Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Additional Graduation Requirements

• Complied with University graduate policies and regulations.
• Satisfied the University's graduate degree requirements.
• Satisfactorily completed the appropriate Plan of Study.
• Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for all coursework in the program.
• Satisfy all degree requirements within seven (7) years from the time of admission to the program.
• Apply for graduation by the deadline indicated in the University Calendar.
• Provide two (2) signed, bound copies of the student's thesis or capstone project paper, one to the FGCU library and the other to the Engineering Graduate Program Director.
• Each student must have a graduate committee composed of a minimum of three (3) individuals with at least one from approved engineering faculty.

Plan of Study
A Plan of Study is a set of courses and a thesis or project activity chosen and completed in a sequence that meets the needs and interests of the individual student and the degree requirements and other stipulations of the University and the College of Engineering.  Prior to or immediately upon admission to the program, students should discuss their options with the graduate advisor.  There is no requirement for master's students to be full-time, nor is there an on-campus service requirement.  The Plan of Study must be approved by the graduate advisor and the student's supervisory committee no later than the end of the student's first semester in the program, regardless of credits earned. After this time, modifications must be approved by the supervisory committee.

Official Course Descriptions

Search for official course descriptions by using the Course Description Search utility.

Go to the Course Descriptions Search Web page, then follow these steps:

1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select a course prefix from one of the SUBJECT dropdowns (required)
3. Enter search words in the TEXT field (optional, but will narrow the search results)
4. Press Search

Getting started with the Course Schedule Search

Search for program courses by using the Course Schedule Search utility.

Go to the Course Schedule Search Web page, then follow these steps:

1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select one or more of the search options to narrow your results (for example, CAMPUS, COLLEGE, DEPARTMENT, LEVEL, PREFIX*, COURSE ATTRIBUTE**). For virtual or web courses, select VIRTUAL in the CAMPUS field.
3. Press Search.

*A course prefix is a three-letter designator for a major division of an academic discipline (for example, ACG for Accounting , BSC for Biological Science, ENC for English Composition). See the Degree Requirements page for a list of courses (with prefix and number) that can be used to fulfill degree requirements.

**A course attribute identifies specific characteristics of courses that can be used in a Degree Evaluation to satisfy a degree requirement. (Course attribute examples are Humanities courses - GEHM and Social Science courses - GESO.)

The curriculum for this major has been revised. Summer 2025 is the last term that students can declare this major as Engineering (M.S.E.). The revised Civil Engineering (M.S.) curriculum will be available Fall 2025.  Please consult your Graduate Coordinator if you have any questions.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for the MSE program will align with and elevate those of the undergraduate engineering program that were developed to meet ABET accreditation standards, as well as prepare students to be successful in the pursuit of, or maintaining, professional engineering licensure. The MSE program will also prepare students to continue graduate studies at the doctoral level.

Content/Discipline Knowledge and Skills

MSE graduates will be able to:

1. Apply higher-level math, science, and engineering skills to research and/or design engineering systems, components, or processes to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
2. Understand the professional and ethical responsibilities associated with engineering practice and engineering research.
3. Use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice and engineering research.

Content/discipline knowledge and skills are assessed at the program level using appropriate coursework including examinations, assignments, and presentations.

Communication Skills

MSE graduates will be able to:

1. Organize and relate ideas coherently in written, oral, and graphic form.
2. Develop and present consistent arguments to diverse audiences.

Communication skills are assessed at the University, College, and Program levels through oral and written presentations, project reports, and other assignments throughout the curriculum.

Critical Thinking Skills

MSE graduates will be able to:

1. Identify problems and the relevant information needed to solve them.
2. Analyze and synthesize information, and draw reasoned inferences.
3. Formulate and evaluate appropriate problem-solving strategies.

Critical thinking skills are assessed at the University, College, and Program levels through oral and written presentations, project reports, exams, and other assignments throughout the curriculum.

Information on tuition, fees and estimated total cost of attendance is available on the Office of the Bursar website.

Scholarships and Tuition Waivers

Scholarships and tuition waivers are available to degree-seeking graduate students and can be used for books, tuition, or other expenses. See the tuition support page on the Office of Graduate Studies website for more information.

Financial Aid

Visit FGCU's Financial Aid website for information about grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment.

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for full-time students (those enrolled in 9 or more credit hours per semester). Graduate assistantships are competitive and based on a candidate's academic record and relevant experience rather than financial need. Assistants work 20 hours per week for the university teaching and/or conducting directed research. To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, you must: 

• meet the admission requirements for the M.S. in Civil Engineering,
• be a new applicant to the M.S. in Civil Engineering,
• not be employed outside of the University during the assistantship award period. 

Application Process: In the Statement of Objectives you submit as part of your online application to the program, please indicate that you would like to be considered for a graduate assistantship. Include a brief explanation of your academic and research interests.