M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.S. in Civil Engineering
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Civil Engineering at The Catholic University of America is a graduate program designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of both traditional principles and new technologies within the field. The program aims to address the complex and interdisciplinary engineering problems faced by society, preparing graduates for advanced professional work, research, and leadership roles. It offers a solid foundation across various civil engineering sub-disciplines, enabling students to specialize and contribute to critical infrastructure development and management.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Civil Engineering program at The Catholic University of America is STEM-designated. This is beneficial for international students, as it allows them to apply for an extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, providing additional post-graduation work authorization.
ABET Accredited: While the undergraduate Civil Engineering program at The Catholic University of America is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, the M.S. in Civil Engineering program itself is not typically listed as ABET accredited. ABET primarily focuses on undergraduate program accreditation.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Civil Engineering program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and offers both a thesis and a coursework-only option. The curriculum encompasses a wide array of specialized areas, allowing students to concentrate their studies. Major areas of concentration include Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental Engineering and Water Resource Management, Solid Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Civil Engineering Materials, and Systems Engineering. The available courses include laboratory studies, applied mathematics, engineering analysis, and engineering design, along with various introductory and advanced-level courses in applied science and engineering management. The program is designed to be completed in approximately 1.5 to 2 years.
Research Focus: The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Catholic University has a strong research focus on addressing complex, interdisciplinary problems in civil engineering. Research areas align with the program's concentrations, including construction engineering and management, environmental engineering and water resource management, solid mechanics, structural engineering, transportation engineering, civil engineering materials, and systems engineering. Faculty are actively involved in scholarship and often include students in their research projects, providing hands-on experience and opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the field. The emphasis is on equipping students with the ability to critically analyze and innovate solutions for modern civil engineering challenges.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Civil Engineering program at Catholic University maintains strong ties with the civil engineering industry and government sectors, particularly benefiting from its location in Washington, D.C. The department brings experienced industry and government professionals into the classroom to provide real-world examples and prepare students with practical, real-world solutions. Graduates are highly sought after by civil engineering firms, and the university notes that students often receive multiple career offers above the national average. The program prepares graduates for immediate impact in various sectors, including industry, government, and business, and offers opportunities for professional society involvement.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Civil Engineering program implicitly incorporates a global perspective by addressing universal challenges in infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and urban planning. Civil engineering principles and modern technologies are applicable worldwide, and the need for robust and resilient infrastructure is a global concern. While the program is based in the U.S. context, the fundamental knowledge and advanced skills acquired prepare graduates to contribute to civil engineering projects and solutions that have international relevance and impact. The university's overall mission of preparing individuals to serve society also encourages a broad understanding of global needs in engineering.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 34570
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's M.S. in Civil Engineering program are equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for a wide array of specialized and leadership roles within the civil engineering sector. Their expertise in various sub-disciplines makes them highly valuable to both public and private entities.
Structural Engineer: Designing, analyzing, and assessing the integrity of buildings, bridges, dams, and other large structures, ensuring their safety and durability.
Construction Manager/Engineer: Overseeing construction projects from planning and design to completion, managing budgets, schedules, personnel, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
Environmental Engineer (Civil Focus): Designing and managing systems for water resource management (e.g., wastewater treatment, flood control), pollution control, and sustainable infrastructure to protect public health and the environment.
Transportation Engineer: Planning, designing, operating, and maintaining transportation systems, including roads, highways, railways, airports, and mass transit, to improve efficiency and safety.
Geotechnical Engineer: Analyzing soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to design foundations for structures, assess landslide risks, and plan for earthworks and underground construction.
Water Resources Engineer: Focusing on the management and sustainable use of water resources, including the design of dams, canals, water supply systems, and flood protection infrastructure.
Urban Planner/City Engineer: Working for municipal governments to plan and design urban infrastructure, public works projects (roads, bridges), and utilities, often considering sustainability and community development.
Civil Engineering Consultant: Providing expert advice and technical solutions to clients (governments, private companies) on various civil engineering projects, including design, feasibility studies, and project management.
Materials Engineer (Civil): Specializing in the properties and behavior of materials used in civil engineering (e.g., concrete, asphalt, composites) to ensure their suitability, durability, and performance in infrastructure projects.
Systems Engineer (Infrastructure): Applying systems thinking to complex civil infrastructure projects, focusing on integrating various components, optimizing performance, and managing large-scale system development.
