College of Engineering
Civil Engineering (M.S.)(M.Eng.)
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering (M.S.)(M.Eng.)
Build Smarter, Safer, More Sustainable Systems with a Graduate Degree in Civil Engineering
NMSU’s graduate programs in Civil Engineering offer two distinct yet complementary pathways designed to meet the needs of today’s infrastructure professionals: the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). Both programs emphasize advanced technical knowledge, applied problem-solving, and professional preparation across core civil engineering disciplines such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation, environmental engineering, and water resources.
The M.S. in Civil Engineering is a research-focused degree that combines advanced coursework with a thesis option, making it ideal for students interested in innovation, research, or pursuing a doctoral degree. The M.Eng. in Civil Engineering, by contrast, is a professionally oriented, non-thesis program that emphasizes advanced coursework and practical application — well suited for working engineers or those seeking rapid advancement in industry or public service.
Together, these pathways provide flexibility while maintaining a shared foundation in engineering excellence, preparing graduates to lead complex infrastructure projects and address critical societal challenges.
Admission Deadlines
March 1 (fall), October 1 (spring)
- Total credits: 30
Delivery Format
In-person and 100% online (M.Eng. option only)
Career Pathways
Graduates of NMSU’s Civil Engineering master’s programs are prepared for leadership roles across public, private, and consulting sectors. Potential career pathways include:
- Civil engineer or project engineer in public works, construction, or infrastructure firms
- Structural engineer designing buildings, bridges, and transportation systems
- Transportation engineer focused on roadway design, traffic systems, and mobility planning
- Geotechnical engineer specializing in soil mechanics, foundations, and earth systems
- Water resources engineer working in hydrology, hydraulics, irrigation, and flood control
- Environmental engineer addressing water quality, waste management, and sustainability
- Construction manager or engineering Project Manager overseeing complex builds
- Consulting engineer advising municipalities, agencies, and private clients
- Government or public agency engineer at local, state, or federal levels
- Preparation for doctoral study in civil, environmental, or infrastructure engineering
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Science or Engineering in Civil Engineering? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.S. or M.Eng.in Civil Engineering at NMSU?
Choosing NMSU for graduate study in Civil Engineering means gaining advanced expertise in a program grounded in real-world application, regional relevance, and faculty mentorship. Both the M.S. and M.Eng. programs are designed to strengthen your technical foundation while allowing flexibility in specialization areas such as structural systems, water and environmental engineering, transportation, and geotechnical engineering.
The M.S. option offers the opportunity to engage in faculty-led research, develop advanced analytical skills, and contribute to innovative solutions for infrastructure resilience and sustainability — making it an excellent pathway for students considering research-driven careers or Ph.D. study. The M.Eng. option emphasizes applied coursework and professional skill development, enabling engineers to advance efficiently while balancing career or professional commitments.
Students benefit from a collaborative learning environment, access to modern laboratories and computational tools, and coursework aligned with current engineering practice and licensure preparation. Located in a region where water management, transportation infrastructure, and sustainable development are critical priorities, NMSU provides a living laboratory for solving real engineering challenges — preparing graduates to design, manage, and lead the infrastructure systems communities depend on.
High Paying Career
The median annual wage for civil engineers was $95,890 in 2023, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The M.S. program prepares students to fulfill the academic prerequisites specified by the Americans Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) for Licensure and Professional Practice in Civil Engineering. Students may choose from the geotechnical, structural, or water resources engineering options following the Thesis or Non-Thesis track.
Students complete a total of 31 course credits. Total credits needed for the Non-Thesis Track are 27 credits of coursework and 3 credits of C E 598 Special Research Programs.
Take classes like:
- C E 445 – Reinforced Concrete Design
- C E 452 - Geohydrology
- C E 554 - Advanced Design of Steel Structures
- C E 557 - Water Resources Development
The M.Eng. is a coursework only degree and several courses are offered online. The M.E. in CE degree requires a total of 30-31 credit hours consisting of one general elective course (three credit hours); seven technical electives in Civil, Environmental, and/or Agricultural Engineering (21-22 credit hours); and two electives from engineering disciplines outside the department and/or other areas of interest outside the college (six credit hours).
Take classes like:
- CE 490 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Civil Engineers
- C E 510 - Introduction to Nondestructive Testing
- C E 457 - Foundation Design
- ENVE 456 - Environmental Engineering Design
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.