Civil Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

Our Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) in Civil Engineering program develops a sound understanding of the scientific principles upon which engineering research and practice are based. Different aspects of learning are integrated through classroom, laboratory instruction, and independent study experiences. Graduates of the program possess critical thinking skills, the ability for both independent and team problem-solving, and a sense of the excitement of engineering creativity and design. The program also develops communication skills necessary for the graduates to function in teams and to deal with other professions in public and private arenas. Their progressive education furthers student understanding of the context in which engineering is practiced in modern society. Our Master’s program combines fundamental training with real-world experience. Thus, the program educates leaders for tomorrow, providing the tools and perspectives for a lifetime of learning, opportunities, and professional advancement. Build your knowledge base with coursework in systems, mechanics, structures, computational methods, and uncertainty quantification. Apply that knowledge in our internship program while you network with professional engineers and gain valuable experience with industry.

• Civil Engineering (M.S.E.) –  focus on mechanics of materials, probabilistic methods, fire engineering, earthquake engineering, structural design, infrastructure design for resilience

Typically only limited financial support is available for master's students. Funding decisions will be made on an individual basis by the Department of Civil and Systems Engineering and will be communicated during the admissions process.

Program Requirements (Civil Engineering)

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) students within the Civil Engineering program must take a total of eight courses that have been approved by the advisor. Seven courses must be technical, but courses may be requested for substitution at the advisor’s discretion. Four courses must be taken from civil and systems engineering – EN.560.XXX or EN.565.XXX. One of the eight courses can be a professional development class, such as those offered from the Center for Leadership Education.

Master’s students are offered two options (different combination of courses, seminars, optional internship, and research) to earn their degree. There is also a bachelor’s/master’s program available as well as a Systems Engineering MS degree.

Coursework-Only MSE Requirements

The most common path for M.S.E. graduate students is to complete the degree through coursework alone. The M.S.E. degree requirements are as follows*:

1. Minimum course requirement is 8 courses** at the 600-level or above:
   1. 4 of which must be from civil and systems engineering - EN.560.XXX or EN.565.XXX
   2. 7 of which must be technical
2. Required courses, but not counted towards minimum course requirements:
   1. Two semesters of CaSE graduate seminar courses (Fall semester – EN.560.691 CaSE Graduate Seminar and/or Spring semester – EN.560.692 Civil Engineering and Systems Engineering Graduate Seminar)
   2. Academic Ethics short course EN.500.603 Graduate Academic Ethics
   3. Responsible Conduct of Research short course: AS.360.624 Responsible Conduct of Research (Online) 
3. Acceptable grades: B- and above. Only one course with a grade lower than B- is allowed toward the degree requirements. No grade lower than a C- may be counted toward the course requirements.
4. It is expected that the degree will be completed in one year with the student enrolling in 4 courses per semester, although in select cases students may require a third semester of study. Therefore, first three semesters must be full-time. The student may submit a request for the fourth semester to be part-time, which requires approval from the Department Head and is not guaranteed.***
5. CPT internship credits for international students do not count toward the completion of an M.S.E. degree.
6. Transfer credits typically are not permitted.

*Students must comply with all requirements stipulated by the Whiting School of Engineering Academic Policies and Procedures.

**Academic advisors, in consultation with the faculty in the department, will determine whether the 8 courses leading to this degree are appropriate and if they have been completed satisfactorily.

***See the department Academic Program Administrator or Director of Graduate Studies to determine if you are eligible for part-time status.

Notes:

• Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 2.6 each semester or will be placed on probation. See the Probation Policy for master's students for more details.

