re ready to advance your career and become an engineering expert, a graduate degree in civil & environmental engineering is your next step. Students can specialize in one of five emphasis areas, including environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, or water resources engineering.

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Degrees Offered

Master of Science (MS) in Civil & Environmental Engineering

Plan A: Coursework plus thesis. Designed for students considering a PhD or career path that requires research experience.
Plan B: Coursework plus research report. Prepares students to become engineering experts with a strong foundation in evidence-based design.

Master of Engineering (ME) in Civil & Environmental Engineering

No thesis required. Designed to improve your technical knowledge with an emphasis on professional practice. Can be completed in two semesters of intensive study.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Civil & Environmental Engineering

The PhD is a research-intensive program for students pursuing advanced leadership roles or who plan to teach engineering at 4-year colleges and universities. A master’s degree is required for admission to the doctoral program.

Student Stories

Jenny Bernadette Gomes

Dhaka, Bangladesh
Structural Engineering

Attending Utah State is a dream come true. I am in love with campus and the beautiful mountains. The College of Engineering provides the perfect coursework to excel in engineering, and Utah State provides well-equipped laboratories and a range of experimental machinery. The best thing is the faculty members are always trying to relate the course material to the real world. For me, USU is a perfect start to my career.

Karem Meza Capcha

Huancayo, Peru
Water Engineering

I would highly recommend USU's College of Engineering for grad school as it has a wide range of research opportunities, excellent labs, and a very strong team of faculty members. It offers a unique opportunity for applying lecture-based knowledge to the real world through research. Working with world-class faculty members and a very helpful and welcoming staff makes me feel like being at home and encourages me to work harder.

Adam Pack

Layton, Utah
Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics

Going through graduate school at Utah State has been the best part of my college experience. The courses are fascinating and provide me with valuable knowledge and skills. I’ve been able to steer my research from the beginning, and my professors are happy to help when I run into problems. Employers I’ve spoken to are impressed with what Utah State has to offer, and I believe my experience here is a key reason I have my dream job lined up.

Research Areas

–Environmental Engineering
–Geotechnical Engineering
–Structural Engineering
–Transportation Engineering
–Water Resources Engineering

Students and faculty researching in a lake

Meet Your Future Mentor

At USU we pride ourselves in quality teaching and mentorship. Our faculty create rich learning experiences in the lab and field, providing students the real-world preparation necessary for a successful career. Beyond the classroom, students can take advantage of the many partnerships our professors have with industry and government organizations that recruit USU engineering graduates.

Meet Our Faculty

Facilities

Environmental Quality Lab

A world-class facility supporting research in air quality, bioremediation, drinking water, surface water, and groundwater quality. Learn more about the Environmental Quality Lab.

Hydraulics Modeling Lab

USU is a global leader in developing large, physical models of dams, weirs, levees, and other hydraulic structures. Learn more about the Hydraulics Modeling Lab.

SMASH Lab

Our main structural testing facility is equipped with a strong floor, strong wall, and 40-channel data acquisition system. Learn more about the SMASH Lab

Utah Transportation Center

A multi-disciplinary center for advancing new research at the intersections of transportation infrastructure and natural hazards. Learn more about the Utah Transportation Center