Civil Engineering, M.S.

Minimum number of credits required to complete the program:  34

Minimum cumulative GPA required:  3.0

 

School: School of Engineering and Computational Sciences

Learn more about the program

 

The M.S. in Civil Engineering reflects the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the practice of engineering. The program provides students with the flexibility to design academic programs tailored to their interests, and provides advanced technical knowledge and practical skills for advancement in the civil engineering profession. It addresses the significant demands for advanced degrees to address society’s civil engineering challenges concerning our environment and infrastructures, including water resources, structures, geotechnical and transportation systems.

 

Our graduate program in Civil Engineering is designed to elevate students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in STEM. The curriculum is structured to ensure that students gain technical proficiency and become subject matter experts in civil engineering. We achieve this through two distinct pathways: the Project Master program and the Master’s Thesis Option.

 

COHESIVE CURRICULA

• The curriculum is synergistically designed to provide an advanced understanding of civil engineering, building upon and extending the foundational knowledge acquired at the undergraduate level. Integrating coursework with research or project work ensures a holistic learning experience.

 

SCHOLARLY AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Master’s Thesis Option: This pathway delves deep into research, pushing students to identify significant gaps in the field. For instance, a student might develop technology to monitor structural damage from earthquakes remotely, aiding in post-disaster structural assessments in challenging terrains. Throughout this journey, students are integral contributors to the research, spearheading literature reviews, research design, experimentation, and authorship of scholarly articles. Their efforts culminate in a thesis vetted by a committee of civil engineering experts with a commendable record of published research.

• Master’s Project Option: This route emphasizes real-world problem-solving. A prototypical project might involve a student analyzing a problematic intersection in Lawrence plagued by flooding and accidents. The student formulates viable redesign alternatives by integrating cost considerations, material choices, site constraints, local regulations, stakeholder opinions, and historical data. These solutions address both stormwater management and traffic infrastructure, with the potential to influence key decision-making processes.

 

DEMANDS ON INTELLECTUAL CREATIVE CAPACITIES

• Regardless of the chosen pathway, students undergo a transformative academic journey. They are challenged to synthesize complex information, demonstrate critical thinking, and apply innovative solutions to real-world problems-all under the watchful mentorship of their graduate advisors.

 

BUILDING UPON AND CHALLENGE STUDENTS BEYOND THE LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCE ACQUIRED AT THE UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL

• Our graduate program not only builds on undergraduate learning but also introduces students to advanced concepts like the significance of financial and societal impacts on project outcomes. They also learn to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies with existing solutions, ensuring optimal project results.

 

In conclusion, our program is tailor-made for aspiring civil engineers seeking profound technical expertise. On graduating, they are poised to make meaningful contributions to renowned employers like MassDOT, AECOM, Wright-Pierce, CDM Smith, and many other local and global organizations.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the College’s requirements, including English proficiency test scores if necessary, applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university.  

Applicants with a Bachelor of Science in another engineering discipline or another closely related field (i.e., architectural engineering, chemistry, construction engineering, environmental engineering, mathematics, physics, etc.) will be reviewed case-by-case.  Students will enroll in courses with guidance from an academic advisor.

Recommended Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses

• Structural Analysis (CEN3010 or equivalent)

• Geotechnical Engineering (CEN3020 or equivalent)

• Transportation Engineering (CEN3030 or equivalent)

• Environmental engineering (CEN3050 or equivalent)

 

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the M.S. in Civil Engineering Program at Merrimack College, graduates will:

• Have expert-level knowledge and a high level of competence in applying it within their chosen area of engineering;
• Be able to communicate technical challenges, ideas, and results across disciplines and with local communities, managers, and policy makers;
• Understand group dynamics associated with leadership, membership, and peer-to-peer interactions;
• Be able to conduct research from a perspective well-grounded in their chosen area of engineering and with a broad understanding of scientific, engineering, and policy dimensions