M.S. Program
The M.S. program in the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering at Clemson University is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and expertise in specialized areas within the civil engineering discipline, allowing for a deeper understanding of complex engineering principles, design techniques, and innovative technologies used in industry. We also strive to meet the needs of our industry partners by educating engineers who will have an immediate impact on the ever-changing needs and demands of the field.
Our faculty are committed to excellence in graduate education – in the classroom and in research endeavors. We aim to create a vibrant academic community through mentorship by encouraging critical thinking, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the integration of relevant research and industry knowledge into classroom principles.
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Degree Requirements
There are two pathways for completing an M.S. degree in Civil Engineering:
- M.S. Thesis – includes research
- M.S. Non-Thesis – coursework only
While there are no Departmental course requirements for M.S. students, there are specific core course requirements for each specialty area within the CE Department. Students may also have opportunities for interdisciplinary study through approved courses taken outside of their specialty area or outside of the Civil Engineering Department. Talk to your faculty advisor for more information about options.
Apply | Graduate SchoolTotal Credits Requirements M.S. Thesis M.S. Non-Thesis Research Credits (CE 8910) At least 6 0 8000-level Courses At least 12 At least 15 Total Credits 30 (24 coursework) 30 (All coursework) -
Timeline for Completing the M.S. Degree
Students are responsible for meeting all deadlines and satisfying Graduate School and Department requirements for their M.S. degree. The Graduate School’s Graduation Deadlines page is a great resource that students should reference before their final semester.
Following are general timelines for students pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering:
Masters Degree, Thesis option
First Semester
- New students – attend all relevant orientation sessions (Grad School, CE Department, International Services)
- Submit Graduate Advisory Committee Selection.
- Submit Plan of Study.
Before Final Semester
- Familiarize yourself with graduation deadlines.Final Semester
- Apply for graduation via iRoar. More information can be found on the Graduation Deadlines page.
- Schedule your defense with your Graduate Committee.
- Notify the Graduate School of your defense date/time/location at least 10 days before your defense.
- Order graduation regalia from the CU Bookstore.
- Notify the Graduate Student Services Manager at least 2-3 days prior to your defense. The SSM will prepare your GS7M form to send to your Graduate Committee.
- Defend your thesis. The Graduate Student Services Manager will send your signed GS7M form to the Graduate School.
- By the posted deadline, submit the completed thesis with all committee revisions to the Manuscript Review Office.
- By the posted deadline, submit the final thesis, with all formatting revisions, to the Manuscript Review Office.
- Graduation information can be found on the Graduation Ceremonies page.
Masters Degree, Non-Thesis option
First Semester
- New students – attend all relevant orientation sessions (Grad School, CE Department, International Services)
- Submit Graduate Advisory Committee Selection.
- Submit Plan of Study.
Before Final Semester
- Talk with your Graduate Committee Chair to find out if a special project or final exam is required for your degree.
- Familiarize yourself with graduation deadlines.
Final Semester
- Apply for graduation via iRoar. More information can be found on the Graduation Deadlines page.
- If required, schedule your final exam/project presentation with your Graduate Committee.
- Order graduation regalia from the CU Bookstore.
- Notify the Graduate Student Services Manager at least 2-3 days prior to your final exam/project presentation. The SSM will prepare your GS7M form to send to your Graduate Committee. (Students who do not have an exam/presentation are not required to submit a GS7M.)
- If applicable, take your final exam/present your final project. The Graduate Student Services Manager will send your signed GS7M form to the Graduate School.
- Graduation information can be found on the Graduation Ceremonies page.
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Faculty Advisor and Graduate Committee
Each M.S. student is required to have a 3-member graduate committee to approve course selection and (for M.S. Thesis students) provide guidance to research students. A graduate committee is comprised of a committee chair and two committee members. See the CE Graduate Program Handbook and the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual for more information on graduate committee composition and responsibilities.
M.S. Thesis students – Your faculty advisor will be your research supervisor. They will also serve as your committee chair and will guide you in selecting the other members of the committee.
M.S. Non-Thesis students - Your faculty advisor will be the Graduate Program Committee representative for your specialty area (see below). They will also serve as your committee chair and will guide you in selecting the other members of the committee.
Construction Materials – Dr. Prasad Rangaraju
Construction Engineering and Management – Dr. Kalyan Piratla
Geotechnical Engineering – Dr. Qiushi Chen
Structural Engineering – Dr. Weichiang Pang
Transportation Systems – Dr. Pamela Murray-Tuite
Water Resources – Dr. Abdul Khan
