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MS

Civil Engineering

Application Deadline

  • Fall: May 15
  • Winter: Sep 15
  • Contact Information

    430 EB, Provo, UT 84602-4081
    (801) 422-2811
    cce@byu.edu
    Website
    Admission Requirements
    Required Tests

    GRE for both US citizens and international students
    TOEFL for international students (score of 580 paper-based, or 85 iBT -- {22 speaking and 21 in all other categories})

    Additional Requirements

    • Resume
    • Employment History
    • Three letters of recommendation - request letters of recommendation from previous professors or professionals
    • Statement of intent
    • Describe your educational and career objectives and how graduate work will fit those goals
    Program Requirements
    The MS degree builds on the foundation of skills, breadth, and depth of the undergraduate education to achieve greater competency. The MS program brings students to the state-of-the-art in one or more specialty areas enabling them with the skills necessary to handle problems at the cutting edge of the profession.

    There are two MS options: Thesis and Project.

    The intent of a thesis is to advance the state of the art, while the intent of a project is to apply the state of the art. The results of a thesis should be publishable as a journal or conference article, while the results of a project may or may not be publishable. Students completing a thesis receive 6 credit hours for their effort, while students completing a project receive 3 credit hours for their effort. Work on a thesis is more likely to be funded than work on a project. Both a thesis and a project are reviewed by a graduate committee comprised of three faculty members. A thesis is presented to the faculty committee, while a project is usually presented in graduate seminar. Expectations regarding the quality of written and oral presentation are the same for both a thesis and a project.

    Requirements for Degree.

    • Credit hours: Thesis program: 31 minimum approved hours including 6 thesis hours and 1 hour of Graduate Seminar. Project program: 31 minimum approved hours including 3 project hours and 1 hour of Graduate Seminar.
    • Program of Study: the graduate program of study must be submitted during the first semester of graduate study.
    • Evaluations: evaluation of the student's graduate program progress by his/her department advisor is required at least twice each academic year.
    • Residency requirements: residency is required for the major part of the work. This work must be completed under the specific direction of a graduate faculty member while the student is in residence at BYU. “In residence” is defined as (1) being registered for credit as a graduate student and (2) living and conducting research in the general vicinity of the university, where the student has ready access to research facilities and consultation with the faculty. Further, all work must be completely open for university review and publication. Any exceptions to the above must be supported by written approval from the department and college and obtained in advance of any work being performed.
    • Prospectus: Students must submit a written prospectus on their proposed research topic during their first semester of graduate seminar.
    • Examinations: students must complete an oral defense of thesis or oral presentation of project.
    • Thesis or Project.
    • Cumulative 3.0 GPA or above in all program of study courses.
    • For a more detailed description of the graduate program requirements, see:  http://ceen.byu.edu and http://gradstudies.byu.edu.
    Program Outcomes
    Math and Science - Project Option
    Competency in fundamental civil engineering math and science.

    Problem Solving - Project Option
    Solves applied problems using state of the art tools and methods in at least one of the Civil and Environmental Engineering specialty areas: geotechnical, structures, transportation/materials, or water resources/environmental.

    Project Planning - Project Option
    Develops a project plan, including objectives, scope, and timeline with a clear understanding of the intended results.

    Researching Relevant Literature - Thesis Option
    Appreciates the contributions of others and can research the literature of the chosen specialty discipline.

    Articulating Problems and Conclusions - Thesis Option
    Articulates challenging research problems and derived conclusions to the intended audience.

    Math and Science - Thesis Option
    Competency in fundamental civil engineering math and science.

    Articulating Results - Thesis Option
    Articulates results of challenging design problems to the intended audience.

    Problem Solving - Thesis Option
    Solves applied problems using state of the art tools and methods in at least one of the Civil and Environmental Engineering specialty areas: geotechnical, structures, transportation/materials, or water resources/environmental.

    Publishing - Thesis Option
    Publishes contributions in technical area of research.

    Program Stats
    Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
    Total Students 81.0
    International 7.0
    Male 60.0
    Female 21.0
    LDS 80.0
    BYU Undergraduate 47.0
    Five Year Average of Graduated Students
    Average Years to Degree 1.89
    Graduated Per Year 18.6
    GMAT Quantitative Percentile 67.5
    Five Year Average of Admitted Students
    Applied Per Year 36.4
    Admitted Per Year 25.0
    Percent Admitted 68.68
    Average GPA 3.41