The M.S. degree is typically completed in 18-24 months of full-time study for students holding a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited school. The M.S. degree requires independent research for a thesis in the student's area of interest. The faculty research interests are in the broad areas of environmental, geotechnical, pavements, structural engineeirng and mechanics, and water resources engineering. Graduate students are encouraged to explore various topics for their M.S. theses depending on the mutual interest between them and the faculty.

The mission of the Master of Science program in Civil Engineering is to prepare students for careers in private and public practice of civil engineering and for advanced study in the field of civil engineering. The major emphasis of the program is to foster a deeper understanding of the engineering research process. Students in the program usually specialize in environmental engineering, structural engineering, water resources engineering, or pavement materials engineering.