Civil Engineering, MS

Program Description

The Department of Civil Engineering offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Within these degrees, there are six primary emphasis areas: Applied Fluid Mechanics, Construction Materials, Geotechnical Engineering, Project Management, Structural Engineering and Transportation Systems.

Master of Science

The Master of Science degree program is open to all individuals who have a four-year baccalaureate degree. A degree in engineering is not required for admission, but most entering students have an undergraduate Civil Engineering degree.

There are two options available for students pursuing a Master of Science degree. The student may prepare a research thesis or may take additional courses in lieu of completing a thesis.

The thesis option requires the preparation of a research thesis that is a part of the total credit hours required for the degree. Students intending to pursue a doctoral degree usually choose the thesis option. Completion of a research thesis is excellent preparation for the research necessary for a doctorate if a student is inclined to pursue that degree in the future.

The non-thesis option does not require the preparation of a research thesis but does require completion of additional coursework. This degree option provides the student with additional directed study through coursework. Normally students pursuing the non-thesis option will not pursue a doctorate.

Combined BS/MS in Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering undergraduates at Clemson may begin a Master of Science degree program while completing the Bachelor of Science degree and use a limited number of courses to satisfy the requirements of both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Application details are available in the Undergraduate Announcements.