MSE with Thesis Requirements

The M.S.E. with thesis option is primarily intended for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. after completion of the M.S.E. The requirements are as follows*:

1. Minimum course requirement is 7 courses** at the 600-level or above:
   1. 4 of which must be from civil and systems engineering - EN.560.XXX or EN.565.XXX
   2. 6 of which must be technical   
2. Required courses, but do not count towards minimum course requirements:
   1. Research course with the research advisor – Fall semester
   2. Research course with the research advisor – Spring semester (a two-semester research sequence)
   3. Two semesters of CaSE graduate seminar courses (Fall semester – EN.560.691 CaSE Graduate Seminar and/or Spring semester – EN.560.692 Civil Engineering and Systems Engineering Graduate Seminar)
   4. Academic Ethics short course EN.500.603 Graduate Academic Ethics
   5. Responsible Conduct of Research short course (required):  AS.360.625 Responsible Conduct of Research
3. Acceptable grades: B- and above. Only one course with a grade lower than B- is allowed toward the degree requirements. No grade lower than a C- may be counted toward the course requirements.
4. Final essay that is approved by the research advisor and one additional reader who is required to be a full-time departmental faculty member. Any external reader must be approved by the Department Head.
5. Research presentation in a public forum attended by two members of the WSE faculty or other faculty approved by the Department Head.
6. The M.S.E. with thesis program is expected to be completed in 3-4 semesters with the student enrolled in 2-3 courses per semester in addition to research. Summer research is typical but not necessary and is left to the discretion of the student and advisor.  All semesters must be full-time.
7. CPT internship credits for international students do not count toward the completion of a M.S.E. degree.
8. Transfer credits are typically not permitted.

*Students must comply with all requirements stipulated by the Whiting School of Engineering Academic Policies and Procedures.

**Academic advisors, in consultation with the faculty in the department, will determine whether the 7 courses leading to this degree are appropriate and if they have been completed satisfactorily.

Notes:

• Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 2.6 each semester or will be placed on probation. See the Probation Policy for master's students for more details.

Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program

All Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s students must meet the requirements stipulated above for the respective MSE program (course-only or thesis program) with the following exception:

• The Department of Civil and Systems Engineering will accept one course from JHU undergraduate studies used for the BS degree at the 400-level or above toward the course requirements listed above.

Notes:

1. Required seminars, EN.500.603 Graduate Academic Ethics and AS.360.624 Responsible Conduct of Research (Online)/AS.360.625 Responsible Conduct of Research courses are less than 3 credits each and not counted towards minimum course requirements.
2. Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 2.6 each semester or will be placed on probation. See the Probation Policy for master's students for more details.

Requirements for Admissions:

1. Online Application in the Slate application system

2. Three Letters of Recommendation

Obtain your recommenders’ email addresses and enter them in your online application to request electronic letters of recommendation. The Slate application system will contact your recommender directly via email and will be given instructions about how to proceed. Please use the Slate system and do not have letters of recommendation mailed to the school.

3. Statement of Purpose

The statement (1-3 pages) should outline your background and interests in civil or systems engineering, reasons why you are seeking to pursue a graduate degree, why you believe JHU is a good fit for you, specific career goals, events, or places that have inspired you, etc.

4. CV/Resume

5. Transcripts

Official copies of transcripts are not required for application review purposes. Applicants are asked to upload unofficial transcripts in the Academic History portion of this application. If you receive an offer and choose to accept it, you must contact your institution to have your official academic transcripts sent directly to the Office of Engineering Graduate Admissions.

***For international students***

For all foreign academic work we strongly recommend that you submit a professional credential evaluation from World Education Services (WES) or SpanTran. Credential evaluations allow the departments to better assess your academic records. These evaluations do not replace the transcript, you are still required to upload these documents as instructed.

7. TOEFL/IELTS scores or English Language Proficiency Test Waiver (For international students only)

Visit Information for International Students to read our English Language Proficiency Policy for detailed information, including preferred minimum test scores. You may request an English Language Proficiency Test Waiver by contacting the Engineering Graduate Admissions Office by emailing WSEGrad-Admissions@jhu.edu. Applications require a self-reported score for review. Many applicants see their official scores arrive after the application submission deadline.

8. Application Fee – $0. 

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Optional:

• GRE scores

• Personal Statement

• Sample of Work

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Visit General Application Requirements to answer many of your questions.