College of Engineering

Civil Engineering

Master's : Boston
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As a graduate of the Master of Science in Civil Engineering program from Northeastern University, you will be able to use basic engineering concepts flexibly in a variety of contexts.

Boston
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2 Years
Duration
Classroom
Program Format
Overview

Civil engineering is a broad field and Northeastern offers you the opportunity to sample many of its components. You can earn a master’s in civil engineering with a focus on construction management, environmental engineering, geotechnical/geoenvironmental engineering, structural engineering, and transportation engineering. You can complete the degree requirements on a full- or part-time basis.

Concentration 1: Construction Management

This program is intended for students interested in construction management and engineering or a closely related field. It includes required core courses primarily from the CEE department, complemented by electives in civil and environmental engineering and other departments such as mechanical and industrial engineering and business administration.

Concentration 2: Environmental Engineering

This program is intended for students who are interested in environmental engineering or a closely related field. It includes study in water and wastewater treatment and disposal, hazardous waste management, air pollution management, groundwater remediation and protection, surface water quanity and quality, and water resources management.

Concentration 3: Geotechnical/Geoenvironmental Engineering

This program includes study in the areas of soil mechanics/foundations and geoenvironmental engineering. It includes studies of soil and related earth materials for problems related to the protection of human health and the environment. Related areas include soil mechanics, fate/transport in subsurfaces, subsurface remediation, and others.

Concentration 4: Structural Engineering

This program is designed for students with career goals in structural engineering and structural design. The program includes courses in structural analysis and design, structural mechanics, dynamics of structures, earthquake engineering, wind engineering, and structural health monitoring.

Concentration 5: Transportation

This program is designed for students with career goals in transportation engineering and transportation planning.

More Details

Unique Features

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Admissions

Admissions Dates

Fall Semester Entry:

Deadline for Assistantship Consideration for Domestic and International Applicants: January 15

Deadline for International Applicants: May 15

Deadline for Domestic Applicants: August 1

Deadline for Regional Campus Applicants: August 15
 

Spring Semester Entry:

Deadline for International Applicants: September 15

Deadline for Domestic Applicants: November 15

Deadline for Regional Campus Applicants: December 15

Program Costs

$48.7K *
Tuition
$9.6K
Avg Institutional Aid
13%
% Receiving Aid
How To Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

Requirements

  • Completed online application form
  • $75 application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Official GRE scores
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants
Are You an International Student?
Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Global Engagement
Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty and industry partners.
Curriculum

Concentrations

Choose one from the following:

Geotechnical/Environmental Engineering

Required Core Courses

CIVE 7301 - Advanced Soil Mechanics 
4.00 
CIVE 7302 - Advanced Foundation Engineering 
4.00 

Options

Complete one of the following options:

Course Work Option

Complete 24 semester hours from the Elective Course List.

Report Option

CIVE 8674 - Master’s Report 
2.00 - 4.00 

Complete 20 semester hours from the Elective Course List.

Thesis Option

CIVE 7990 - Thesis 
1.00 - 8.00 

Complete 16 semester hours from the Elective Course List.

Elective Course List

CIVE 5270 - Environmental Protection and Management 
4.00 
CIVE 5271 - Solid and Hazardous Waste Management 
4.00 
CIVE 5321 - Geoenvironmental Engineering 
4.00 
CIVE 5536 - Hydrologic Engineering 
4.00 
CIVE 7230 - Legal Aspects of Civil Engineering 
4.00 
CIVE 7240 - Construction Equipment and Modeling 
4.00 
CIVE 7250 - Environmental Chemistry 
4.00 
CIVE 7251 - Environmental Biological Processes 
4.00 
CIVE 7260 - Hydrologic Modeling 
4.00 
CIVE 7263 - Groundwater Quality Modeling 
4.00 
CIVE 7311 - Soil and Foundation Dynamics 
4.00 
CIVE 7312 - Earthquake Engineering 
4.00 
CIVE 7330 - Advanced Structural Analysis 
4.00 
CIVE 7331 - Structural Dynamics 
4.00 
IE 6200 - Engineering Probability and Statistics 
4.00 
IE 7290 - Reliability Analysis and Risk Assessment 
4.00 
ME 5657 - Finite Element Method 
4.00 
ME 7205 - Advanced Mathematical Methods for Mechanical Engineers 
4.00 
         

