M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.S. in Civil Engineering in Coastal & Port Engineering
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF), situated in Jacksonville, offers a specialized Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Coastal & Port Engineering. This program, housed within the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, is meticulously designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by coastal environments and maritime infrastructure. The program aims to prepare civil engineers for advanced roles in the design, construction, and management of coastal protection systems, port facilities, and other critical infrastructure in coastal zones. It offers a 30-credit hour curriculum, typically completed in three semesters, and allows students to choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, though the Coastal & Port Engineering concentration typically requires a thesis. The program is fully accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET and is also approved by the U.S. Navy Ocean Facilities Program (OFP).
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Civil Engineering, including its Coastal & Port Engineering concentration, at the University of North Florida is a STEM-designated program. This designation is highly beneficial for international students, as it often allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the United States after graduation, providing more opportunities for professional experience. The STEM designation reflects the program's strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, underscoring its rigorous analytical and technical focus.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Civil Engineering with a Coastal & Port Engineering concentration is comprehensive, requiring 30 credit hours. Students delve into advanced topics crucial for working in coastal environments. Core courses often include "Introduction to Coastal & Port Engineering," "Coastal & Estuarine Hydrodynamics," "Port & Harbor Engineering," "Water Wave Mechanics," and "Coastal Structures." The program also offers electives such as "Advanced GIS Applications in Civil Engineering," "Coastal Processes," "Sediment Transport," and "Numerical Modeling of Coastal Systems," allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests. For the Coastal & Port Engineering concentration, a thesis option is typically required, involving 6 credits of thesis work, demanding continuous enrollment until successful submission and oral defense. This structure ensures a deep understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical applications.
Research Focus: A significant strength of UNF's Coastal & Port Engineering program lies in its robust research focus. Given Jacksonville's coastal location and the presence of the Taylor Engineering Research Institute, students have exceptional opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research. The program emphasizes advanced study, fieldwork, and research in coastal and water resource engineering. Faculty members, who are often leaders in the field with extensive experience (e.g., in areas like wind waves, statistical methods for coastal projects, and hurricane assessment), actively involve students in their research. This commitment to research provides students with expanded content knowledge, develops critical thinking skills, and prepares them to solve complex, uncommon problems in their field, often with a direct impact on real-world coastal challenges.
Industry Engagement: The University of North Florida's strong ties to the professional engineering community, particularly in the coastal and port sectors, are a key advantage of this program. Students benefit from interactions with practicing engineers and potential employers in the region. The program's approval by the U.S. Navy Ocean Facilities Program (OFP) highlights its direct relevance to industry needs and provides a specific pathway for naval Civil Engineering Corps (CEC) officers. Opportunities for industry engagement may include guest lectures from professionals, site visits to local ports and coastal projects, internships, and networking events. The program's location in a major port city like Jacksonville naturally fosters strong connections with port authorities, consulting firms, and government agencies involved in coastal infrastructure.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Civil Engineering with a Coastal & Port Engineering concentration at UNF inherently incorporates a global perspective due to the universal nature of coastal and maritime challenges. Issues such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, port efficiency, and sustainable maritime development are not confined by national borders. The program's curriculum, while rooted in U.S. engineering practices, often addresses international standards and global best practices in coastal and port design and management. Faculty research may also have international implications, and students are prepared to contribute to projects that could span diverse geographic locations, understanding the global context of their engineering solutions. The interdisciplinary approach to environmental and infrastructure challenges further promotes a broad, globally informed understanding.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
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.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
An M.S. in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Coastal & Port Engineering from the University of North Florida (UNF) positions graduates for critical roles in safeguarding and developing vital coastal infrastructure. With the program's STEM designation, robust research focus, and strong industry connections, graduates are well-prepared for diverse and impactful careers. The increasing threat of climate change, sea-level rise, and the continued importance of global trade through maritime routes ensure a consistent demand for specialized coastal and port engineers.
Coastal Engineer (Consulting Firm): This is a primary career path. Graduates work for private consulting firms, providing expert services in coastal protection, beach nourishment, harbor design, shoreline stabilization, flood control, and environmental impact assessments for clients ranging from government agencies to private developers.
Port Engineer/Manager: Working for port authorities or private port operators, these engineers are responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and expansion of port facilities, including wharves, docks, breakwaters, dredging operations, and cargo handling infrastructure.
Hydraulic/Water Resources Engineer: Specializing in the behavior of water, these engineers design and manage projects related to river and estuary systems, flood control structures (dams, levees), storm water management, and water quality in coastal zones.
Marine Structures Engineer: This role involves the design and analysis of structures in marine environments, such as offshore platforms, piers, jetties, bulkheads, and other elements exposed to dynamic coastal forces.
Environmental Engineer (Coastal Focus): While a civil engineering degree, the coastal specialization often integrates environmental considerations. Graduates can work on projects related to coastal ecosystem restoration, water quality management in estuaries, sediment transport impacts, and managing environmental risks in coastal development.
Government Engineer (Federal, State, Local): Significant opportunities exist with government agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which is heavily involved in navigation, flood risk management, and shore protection projects. Other roles can be found in state departments of environmental protection, coastal management, or transportation, focusing on public infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
Naval Facilities Engineer (NAVFAC/U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps): Given UNF's program approval by the U.S. Navy Ocean Facilities Program (OFP), graduates are well-suited for roles within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC). These engineers manage and construct naval shore facilities, including piers, wharves, and coastal defense structures worldwide.
Dredging Engineer/Project Manager: Specializing in the removal of sediment from waterways and harbors, these engineers manage dredging projects crucial for maintaining navigation channels, reclaiming land, and protecting shorelines. They work for dredging companies or governmental agencies.
Research Engineer/Scientist: With the program's strong research component and thesis option, graduates can pursue careers in research institutions, universities, or specialized government labs (like those under NOAA or the USGS) focusing on coastal processes, climate change impacts on coastlines, and developing innovative engineering solutions.
Offshore Wind Energy Engineer: As the offshore wind industry expands, there's a growing need for civil engineers with expertise in marine environments. These professionals design and manage the foundations and infrastructure for offshore wind farms, including substructures, cable routes, and port logistics for turbine assembly and transport.
