Our nationally ranked graduate program lets you work with top faculty in world-class experimental facilities.
Want to build better cities? With a graduate degree in civil and environmental engineering, you'll have the expertise to design infrastructure that improves quality of life.
Our program emphasizes regionally relevant issues, including earthquake engineering, water quality and quantity, and transportation engineering for rural and urban environments.
Admission to the M.S. or Ph.D. program in civil and environmental engineering requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field such as biology, chemistry, math or physics. Other disciplines will be considered provided prerequisite courses in math, science and basic engineering are completed.
M.S. applicants: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Ph.D. applicants without an MS degree: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25
Ph.D. applicants with an MS degree: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 & a minimum MS GPA of 3.5
M.S. and Ph.D. applicants: Please submit a curriculum vitae or resume with application.
For international applicants to both the M.S. and Ph.D. program, the minimum score requirements (see The Graduate School):
M.S. applicants and Ph.D. applicants: A personal statement describing research interests and career goals.
M.S. and Ph.D. applicants: Three letters of recommendation (either from academic or industry advisors)
Please note you do not need to upload letters. Your recommenders will be notified by email after you complete your online application.
GRE is not required but highly encouraged for applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship.
You can start your application through The Graduate School website, which provides detailed instructions on the application process.
Deadline for applications and fellowship consideration is:
Questions? Contact the graduate program director
Gokhan Pekcan | Professor, Graduate Program Director, Associate Chair for Graduate Affairs
ceegraduate@unr.edu | (775) 784-4512
Students in the master's degree program in civil and environmental engineering can choose from two degree options:
This option combines coursework with a research-based thesis written on a topic within your specialty.
This option combines coursework with a comprehensive examination, which has both an oral and written component. The comprehensive exam covers core topics in civil and environmental engineering as well as topics within your areas of expertise. Specific questions will be determined by your primary advisor and examining committee.
You do not need to decide whether you want to pursue Plan A or Plan B when you apply, but you are encouraged to meet with the graduate director to discuss your coursework and plan for graduate school.
Students in the master's degree program can choose from five areas of specialization. Specific coursework requirements vary for each specialty. Our students work closely with faculty advisors to design a course of study that meets degree requirements and prepares them to write a thesis or pass comprehensive exams in their area of expertise.
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno has consolidated the graduate program requirements which allow prospective M.S. students to complete their course work in 1 year. Both MS Plan A (thesis option) and MS Plan B (coursework option) require a minimum of 26 credits. These program modifications support technical specialization for early and mid-career individuals with minimal life and career disruption.
Forty-five minutes from world-famous Lake Tahoe, the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno is an R1 Carnegie Research Institution, a designation reserved for doctoral universities with the highest levels of research activity. The Department’s graduate programs are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report: #77 in Civil Engineering and #65 in Environmental Engineering.
Students in the Ph.D. program are involved in substantial original research, and in advancing scientific knowledge in specific areas. You will work closely with your graduate advisor to select your courses and develop your program of study.
There are three main requirements for the PhD. in civil and environmental engineering: required and elective coursework, comprehensive exams, and a research-based dissertation.
Your advisor plays a key role in helping you select your coursework, meet graduation requirements and refine your research topics. We encourage you to select a permanent advisor by the end of your first semester.
You will work with your permanent advisor to form an examining committee that will help you develop your program of study, which is the specific list of courses and credits taken to meet degree requirements. Your committee will also supervise your thesis or dissertation research or administer your comprehensive examination.
Incoming students are encouraged to review our faculty webpages and reach out to faculty with similar research interests.
Information about graduate student tuition and fees is available on The Graduate School website.
Our department offers both teaching and research assistantships to master's and Ph.D. students. Awards are made on the basis of scholarship and promise for outstanding achievement. Your GPA, GRE scores, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation are all factors when awarding assistantships. You do not need to submit a separate application to be considered for available teaching assistantships, but you should contact faculty directly to learn about available research assistantships.
Ph.D. students in structural engineering may be eligible for a GAANN fellowship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
Learn more about GAANN fellowships at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.
Details on graduate research assistantships funded by the College of Engineering are available on the College website.
The Graduate School maintains lists of additional funding opportunities from both University and external sources.
Information about scholarships and financial aid for international students is also available on the Office of International Students and Scholars website.
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