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
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering through its College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. This program is designed to provide advanced study, field work, and research opportunities in various civil engineering areas, preparing graduates for demanding technical roles in consulting firms, industrial companies, and government agencies. It is a 30-credit hour program, available with three concentrations: Thesis, Non-Thesis, and Coastal & Port Engineering. The program is specifically approved by the U.S. Navy's Ocean Facilities Program (OFP), indicating its relevance to real-world engineering challenges, and offers flexibility with Fall or Spring semester start options.
STEM-designated: Yes, the M.S. in Civil Engineering at UNF is a STEM-designated program. This designation is highly beneficial for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more time to gain practical work experience in the field.
Curriculum: The 30-credit hour curriculum for the M.S. in Civil Engineering at UNF is comprehensive, covering several key technical areas within civil engineering. Students can choose from a wide range of approved courses that delve into structures, transportation, geotechnics, water resources, and coastal and environmental protection. For instance, courses might include Advanced Research Methods for Engineers, Applied Engineering Geology, Advanced Foundation Engineering, Matrix Structural Analysis, Prestressed Concrete, Risk Assessment, Stormwater Management, River Engineering/Sediment Transport, Advanced Groundwater Flow and Containment Transport, Coastal Processes, and various special topics. The program offers flexibility with a thesis option (culminating in an original research project), a non-thesis option (involving additional coursework and/or a comprehensive examination), and a specialized Coastal & Port Engineering concentration for those interested in maritime infrastructure. All coursework must be completed with a grade of "C" or better, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Civil Engineering at UNF strongly emphasizes applied and fundamental research, particularly for students pursuing the thesis option. The program aims to "provide opportunities for expanded content knowledge and development of critical thinking skills outside of a classroom setting" through research activities. Faculty members in the Civil Engineering department have diverse research interests that align with the program's specializations, including structural engineering, transportation systems, geotechnical engineering, water resources, and coastal and environmental engineering. This allows students to engage in projects that address real-world challenges, utilizing advanced analytical techniques and experimental methods under faculty mentorship.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Civil Engineering at UNF demonstrates significant industry engagement, preparing graduates for immediate contributions to the workforce. The program is explicitly designed to prepare students for careers in consulting firms, industrial companies, and government agencies. A notable partnership exists with England-Thims & Miller (ETM) Inc., a prominent infrastructure and development consulting firm, which has a "Faculty in Residence" program with UNF, allowing professors to gain real-world project experience that directly informs curriculum development. This partnership, along with others, facilitates internships and practical experiential learning opportunities for students, ensuring that the skills taught in the classroom align with industry demands and foster smooth transitions into professional careers. The program's approval by the U.S. Navy's Ocean Facilities Program (OFP) further underscores its direct relevance to professional practice.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Civil Engineering at UNF inherently incorporates a global perspective through its focus on complex engineering problems that often transcend national boundaries and impact global communities. Civil engineering challenges such as sustainable infrastructure development, coastal resilience to climate change, and efficient transportation networks are universal. The curriculum encourages students to consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts, aligning with ABET accreditation criteria. While direct international study abroad might not be a mandatory component, the principles of sustainable design, risk assessment, and environmental management taught are globally applicable. Furthermore, the program's connection to the U.S. Navy's OFP implies an understanding of engineering needs in diverse geographical and operational environments worldwide.
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.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a STEM-designated program that rigorously prepares graduates for advanced technical and leadership roles within the broad field of civil engineering. Housed within the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, this 30-credit hour program emphasizes in-depth study, practical field work, and research opportunities across various civil engineering specializations, including structures, transportation, geotechnics, water resources, and coastal and environmental protection.
Structural Engineer: Specializes in the design and analysis of buildings, bridges, towers, and other large structures to ensure their stability, strength, and durability under various loads and environmental conditions.
Transportation Engineer: Focuses on the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of transportation systems, including roads, highways, railways, airports, and public transit, to ensure efficient and safe movement of people and goods.
Geotechnical Engineer: Analyzes the properties of soil and rock to design foundations for structures, retaining walls, earth dams, and tunnels, ensuring the stability and safety of earthworks and foundations.
Water Resources Engineer: Works on the management and distribution of water resources, designing and managing systems for water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, flood control, and river engineering, crucial for public health and environmental protection.
Coastal Engineer: Given UNF's specialized concentration, these engineers design and manage projects in coastal zones, including seawalls, breakwaters, port facilities, and beach nourishment projects, addressing issues like erosion control, storm surge protection, and sustainable coastal development.
Environmental Engineer: Designs solutions to environmental problems, such as waste management facilities, air pollution control systems, and water purification plants, often involving the assessment and mitigation of environmental impacts from construction projects.
Project Engineer/Manager (Civil Construction): Oversees civil engineering projects from conception to completion, managing budgets, schedules, resources, and teams, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within specifications for construction companies or consulting firms.
Hydraulic Engineer: Focuses on the behavior and mechanics of water, applying principles to design dams, canals, pipelines, and other hydraulic structures, or to model water flow in natural systems like rivers and estuaries.
Urban/Regional Planner: Integrates civil engineering principles with urban development, assisting in the planning and design of sustainable communities, infrastructure, and land use to meet the needs of growing populations.
Research & Development Engineer: Works in academic institutions, government labs, or private R&D firms to conduct advanced research, develop new materials or construction techniques, and improve existing civil engineering practices.
