Master of Science in Civil Engineering

In the M.S. in Civil Engineering program, students choose one of three specialties: geotechnical, structures, or construction engineering and management. Graduate students work closely with faculty advisors on a variety of research projects and receive individualized attention from the faculty.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering. Additional coursework may be required for students without a BS in engineering or without adequate preparation

Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

  • 30 credit hours
  • Core courses in a chosen area of specialization
  • Approved elective coursework
  • Participation in faculty/student seminar series
  • 6 credits of Master’s Thesis, culminating in defense of a thesis

Non-Thesis Option

  • 30 credit hours
  • Core courses in a chosen area of specialization
  • Approved elective coursework
  • Participation in faculty/student seminar series
  • 0 credit Master’s Exit Paper course

For more information, visit the Syracuse University Course Catalog, and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering webpage.

Employment Outcomes

Based on exit surveys from 2017, 2018 and 2019 Syracuse University Civil and Environmental Engineering M.S. graduates.

  • Companies that hire our graduates:
    American Iron Works, CHA Consulting, Deloitte, Dubai Contracting Company, Hebert Construction, HNTB, Jacobs, Kenney Geotechnical Services, Larson Design Group, Michael Baker International, National Guard Bureau, NK Bhandari Architecture & Engineering, O’Brien & Gere, POWER Engineers, Schnabel Engineering, Silman, The Intelligence Group, Urban Assembly Academy of Government and Law, Whitacre Engineering, Windward Environmental, Self-employed
  • In Summer 2018, students interned at:
    Bechtel, CME Engineering, DeSimone Consulting Engineers, Jacobs Engineering, Lovvorn Construction, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse Regional Airport Authority, Upstate Freshwater Institute, Vidaris
  • Job location: 84% in the US, 16% outside of US
  • Job location within the US: 55% in Syracuse/Central New York, 25% in Metropolitan New York City, 5%Metropolitan Baltimore/Washington, DC, 15% Other 
  • Job titles:
    Assistant Engineer, Assistant Project Manager, Bridge Engineer, Civil Engineer, Designer – Facilities Engineering Department (structural group), Environmental Manager, Junior Site Engineer, Project Manager, Staff Geotechnical Engineer, Staff Scientist, Structural EIT, Transmission Line Engineer (Civil/Structural)
  • Base salary range: less than $45,000 – $104,999
  • Median base salary range: $55,000 – $64,999 

Alumni Profile

Larissa Takou-Ayaoh ’18, G’19, Lomé, Togo

Larissa Takou-Ayaoh ’18, G’19 loves math, art, structures, and cosmology. She came to Syracuse University from Lomé, Togo, and as an undergrad, she majored in civil engineering and completed a minor in physics. The master’s in civil engineering program gave her the opportunity to deepen her knowledge and to experience graduate school.

Some of her favorite classes include CAD design and bridge engineering because they gave her a feel for the real-life work of a professional engineer. She also interned at CH2M, a construction management company with offices in Syracuse and worldwide. She is looking forward to applying her skills to working on cross-disciplinary sustainability projects, alongside architects, finance professionals, and other engineers.

In her free time, Larissa likes to draw and paint. She prefers to use her tablet or make free-hand sketches of people, nature, and buildings.