Masters in Civil Engineering

Globalization has become synonymous with development. Development requires better infrastructure and infrastructural expansion requires Civil Engineers. It is impossible to think of a bustling city or a flourishing economy that does not have outstanding civil engineering as the backbone of its infrastructure.

Mega infrastructure projects are increasingly becoming common in the developing world as well. Besides, it is the challenge of environment-friendly, energy-efficient and ergonomic designs that have sustained the demand for quality civil engineers across the globe. The employment of civil engineers in the US alone is projected to grow at around 11% until 2026. Canada, Europe, Japan, India, and China would also be some of the leading employment locations for civil engineers in the coming decades. A degree from one of the top universities for Masters in Civil Engineering could mean a real career boost for the promising civil engineers. Hands-on experience with the latest technology and software and industry exposure to meet international engineering standards mean an edge over the rest. Above that, the good news is that there are ample student loans and options of getting a scholarship for Master’s in Civil Engineering.

According to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), a civil engineer is responsible for improving and maintaining the quality of the built environment such that the quality of life of present and future generations is enhanced. However, a civil engineer with a master’s degree is expected to also engage actively in the planning of projects and overseeing their construction. Buildings, skyscrapers, roads, highways, bridges, railways, metros, and airports are some of the key projects that demand civil engineers for their design, construction, and upkeep.

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What does a Master’s in Civil Engineering course offer?

The scope of Master’s in Civil Engineering is really wide even without a specialization, thanks to its encompassing course structure. It constitutes the following:
Structures: The focus is on advanced concrete and steel structures.
Construction: It involves the methods employed and equipment required in construction. The functions of a constructor are also covered, besides, budgeting and planning.
Transportation: It introduces principles of Transportation Engineering. The emphasis is on the design of transportation facilities and traffic engineering and management.
Geotechnics: This includes an introduction to Foundation Design and design of earth structures.
Water and Environment: In this area of study, students get to learn about designs of water supply systems and drainage systems. They get introduced to Ocean Engineering. They can learn to appreciate the relationship between energy and environment and air quality management.

The emphasis on each area might vary depending upon what components the university offers or the choices made by the student. However, all masters in civil engineering best universities focus on training engineers in eco-friendly designs and encourage them to take climate change into account. Many universities lay special focus on engineering for Public Works.

Where to Study Master’s in Civil Engineering?

According to the QS World University Rankings for 2019, 2 out of the top 3 universities for civil engineering are in the United States. Besides the US, Singapore is the best country for Master’s in Civil Engineering. In Europe, England is the best country to do a Master's in Civil Engineering, however, the Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland can also be great options.

What is the Eligibility for a Master’s in Civil Engineering?

Students should consider the following three academic eligibility criteria for pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering from a top-notch university. Please note that these are the three most common eligibility criteria. Neither are they applicable to all universities nor they may be all the criteria necessary for admission to a course.

IELTS and TOEFL - Since most of the top institutions for Civil Engineering are located either in the English speaking world or offer instruction in English, TOEFL and IELTS scores assume great importance. Candidates should check the minimum score required for applying or admission to a course. It may vary depending upon university, department, and course.

GRE - GRE scores lend weight to the application and have a bearing on the selection procedure. Some universities consider the cumulative GRE score. Others might plug the Verbal, Quantitative and Writing scores into a formulae or place differential emphasis on sectional GRE scores while ignoring a particular score. GRE scores could allow your application to be accepted or give you an edge over other applicants during the final selection. It is important to note that GRE Subject Test scores in Physics and Mathematics can also give you an advantage over your competitors.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements - Bachelor’s degree in Science is the most important requirement for admission to a Master’s in Civil Engineering in a reputed institution. However, merely an undergraduate science degree might not be enough. Best institutions would prefer candidates that have a background in Engineering and more particularly in Civil Engineering or a closely related field at the undergraduate level. The GPA score of the Bachelor’s course could be taken into account to accept an application or grant admission. Of course, relevant industry experience counts too!