Structural Engineering

Required Core Courses

CIVE 7330 - Advanced Structural Analysis 
4.00 
CIVE 7331 - Structural Dynamics 
4.00 

Options

Complete one of the following options:

Course Work Option

Complete 12 semester hours from the Restricted Elective List below:
Complete 12 semester hours from the Other Elective List below:

Report Option

CIVE 8674 - Master’s Report 
2.00 - 4.00 

Complete 12 semester hours from the Restricted Elective List below:
Complete 8 semester hours from the Other Elective List below:

Thesis Option

CIVE 7990 - Thesis 
1.00 - 8.00 

Complete 12 semester hours from the Restricted Elective List below:
Complete 4 semester hours from the Other Elective List below:

Course Lists

Restricted Elective List

CIVE 5522 - Structural Analysis 2 
4.00 
CIVE 7340 - Seismic Analysis and Design 
4.00 
CIVE 7341 - Structural Reliability 
4.00 
CIVE 7342 - System Identification 
4.00 
CIVE 7350 - Behavior of Concrete Structures 
4.00 
CIVE 7351 - Behavior of Steel Structures 
4.00 
CIVE 7354 - Wind Engineering 
4.00 
CIVE 7355 - Advanced Bridge Design 
4.00 
CIVE 7396 - Special Topics in Structural Engineering 
2.00 - 4.00 

Other Elective List

Any restricted elective not used to meet the restricted elective requirement can be taken as another elective. 

CIVE 7301 - Advanced Soil Mechanics 
4.00 
CIVE 7302 - Advanced Foundation Engineering 
4.00 
CIVE 7311 - Soil and Foundation Dynamics 
4.00 
CIVE 7312 - Earthquake Engineering 
4.00 
MATH 7241 - Probability 1 
4.00 
MATH 7342 - Mathematical Statistics 
4.00 
MATH 7343 - Applied Statistics 
4.00 
MATL 7365 - Properties and Processing of Electronic Materials 
4.00 
ME 5240 - Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing 
4.00 
ME 5650 - Advanced Mechanics of Materials 
4.00 
ME 5655 - Dynamics and Mechanical Vibration 
4.00 
ME 5657 - Finite Element Method 
4.00 
ME 5659 - Control Systems Engineering 
4.00 
ME 6200 - Mathematical Methods for Mechanical Engineers 1 
4.00 
ME 6201 - Mathematical Methods for Mechanical Engineers 2 
4.00 
ME 7205 - Advanced Mathematical Methods for Mechanical Engineers 
4.00 
ME 7210 - Elasticity and Plasticity 
4.00 
ME 7232 - Theory of Plates and Shells 
4.00 
ME 7238 - Advanced Finite Element Method 
4.00 
ME 7245 - Fracture Mechanics and Failure Analysis 
4.00 
ME 7255 - Continuum Mechanics 
4.00 

Construction Management

Required Core Courses

CIVE 5221 - Construction Project Control and Organization 
2.00 
CIVE 7220 - Construction Management 
4.00 
CIVE 7230 - Legal Aspects of Civil Engineering 
4.00 
EMGT 6305 - Financial Management for Engineers 
4.00 
IE 6200 - Engineering Probability and Statistics 
4.00 

Options

Complete one of the following options:

Course Work Option

Complete 14 semester hours from the Course List below.

Report Option

CIVE 8674 - Master’s Report 
2.00 - 4.00 

Complete 10 semester hours from the Course List below.     

Thesis Option

CIVE 7990 - Thesis 
1.00 - 8.00 
 

Complete 6 semester hours form the Course List below. 

Course List

(Students may select IE 5640 or IE 7275, but not both.)

