M.S. in Management of Information and Technology
The M.S. in Management of Information and Technology at OU is designed for individuals ...
M.S. in Civil Engineering
Norman, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Civil Engineering at OU is a 30-32 credit hour program, with options for thesis and non-thesis tracks, catering to students interested in research or those aiming for direct industry application. It can be completed in as little as 21 months, making it efficient for working professionals. The program offers concentrations in four critical and growing areas: Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Water Resources Engineering. This specialization allows students to deepen their expertise in a specific area of civil engineering while honing their management, communication, and problem-solving skills to become effective leaders in the field.
STEM Designated: Yes, the Master of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Oklahoma is a STEM-designated program. This designation is highly beneficial for international students, as it qualifies them for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, allowing for up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This highlights the program's rigorous quantitative, analytical, and technical focus, aligning it with high-demand fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Civil Engineering provides advanced design and analysis skills across its specialized concentrations. For example, the Geotechnical Engineering concentration focuses on geologic media, soil-structure interactions, and foundation construction principles. The Structural Engineering concentration delves into properties and fabrication methods of materials like wood, steel, and concrete, including earthquake safety engineering. Transportation Engineering emphasizes planning, functional design, and management of transportation facilities, while Water Resources Engineering covers topics like water and wastewater treatment plant design, and stormwater management. The program balances theoretical understanding with practical application, incorporating critical equations, analytical methods, and industry-standard software tools to solve real-world problems.
Research Focus: Research is a vital component of the M.S. in Civil Engineering at OU, particularly within the CEES. Faculty members are distinguished researchers, often holding numerous awards, and their research interests inform the program's advanced topics. Key research areas within Civil Engineering include: computational simulation of soft soils, soil-structure interaction, impacts of natural hazards on infrastructure, innovative concrete materials, bond of prestressing strands, hydrodynamic modeling of coastal seas, coupled meteorological/hydrologic/hydraulic model systems for coastal flooding, and water-energy-environment nexus. Students, especially those on the thesis track, have opportunities to contribute to these cutting-edge investigations, pushing the boundaries of civil engineering knowledge and addressing complex societal challenges.
Industry Engagement: The University of Oklahoma's School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science maintains strong connections with the civil engineering industry. Faculty members bring extensive industry experience (over 180 years combined), with more than 60% being licensed professional engineers, ensuring the curriculum's practical relevance. OU's ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) chapter, alongside other student organizations like the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), provides platforms for educational events, professional networking, and direct engagement with local engineering firms. These connections facilitate internships, mentorship opportunities, and a smooth transition from academia to impactful careers in the civil engineering sector.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Oklahoma inherently incorporates a global perspective, as the challenges and solutions in civil engineering often transcend national borders. Infrastructure development, sustainable practices, and resilient design are universal concerns. The program prepares graduates to understand and address complex global engineering problems, considering economic, environmental, and societal contexts worldwide. OU's diverse student body and faculty create a multicultural learning environment that enriches discussions and provides insights into international civil engineering practices and standards, equipping graduates to contribute effectively to global projects and address worldwide infrastructure needs.
Location
Norman, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22582
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 60 or higher.
The University of Oklahoma offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community while helping to make education more affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: OU awards several merit-based scholarships to incoming international undergraduate students based on academic excellence, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process or require a separate application.
International Ambassador Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong leadership skills, a commitment to cultural exchange, and active participation in university life. Recipients often serve as ambassadors for OU’s international community, promoting diversity and inclusion.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: For international graduate students, OU offers numerous fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. These positions provide financial support in the form of tuition waivers and stipends while offering valuable professional experience in academic and research settings.
Country-Specific Scholarships: OU periodically partners with governments, foundations, and organizations to offer scholarships targeting students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships foster international collaboration and cultural exchange.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources: In addition to university-funded awards, OU provides guidance and resources to help international students find external scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities available through private organizations, embassies, and international agencies.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering from the University of Oklahoma (OU) provides graduates with advanced technical expertise and leadership capabilities crucial for shaping the built environment. Offered through the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science (CEES), this STEM-designated program equips professionals to design, construct, and maintain vital infrastructure, with specializations in areas like Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources Engineering. Graduates are highly sought after by various sectors for their ability to address complex engineering challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
Senior Structural Engineer: Specializing in the design and analysis of structures such as buildings, bridges, and towers to ensure their stability, safety, and resilience against various loads and natural hazards, including seismic events. They often work for engineering consulting firms or construction companies.
Geotechnical Engineer (Advanced): Focusing on the engineering behavior of earth materials (soil, rock) and their interaction with structures. This involves site investigations, foundation design, slope stability analysis, and designing solutions for retaining walls, tunnels, and deep foundations.
Transportation Engineer/Planner: Designing and managing transportation systems including highways, railways, airports, and public transit. They focus on traffic flow, safety, infrastructure planning, and the implementation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to enhance mobility and efficiency.
Water Resources Engineer: Specializing in the management and design of systems related to water, including water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, flood control, and hydraulic structures like dams and canals. They work on ensuring sustainable water resources and protecting water quality.
Environmental Civil Engineer: Combining civil engineering principles with environmental science to design solutions that protect public health and the environment. This can involve designing waste management systems, air pollution control facilities, and sustainable infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact.
Construction Project Manager (Civil Infrastructure): Leading and overseeing large-scale civil engineering projects, such as roads, bridges, dams, or utility networks. This involves comprehensive planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams from conception to completion.
Hydrologist/Hydraulic Engineer: Focusing on the movement, distribution, and quality of water. They design and analyze hydraulic systems, conduct flood plain mapping, and develop strategies for water resource management, often working for government agencies, consulting firms, or environmental organizations.
Infrastructure Asset Manager: Specializing in the long-term planning, maintenance, and rehabilitation of public infrastructure assets (roads, bridges, water systems). They use data and analytical tools to optimize investments, extend asset lifespan, and ensure sustainable operation.
Civil Engineering Consultant: Providing expert advice to clients across various industries on civil engineering challenges. This can include feasibility studies, design reviews, risk assessments, forensic engineering, and specialized technical analysis for complex projects.
Research and Development Engineer (Civil Engineering): Working in academic institutions, private research labs, or government agencies, these engineers conduct advanced research to develop new materials, construction methods, sustainable technologies, and analytical tools to push the boundaries of civil engineering.
