Mar 29, 2024  
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2020-21 
    
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2020-21 [Archived Catalog]

Civil Engineering - MS (Resident)


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Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering (Resident Program) – MS7252

Department of Civil Engineering
1 Ohio University
Stocker Center 231
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.1465
civil@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

Program Overview

The Civil Engineering Department offers a resident Master of Science degree program with focus areas of construction engineering and management, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering. The mission of the M.S. Program is to prepare graduates to successfully apply the principles of Civil Engineering. The M.S. program is designed to prepare graduates for a higher level of professional ability through coursework and a research project or thesis (supported students are normally required to complete a thesis). Graduates will be prepared to enter a Ph.D. program in Civil Engineering or enter professional practice in their recognized specialty. This is a full-time program. Normative time to completion is two academic years.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Advance their knowledge base beyond the undergraduate level, particularly in their chosen specialty
  • Design and conduct experiments and interpret experimental data in one or more areas of technical specialization
  • Design systems under various constraints for one or more areas of technical specialization
  • Develop leadership skills necessary to assume progressively more responsible roles in their profession
  • Exhibit effective communication skills necessary to interact in a diverse professional environment
  • Employ modern engineering and computational tools

Opportunities for Graduates

Because of the broad nature of civil engineering, a wide range of career paths is available to graduates of the resident M.S. program. For example, some graduates can work for private firms as structural or geotechnical engineers. Some graduates may be hired by construction contractors as construction management professionals.  Others may find opportunities in government agencies to work as transportation or environmental engineers. The program’s offering of advanced courses in various specialty areas of civil engineering and strong research track record assure that some graduates will be ready to pursue Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering related programs available throughout the U.S. and beyond.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/engineering/civil/academics/graduate-programs/masters

Admission Requirements

A B.S. in engineering or a related area is a basic requirement for entrance to the resident M.S. program. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for unconditional admittance. Students who are not native speakers of English must meet the university’s English proficiency requirement before starting the graduate program in Civil Engineering. GRE score, TOEFL score, transcripts from all previously attended universities, a resume, a letter of purpose, and at least three letters of reference must be submitted by the applicant for review by the Department Graduate Committee.  GRE results are required. A majority vote of the Department Graduate Committee will determine whether the applicant will be admitted or denied admission. Supplementary work to remedy deficiencies of those without civil engineering degrees may be carried out in conjunction with the M.S. program.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours of approved graduate work. Students in the resident M.S. program may choose either the thesis or the non-thesis option. Students who are supported by research funds are normally required to follow the thesis option. Supplementary requirements will depend on preparation in the applicant’s major field of study.

Focus Areas


These courses are required for graduation in each focus area.

Additional Requirements


For all students, additional courses in the focus area and elective courses should be selected in consultation with the student’s major advisor. Up to 6 credit hours may be taken outside of civil engineering in addition to ET 6020.

Other requirements depend on whether the student is completing the thesis or non-thesis option.

Thesis Option


Students selecting the thesis option must complete a minimum of 26 credit hours of courses and, in addition, a minimum of 6 hours from CE 6950 and/or CE6940.

Non-Thesis Option


Students selecting the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 29 credit hours of courses and, in addition, a minimum of 3 hours of CE 5900.

Culminating Experience


After completion of all coursework, a written thesis or project must be prepared and defended at an oral examination. In the thesis option, the oral examination is a defense of the thesis, while in the non-thesis option the oral examination includes an examination of the special investigation and the course work.

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