OR 6205 - Deterministic Operations Research 
4.00 
ACCT 6200 - Financial Reporting and Managerial Decision Making 1 
3.00 
ACCT 6201 - Financial Reporting and Managerial Decision Making 2 
1.50 
CIVE 5231 - Alternative Project Delivery Systems in Construction 
2.00 
CIVE 7240 - Construction Equipment and Modeling 
4.00 
CIVE 7301 - Advanced Soil Mechanics 
4.00 
CIVE 7302 - Advanced Foundation Engineering 
4.00 
EMGT 5300 - Engineering/Organizational Psychology 
4.00 
GE 5010 - Customer-Driven Technical Innovation for Engineers 
4.00 
GE 5100 - Product Development for Engineers 
4.00 
IE 5640 - Data Mining for Engineering Applications 
4.00 
IE 7275 - Data Mining in Engineering 
4.00 
IE 7215 - Simulation Analysis 
4.00 
IE 7290 - Reliability Analysis and Risk Assessment 
4.00 
IE 7615 - Neural Networks in Engineering 
4.00 
INFO 6210 - Data Management and Database Design 
4.00 
INFO 6215 - Business Analysis and Information Engineering 
4.00 
INFO 6245 - Planning and Managing Information Systems Development 
4.00 
SBSY 5300 - Information Systems for Integrated Project Delivery 
4.00 
 

Environmental and Water Systems

Required Core Courses

Complete two of the following:

CIVE 7250 - Environmental Chemistry 
4.00 
CIVE 7251 - Environmental Biological Processes 
4.00 
CIVE 7260 - Hydrologic Modeling 
4.00 
CIVE 7261 - Surface Water Quality Modeling 
4.00 
CIVE 7263 - Groundwater Quality Modeling 
4.00 
CIVE 7272 - Air Quality Management 
4.00 
CIVE 7392 - Special Topics in Environmental Engineering 
2.00 - 4.00 

Options

Complete one of the following options:

Course Work Option

Complete 12 semester hours from the Restricted Elective List below.
Complete 12 semester hours from the Other Elective List below.

Report Option

CIVE 8674 - Master’s Report 
2.00 - 4.00 

Complete 12 semester hours from the Restricted Elective List below.
Complete 8 semester hours from the Other Elective List below.

Thesis Option

CIVE 7990 - Thesis 
1.00 - 8.00 
 

Complete 12 semester hours from the Restricted Elective List below.
Complete 4 semester hours from the Other Elective List below. 

Course Lists

Restricted Elective List

Any required core course not used to meet the required core course requirement can be taken as a restricted elective.

CIVE 5250 - Organic Pollutants in the Environment 
4.00 
CIVE 5260 - Environmental Fluid Mechanics 
4.00 
CIVE 5261 - Dynamic Modeling for Environmental Investment and Policymaking 
4.00 
CIVE 5270 - Environmental Protection and Management 
4.00 
CIVE 5271 - Solid and Hazardous Waste Management 
4.00 
CIVE 5275 - Life Cycle Assessment of Materials, Products, and Infrastructure 
4.00 
CIVE 5280 - Remote Sensing of the Environment 
4.00 
CIVE 5300 - Environmental Engineering Laboratory 
4.00 
CIVE 5321 - Geoenvironmental Engineering 
4.00 
CIVE 5536 - Hydrologic Engineering 
4.00 
CIVE 6777 - Climate Hazards and Resilient Cities Abroad 
4.00 
CIVE 6778 - Climate Adaptation and Policy Abroad 
4.00 
CIVE 7100 - Time Series and Geospatial Data Sciences 
4.00 
CIVE 7110 - Critical Infrastructure Resilience 
4.00 
CIVE 7252 - Water Engineering, Resources, and Energy Recovery 
4.00 
CIVE 7255 - Environmental Physical/Chemical Processes 
4.00 
CIVE 7392 - Special Topics in Environmental Engineering 
2.00 - 4.00 

Other Elective List

Any required core course not used to meet the required core course or restricted elective requirements can be taken as another elective. Any restricted elective not used to meet the restricted elective requirement can be taken as another elective.

