Civil Engineering - Geotechnical Engineering Concentration (MCE)

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Program Educational Goals:

Graduates obtaining the MCE from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Geotechnical Engineering will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles and knowledge in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering.
Read, assess, and critically review published literature and research findings in geotechnical engineering.
Recognize and discuss new techniques, skills, and tools used in geotechnical engineering.
Communicate geotechnical engineering concepts effectively in writing, orally, and graphically.
Contribute towards the development, application, and/or synthesis of new methodologies, techniques, and/or theories in geotechnical engineering.
Relate science and engineering concepts and collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to address problems of societal significance.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) degree is awarded only to individuals who, upon admission, have an undergraduate degree in engineering. Students pursuing the MCE degree choose between thesis or non-thesis tracks and declare a concentration.

Formally, the student must perform 24 credit hours of course work and 6 credit hours of thesis. Students may also choose the non-thesis option, which requires 30 credit hours of course work. The MCE program is often chosen by students planning to pursue a career as professional engineers. The program, however, is also well suited as an introduction to a PhD in Civil Engineering or other engineering or science-oriented areas.

Thesis Track Degree Requirements

The thesis track Master of Civil Engineering degree in the field of Geotechnical Engineering requires three core courses, five electives, six thesis credits and the completion of a thesis. Students in a thesis program are also required to enroll in the CIEG 865 each semester.

CIEG 865 - Civil Engineering Seminar Credit(s): 0
CIEG 869 - Master’s Thesis Credit(s): 1-6

Non-Thesis Track Degree Requirements

The non-thesis track Master of Civil Engineering degree in the field of Geotechnical Engineering requires three core courses and an additional 21 credit hours of course work, which typically translates to seven electives beyond the three core courses. Electives should be selected based on approval from your advisor.