An online master’s in civil engineering will prepare students to plan, build, and repair critical infrastructure like bridges, roadways, buildings, and more.
Most online civil engineering graduate programs take two to three years to complete, although some universities offer an accelerated one-year program. The best online master’s in civil engineering programs require between 36 and 42 credit hours.
Civil engineers earn an average salary of $95,890. The career paths in this industry include geotechnical engineer, structural engineer, construction manager, and urban planner. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for graduate school is $12,596 per year at public universities and $28,017 per year at private institutions.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Civil Engineering Program
Choose your area of study
First, you’ll need to decide whether you want to earn a Master of Engineering or Master of Science for your civil engineering degree. Also, many programs allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as construction, public works, transportation, or geo-technological engineering.
When choosing an online master’s in civil engineering program, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want to work in an office, outdoors, or both?
- Which area is most in demand?
- Which courses interest you the most?
- What are the education requirements for the career you want?
- What concentration matches your skill set?
Once you have a better idea of what you want to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in civil engineering program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for engineering education.
For each option you consider, find the answers to the following questions:
- What is the cost of the program?
- What student support services are available?
- What are the faculty members’ credentials?
- What are the graduation requirements?
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Students should create a spreadsheet, checklist, or both to help them stay organized during the application and admission process. Application requirements vary by school and program, but common items typically include the following:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores
- Transcripts from a bachelor’s degree program
- Proof of undergraduate GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
While it may be tempting to apply to many different schools, try to narrow the options to a few to save money on application fees unless you can get an application fee waiver.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Students may not know there are numerous ways to pay for an online master’s in civil engineering program. Adult learners working full-time while attending a master’s degree program can talk to their employers about tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Students can use the IRS Tax Assistant tool to determine eligibility for education tax benefits. Other resources for financial aid include the following:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- School, government, and community grants, loans, and scholarships
- Work-study programs
- Fellowships or assistantships
- Co-op programs
Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Civil Engineering Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
For this list, we focused on master’s degrees in civil engineering. The most common types of graduate degrees offered in civil engineering are a Master of Science (MS) and a Master of Engineering (MEng).
Another criterion for this list was that coursework is offered completely or primarily online so that students can access these programs regardless of their schedules or geographic locations.
As an additional measure of quality, we only included schools that are regionally accredited. This confirms that they meet high standards for postsecondary education. Many of these programs also have programmatic accreditation through ABET, an engineering and technology program accrediting body.
Once we narrowed our list of programs, we reviewed each of them on the basis of outcomes, reputation, faculty, flexibility, and cost. We then calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Civil Engineering Program?
Students in the best online master’s in civil engineering programs must complete all required credit hours (this figure tends to range from 30 to 42 credits). Full-time students usually complete the program in two years.
Part-time students need extra time to complete the program, typically three years. All students will study higher-level leadership, management, cost analysis, project planning, engineering technology, statistics, design, planning, and development courses.
Students will participate in core classes, electives, research, and practicums. Some schools integrate co-op opportunities and internships, while others require a research-based thesis or final project, sometimes called capstone projects.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in civil engineering program
- The History of Engineering Materials. Students will learn about the various construction materials utilized in the past and today. Materials studied may include concrete, metals, and more.
- Codes and Regulations. Engineers must strictly follow codes and regulations and apply them to every job. Students will learn the most common codes used for building structures, transportation, and safety.
- Engineering in Waterways. Students learn the issues with building structures along waterways and strategies for designing safe, sturdy, and efficient systems. Building in, on, and around water systems requires specific expertise. When planning projects, they must consider future issues, such as climate change and rising water levels.
- Transportation Planning and Design. This class focuses on teaching students about the many transportation engineering factors, including planning, constructing, operating, and maintaining systems. Students discuss issues regarding railways, highways, backroads, airports, and other transportation modes.
- Computational Methods. Students learn to solve problems using today’s tools, including computer programs, structural analysis, biomechanics, algorithms, and linear systems. Geotechnics is a section in this course but may also be offered as a complete course for deeper study. Geotechnical engineering is using the earth’s materials to build structures.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Civil Engineering?
Career outlook
The career outlook for individuals with an online master’s degree in civil engineering is promising, driven by the increasing demand for infrastructure development, sustainable practices, and urban planning.
Indeed, the versatility of a master’s degree in civil engineering allows professionals to adapt to a wide range of industries, including construction, transportation, and urban planning, and contribute to vital projects that impact communities, infrastructure, and the environment. Career opportunities may vary based on individual interests, specialization, and the region’s economic and infrastructure development needs.
Here are some common positions that may be filled by individuals with a master’s degree in civil engineering:
- Civil engineer — Design and supervise the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and tunnels.
- Median annual salary: $95,890
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 21,200 annually
- Construction manager — Prepare budgets, hire construction workers, and oversee the progress of construction projects.
- Median annual salary: $104,900
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 38,700 annually
- Architectural or engineering manager — Oversee projects in the fields of architecture and engineering, which may include research and development projects.
- Median annual salary: $165,370
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New job openings projected: 13,600 annually
Online Master’s in Civil Engineering Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in civil engineering program?
Admission counselors are essential for students applying to the best online master’s in civil engineering programs. It is their job to help students with the admission application and process. Contacting a school’s admissions department should be the first step. Confirm the items needed to apply, including a completed application and fees.
Some schools ask for test scores for an entrance exam, while other schools will accept work experience as a substitute for the test. Other standard items requested include letters from people who can verify your abilities and character, a resume, and undergraduate transcripts.
How much does an online master's in civil engineering degree cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that tuition for graduate students in the 2020-21 academic year averaged $12,394 at public universities and $26,621 at private institutions. This is a base cost, meaning students may also need to pay additional student services, activities, technology, laboratory, and library fees.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in civil engineering degree?
The time it takes each student to complete an online master’s in civil engineering will vary due to the following factors:
- Part-time versus full-time status. Part-time students cannot take as many credit hours per semester, extending their time by one or more semesters.
- Accelerated programs. Some schools offer accelerated schedules that help students complete a master’s program in one year to 18 months.
- Life happens. Students may encounter personal, professional, or social obstacles that prevent them from completing their education early.
Is an online master’s in civil engineering worth it?
A master’s degree can open up opportunities for career advancement, leadership roles, and higher-paying positions within the field of civil engineering.
Online programs provide flexibility for working professionals who need to balance their education with their job and personal commitments. They allow you to study at your own pace and often offer asynchronous classes. They can also help a student stand out as a potential employee since an online degree requires excellent time management skills and the ability to work well both alone and with others.
While online programs may lack the in-person networking opportunities of traditional programs, they often provide virtual networking opportunities through discussion forums, webinars, and alumni networks. For those with few colleges or universities in their local region, an online degree program also provides increased access to high-quality education.