EECE 5626 - Image Processing and Pattern Recognition 
4.00 
EECE 7204 - Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes 
4.00 
ENVR 5260 - Geographical Information Systems 
4.00 
EEMB 5516 - Oceanography 
4.00 
IE 6200 - Engineering Probability and Statistics 
4.00 
IE 7280 - Statistical Methods in Engineering 
4.00 
IE 7290 - Reliability Analysis and Risk Assessment 
4.00 
MATH 7341 - Probability 2 
4.00 
MATH 7343 - Applied Statistics 
4.00 
MATH 7344 - Regression, ANOVA, and Design 
4.00 

Transportation

Required Core Courses

CIVE 5373 - Transportation Systems: Analysis and Planning 
4.00 
CIVE 5376 - Traffic Engineering and Sustainable Urban Street Design 
4.00 
IE 6200 - Engineering Probability and Statistics 
4.00 

Options

Complete one of the following options:

Course Work Option

Complete 12 semester hours from the Restricted Elective List below:
Complete 8 semester hours from the Other Elective List below:

Report Option

CIVE 8674 - Master’s Report 
2.00 - 4.00 

Complete 8 semester hours from the Restricted Elective List below:
Complete 8 semester hours from the Other Elective List below:

Thesis Option

CIVE 7990 - Thesis 
1.00 - 8.00 

Complete 8 semester hours from the Restricted Elective List below:
Complete 4 semester hours from the Other Elective List below:

Course Lists

Restricted Elective List

CIVE 6566 - Sustainable Urban Transportation: Netherlands 
4.00 
CIVE 7380 - Performance Models and Simulation of Transportation Networks 
4.00 
CIVE 7381 - Transportation Demand Forecasting and Model Estimation 
4.00 
CIVE 7385 - Public Transportation 
4.00 
CIVE 7387 - Design Aspects of Roadway Safety 
4.00 
CIVE 7388 - Special Topics in Civil Engineering 
2.00 - 4.00 
IE 7215 - Simulation Analysis 
4.00 
IE 7280 - Statistical Methods in Engineering 
4.00 

Other Elective List

Any restricted elective not used to meet the restricted elective requirement can be taken as another elective. 

EECE 7313 - Pattern Recognition 
4.00 
IE 7275 - Data Mining in Engineering 
4.00 
IE 7290 - Reliability Analysis and Risk Assessment 
4.00 
INFO 6210 - Data Management and Database Design 
4.00 
MATH 7343 - Applied Statistics 
4.00 
MATH 7347 - Statistical Decision Theory 
4.00 
OR 6205 - Deterministic Operations Research 
4.00 
OR 7230 - Probabilistic Operation Research 
4.00 
OR 7245 - Network Analysis and Advanced Optimization 
4.00 
PPUA 5263 - Geographic Information Systems for Urban and Regional Policy 
4.00 
PPUA 7231 - Transportation Policy 
4.00 
PPUA 7234 - Land Use and Urban Growth Policy 
4.00 

Experiential Learning

The College of Engineering Graduate Cooperative Education Program (co-op) is one option for experiential learning and is available on a competitive basis to selected students. Cooperative Education at the graduate level is not just a way for students to gain real world experience, but is a way to challenge, network, expand and fine-tune their knowledge within their respective industry. The goals of cooperative education are to:

  • Apply knowledge and skills in new, authentic contexts.
  • Develop new knowledge and skills.
  • Integrate and use the deepened knowledge and skills in your academic programs.
  • Reflect on and articulate how you used your knowledge and skills, how you gained new knowledge and skills, and how “theory and practice” work together.

The Graduate School of Engineering placed over 200 students with some of the most sought after technical skills in positions nationally during the 2015 academic year. We have a team that prepares students for cooperative education experience through resume building, developing interview skills and guiding professional development.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and in fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors, and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Sara Wadia-Fascetti

Associate Dean, Graduate Education; Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering

David Fannon

Assistant Professor

April Z. Gu

Associate Professor, COE Faculty Scholar, and Director of Graduate Studies, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 245,000 alumni and 3,200+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global NGOs. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional campuses further foster that lifelong global community of learning and mentoring.

Below is a look at where our Engineering alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • GE Aviation
    • Raytheon
    • CDM Smith
    • Bose Corporation
    • IBM

  • What They Do

    • Engineering
    • Operations
    • Business Development
    • Program and Project Management
    • Entrepreneurship

  • What They're Skilled At

    • Engineering
    • Project Management
    • AutoCAD
    • SolidWorks
    • Manufacturing

 

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

Request Info

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