Master of Engineering

The Master of Engineering (M.E.) program is designed to provide additional training in civil engineering or geological engineering to prepare students for a higher level of  engineering design work. Two degrees are offered under this program: Master of Civil Engineering (M.C.E.) and Master of Geoengineering (M.GeoE.). 

An A.B.E.T.-accredited four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering is required for admission into the M.E. program. 

The M.E. degree is considered a terminal degree. 

Students who intend to proceed to the Ph.D. program or think they may later wish to be admitted to the Ph.D. program should apply for the M.S. program.

There are two options for the M.E. degree. The first option is Plan A or “project”. It requires a minimum of 20 course credits plus 10 thesis credits for a design project. The emphasis in the choice of major courses is in engineering design rather than in engineering science, and the supporting program is intended to emphasize the societal implications of engineering practice. A design project is a major component of the Plan A M.E. program. Although the time required to complete the design project is about the same as that for a M.S. thesis, the character of the project is quite different. Emphasis is on engineering problem solving, based on design criteria typical of professional engineering practice.

Performance must be of a professional caliber that can sustain the criticism of practicing engineers as well as University faculty. While the work must represent individual effort, it need not represent an original contribution to the field.

The Plan C or “coursework only” option requires completion of a minimum of 30 course credits. The credits can all come from CEGE or other departments within the College of Science and Engineering. At least 12 course credits have to be CEGE courses. The plan C also requires 100 hours of project work and a 10 minute oral presentation.  All credits must be approved by your graduate adviser. If you want to take credits outside of the College of Science and Engineering, you must consult your adviser to see if the course is appropriate and relevant for your degree.