Master’s in Civil Engineering
Gain the skills needed to lead groundbreaking projects and shape the future of infrastructure development with CU Denver’s online MS in Civil Engineering.
The online MS in Civil Engineering prepares engineers to become leaders in designing and maintaining critical infrastructure.
- Fully online format with specializations in Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) or Geomatics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Gain technical expertise and leadership skills to excel in a wide range of civil engineering roles.
- Graduate in as few as 24 months.
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Degree LevelMaster's -
School & CollegeCollege of Engineering, Design and Computing -
Total Credit Hours30 -
Class Type100% Online -
Time CommitmentFull-Time or Part-Time -
Start Term(s)Fall, Spring, Summer
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Program Overview
The online Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Colorado Denver prepares the next generation of engineers with the requisite set of skills to be experts, managers, and leaders within an ever-evolving industry. From our roads and bridges to our drinking water and energy systems, civil engineers build and maintain the foundation of our society. Now more than ever, there is a growing demand for civil engineers who can design innovative solutions that will improve our future.
With a master’s in civil engineering, you’ll gain the technical expertise to make an immediate impact on the world around you as well as the leadership and communication skills you need to build a lasting career in any field.
Tuition Breakdown
| Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|
| $667* per credit | $780* per credit |
*Tuition is determined by chosen CU Denver program and resident status. Learn more on our tuition and financial aid page.
Example Courses
The MS in Civil Engineering provides a well-rounded curriculum that blends technical expertise with practical engineering applications. Students gain specialized knowledge in structural design, environmental sustainability, and construction management, preparing them to solve real-world engineering challenges.
Advanced Structural Analysis (CVEN 5525)
This course highlights the program's focus on structural engineering, a core discipline in civil engineering. It covers advanced analysis techniques used in real-world infrastructure.
Introduction to Environmental Engineering (CVEN 5401)
This course represents the environmental and sustainability aspect of civil engineering, emphasizing water and air quality control, waste management, and sustainable engineering.
Construction Planning and Control (CEMT 5232)
This course showcases the construction engineering and management side of the program, focusing on project scheduling, resource allocation, and management strategies.
Specializations
The MS in Civil Engineering requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 24 months. You’ll choose from two fully online specializations to focus your degree: Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) or Geomatics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The interdisciplinary Master of Science in Civil Engineering — Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) online program leverages CU Denver’s accredited schools of engineering, architecture, and business to prepare you for today’s complex construction industry. Our fully online program is designed to empower engineers, construction managers, architects, business majors, and others to take on leadership roles within a wide variety of construction career paths or to transition into the dynamic, exciting, and high-paying building industry.
Our program's core focuses on construction planning and controls, cost estimating, and materials and methods. Elective courses include sustainable construction, project management, BIM, and others. Additional advanced engineering courses are available in transportation, structures, soils, sustainability, and more.
You’ll graduate from the program with the hands-on expertise needed to engage in the responsibilities of construction engineers and managers, including building and site design, engineering, planning, and leading schedules, quality assurance and control, cost estimating, and construction project management.
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering – Geomatics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online program provides broad-based expertise and cutting-edge skills that span the growing geospatial field. Our program is created for engineers and other geospatial, environmental, and urban infrastructure professionals seeking skills in using and managing rapidly developing geospatial data technologies.
Our Geomatics and GIS curriculum covers a wide range of geospatial principles. You will learn from industry professionals in the areas of surveying, geodesy, mapping science and cartography, GNSS and GPS, photogrammetry, remote sensing, high-definition surveying, and relational GIS databases.
Our program prepares graduates for careers in industry or the public sector. As a graduate, you will have a comprehensive understanding of both geomatics and GIS disciplines, empowering you to advance your career in geospatial engineering and analysis or continue conducting research to further advance the science of this field.
Career Outlook
What is the Projected Salary of an Individual with a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineers earned an annual median salary of $95,890 in 2024.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Civil Engineering?
Graduates of the MS in Civil Engineering program are equipped for roles such as:
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Manager
- Geospatial Data Analyst
- Urban Planner
Admissions
The Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering at CU Denver is designed for students who have previously earned an undergraduate degree in engineering. If you do not have an undergraduate degree in engineering, you’ll follow the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil Engineering degree path, which is structured to give students more basic engineering knowledge in an interdisciplinary manner.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student, or an international student.
Get Personalized Support for Your Application
As you take the first step toward earning your graduate degree, the CU Denver Enrollment Team is available to guide you through the application process. We’re here to help answer your questions about admission requirements, application deadlines, start dates, financial aid, international student support and resources, and more.
Unsure whether you should pursue an MS or MEng? Fill out the form above or contact our Enrollment Team today to find out which degree is right for you.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in.
Tuition is determined based on which CU Denver program is chosen, undergraduate or graduate level, and your resident status. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Experience flexible, career-focused programs with CU Denver’s renowned quality—100% online—taught by expert faculty in engaging courses within a supportive community, all at an affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.
Flexible, career-focused programs with the same CU Denver quality—100% online.
Expert faculty, engaging courses, and a supportive online community.
Affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships for online students.
Take the Next Step
Ready to advance your career in civil engineering? Take the first step toward earning your online degree by filling out the form above for more information or calling us at 303-860-5604.