Masters Requirements

Students may earn a master's degree under either Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). Regardless of the option chosen, at least one-half of the total course work requirements must be taken at the 200-level. Students are normally admitted to the program under Plan B but may transfer to Plan A if so desired. Note that students receiving financial aid in the form of an assistantship (of at least one year duration) are expected to pursue the Plan A (thesis) option.

Plan A
Plan A requires the student to complete 30 credit hours (24 hours of course work, 6 hours of thesis work), submit an approved thesis, and pass a final oral comprehensive exam (thesis defense).

Plan B
Plan B requires the student must complete 30 credit hours of course work and pass a final oral or written comprehensive examination. (The format of the exam is normally oral except in extenuating circumstances.) At least 18 credit hours of the course work must be from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering course offerings.