推荐杏吧原创

M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering

Our nationally ranked graduate program lets you work with top faculty in world-class experimental facilities.

Why choose our graduate program?

Our program emphasizes regionally relevant issues, including earthquake engineering, water quality and quantity, and transportation engineering for rural and urban environments.

 

Admissions requirements

Admission to the M.S. or Ph.D. program in civil and environmental engineering requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field such as biology, chemistry, math or physics. Other disciplines will be considered provided prerequisite courses in math, science and basic engineering are completed. Following are other requirements:

  • GPA

    M.S. applicants: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

    Ph.D. applicants without an MS degree: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 

    Ph.D. applicants with an MS degree: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 &  a minimum MS GPA of 3.5 

  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume

    M.S. and Ph.D. applicants: Please submit a curriculum vitae or resume with application.

  • English language

    For international applicants to both the M.S. and Ph.D. program, the minimum score requirements (see The Graduate School): 

    • Duolingo: 115
    • TOEFL: 550 (paper) or 79 (iBT) or 8.5 (Essentials)
    • IELTS: 6.5 (academic version)
    • Pearson (PTE): 59
    • Cambridge: 176
  • Personal statement

    M.S. applicants and Ph.D. applicants: A personal statement describing research interests and career goals.

  • Letter of recommendation

    M.S. and Ph.D. applicants: Three letters of recommendation (either from academic or industry advisors)

    Please note you do not need to upload letters. Your recommenders will be notified by email after you complete your online application.

  • GRE

    GRE is not required but highly encouraged for applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship. 

How to apply

Start your application through The Graduate School website, which provides detailed instructions on the application process.

Deadline for applications and fellowship consideration is:

  • Jan. 15 for fall semester enrollment
  • Sept. 1 for spring semester enrollment 

 
Head shot of Gokhan Pekcan

Questions? Contact the graduate program director.

Gokhan Pekcan 
Professor, Graduate Program Director
Associate Chair for Graduate Affairs
ceegraduate@unr.edu
(775) 784-4512

 

Courses and curriculum

Following is information on the M.S. programs, the one-year M.S. program, and the Ph.D. programs.

Requirements for the M.S. in civil and environmental engineering

Students in the master's degree program in civil and environmental  engineering can choose from two degree options:

  • Plan A (thesis option): total 26 units (minimum 9 units of 700-level courses, exclusive of thesis)
  • Plan B (non-thesis option): total 26 units (minimum 12 units of 700-level courses)

Plan A (thesis option) requirements

This option combines coursework with a research-based thesis written on a topic within your specialty.

  1. Meet advisor about courses. Select permanent advisor.  Deadline: By end of first semester.
  2. Establish advisory committee.  Deadline: After completing 12 credits.
  3. Submit program of study form.  Deadline: One semester prior to graduation.
  4. Complete courses and research requirements.
  5. Apply for graduation.  Deadline: During final semester.
  6. Defend thesis.  Deadline: During final semester.

Plan B  (Non-thesis option) requirements

This option combines coursework with a comprehensive examination, which has both an oral and written component. The comprehensive exam covers core topics in civil and environmental engineering as well as topics within your areas of expertise. Specific questions will be determined by your primary advisor and examining committee.

  1. Meet advisor about courses. Select permanent advisor.  Deadline: By end of first semester.
  2. Establish examining committee.  Deadline: After completing 12 credits.
  3. Submit program of study form.  Deadline: One semester prior to graduation.
  4. Complete course requirements.
  5. Apply for graduation.  Deadline: During final semester.
  6. Complete comprehensive exam.  Deadline: During final semester.

You do not need to decide whether you want to pursue Plan A or Plan B when you apply, but you are encouraged to meet with the graduate director to discuss your coursework and plan for graduate school.

Students in the master's degree program can choose from five areas of specialization.  Specific coursework requirements vary for each specialty. Our students work closely with faculty advisors to design a course of study that meets degree requirements and prepares them to write a thesis or pass comprehensive exams in their area of expertise. 

Catalog listings

Introducing the one-year M.S. program

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at 推荐杏吧原创 has consolidated the graduate program requirements which allow prospective M.S. students to complete their course work in 1 year. Both MS Plan A (thesis option) and MS Plan B (coursework option) require a minimum of 26 credits. These program modifications support technical specialization for early and mid-career individuals with minimal life and career disruption.

Time to degree

  • All required courses as well as a number of elective courses will be offered on a yearly rotation.
  • Full- time students can expect to complete an MS Plan B in 9 months (mid-August to mid-May), by taking 13 credits (4 classes plus 1 hour seminar) in each of 2 semesters.
  • Working students can expect to complete an MS Plan B in 2-3 years by taking 1 to 2 classes per semester.

Why choose the 推荐杏吧原创?

Forty-five minutes from world-famous Lake Tahoe, the 推荐杏吧原创 is an R1 Carnegie Research Institution, a designation reserved for doctoral universities with the highest levels of research activity. The department’s graduate programs are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report: #77 in Civil Engineering and #65 in Environmental Engineering.

Requirements for the Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering

Students in the Ph.D. program  are involved in substantial original research, and in advancing scientific knowledge in specific areas. You will work closely with your graduate advisor to select your courses and develop your program of study.

  • Total 62 units (minimum 18 units of 700-level courses, exclusive of dissertation)

There are three main requirements for the Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering: required and elective coursework, comprehensive exams, and a research-based dissertation. 

  1. Complete qualifying exams. Deadline: Within first year.
  2. Establish advisory/examining committee.  Deadline: After qualifying exams and 12 credits.
  3. Prepare research proposal for examining committee. Deadline: Within two-three years.
  4. Submit program of study form.
  5. Complete comprehensive exams.  Deadline: After completing 75 percent of coursework.
  6. Complete coursework and research.
  7. Apply for graduation.  Deadline: During final semester.
  8. Defend dissertation.  Deadline: During final semester.

Catalog listings

 

Find a faculty advisor

Your advisor plays a key role in helping you select your coursework, meet graduation requirements and refine your research topics. We encourage you to select a permanent advisor by the end of your first semester.

Professor in hard hat speaking to student in hard hat in a lab.

You will work with your permanent advisor to form an examining committee that will help you develop your program of study, which is the specific list of courses and credits taken to meet degree requirements. Your committee will also supervise your thesis or dissertation research or administer your comprehensive examination. 

Incoming students are encouraged to review our faculty webpages and reach out to faculty with similar research interests. 

 

Program cost and scholarships

Information about graduate student tuition and fees is available on The Graduate School website.

Graduate assistantships

Our department offers both teaching and research assistantships to master's and Ph.D. students. Awards are made on the basis of scholarship and promise for outstanding achievement. Your GPA, GRE scores, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation are all factors when awarding assistantships. You do not need to submit a separate application to be considered for available teaching assistantships, but you should contact faculty directly to learn about available research assistantships.

Ph.D. fellowships in structural engineering

Ph.D. students in structural engineering may be eligible for a GAANN fellowship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Learn more about GAANN fellowships at the University of  Nevada, Reno. 

Graduate assistantships

Details on graduate research assistantships funded by the College of Engineering are available on the College website.

Funding resources from The Graduate School

The Graduate School maintains lists of additional funding opportunities from both University and external sources. 

Funding resources for international students

Information about scholarships and financial aid for international students is also available on the Office of International Students and Scholars website.

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