This graduate program provides the advanced training and skill set needed by practicing civil engineers to solve the myriad of complex infrastructure challenges facing society, in a convenient online setting. The curriculum offers technical depth studies within the context of real-world civil engineering problems as well as a broad background in project management methodologies and practices. Coursework will prepare the successful graduate to assume professional-level responsibilities in both the public and private sectors. The program can accommodate either full-time or part-time students.
Society is facing unprecedented global challenges that will impact the day-to-day life and prosperity of future generations. Be a part of the solution: civil engineers will play the primary role in solving these problems including water security, renewable energy and power security, transportation efficiency and resiliency, and food security. This online Masters in Civil Engineering will engage students with the above problems, and seeks to impart the attitudes and skills needed to take on leadership roles in a variety of professional settings. Courses are taught by faculty with extensive practical experience working in industry across a variety of civil engineering-related fields. The curriculum is offered so that either part-time or full-time study can be pursued. Thus, the program provides a unique opportunity to those working full-time to achieve the additional formal education needed to advance their professional careers.
Career opportunities are available in multiple areas, including city, county, state, or federal agencies, as well as NGOs, consulting engineering firms, and the construction industry. Opportunities are also available in the analytical services, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
The MEng is intended to be the terminal degree for those working in industry as a licensed civil engineer.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees | Required |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The Professional Masters of Civil Engineering program provides the additional technical depth and breadth in civil engineering topics, as well as training in project management methods, that are necessary for professional practice as a licensed civil engineer. The program will expose students to advanced concepts across the range of traditional civil engineering sub-disciplines including water resources, transportation, geotechnical, and structural engineering with heavy emphasis on application to real-world engineering practice.
The curriculum will also provide the graduate with training in critical topics areas needed for competency in management of large and complex civil engineering projects including cost estimating, project scheduling and operations, public policy and regulatory issues, life-cycle cost analysis, and infrastructure economics and resilience. Successful attainment of the above project management skills will allow the graduate to assume leadership roles within either the public or private civil engineering sector.
The program is intended for students with a strong background in science and engineering and is best-suited for those with an undergraduate degree in civil, environmental, or mechanical engineering. Due to the focus on professional civil engineering practice, the program is aimed at those working in industry where a professional civil engineering license is a required minimum qualification for employment. Where the graduate student is already a licensed engineer, up to six credits for experience can be given within the project elective category.
The program is offered in a completely online format in order to enhance accessibility to professionals that may have already begun their careers and that do not have access to similar programs in their area of residence or that desire to pursue studies while working full-time.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will demonstrate the following competencies.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Master's degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 15 units:
Civil Engineering Coursework (15 units)
Project Management and Policy (9 units):
Civil Engineering Electives or Master's Project (6 units):
OR
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.