University of Kentucky®
Master's Degree (MS) in
Civil Engineering
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 30
CREDENTIALS MS Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$806.00
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- UK Online
- All Programs
- Master's Degrees
- Civil Engineering (MS)
About this Program
Advance your engineering expertise and expand your career opportunities with the fully online Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky. Designed for working professionals and recent graduates alike, this program delivers a flexible, high-quality education that fits your schedule—without compromising on rigor.
Through a curriculum grounded in real-world application, you’ll deepen your knowledge in areas such as structural analysis, transportation systems, geotechnical engineering, and infrastructure design. Courses emphasize data-driven decision-making, advanced modeling, and sustainable engineering practices, preparing you to address complex challenges facing modern communities.
Whether you’re looking to grow into a leadership role, specialize in a technical area, or increase your earning potential, this program equips you with the skills to make a meaningful impact across the civil engineering field—all while learning from expert faculty and staying connected to your career.
Civil Engineering Specializations
Customize your degree by focusing on the area of civil engineering that aligns with your career goals.
- Structural Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Water Resources
- Construction Engineering and Project Management
- Environmental Engineering
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Designed For
This program is designed for civil engineers seeking to advance into leadership or specialized technical roles. It’s ideal for working professionals who need a flexible, fully online format to deepen their expertise while continuing their careers.
Request Information
Learn more about the Civil Engineering online program.
- ✔ Financial Aid Resources
- ✔ Application Deadline Reminders
- ✔ Application Assistance Resources
- ✔ Connections to Program Representatives
Earn your degree on your schedule. Online makes it possible.
Fill out this form to be sent information on the Master's (MS) in Civil Engineering program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
With specialization options in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources, construction engineering and project management, and environmental engineering, the program equips students with the technical expertise and research experience needed to address real-world challenges in both public and private sectors. Whether you're pursuing professional advancement, preparing for licensure, or planning to continue with doctoral studies, this program offers a flexible and rigorous pathway to success in the evolving field of civil engineering.
You’ll build advanced technical and analytical skills that prepare you to solve complex engineering challenges and lead projects with confidence.
- Apply advanced engineering principles to the design and analysis of civil infrastructure systems
- Use data, modeling tools, and simulation techniques to evaluate and solve real-world problems
- Analyze structural, geotechnical, transportation, or environmental systems based on your area of focus
- Incorporate sustainability and resilience into engineering design and decision-making
- Communicate technical findings effectively to stakeholders, teams, and decision-makers
- Strengthen your ability to manage projects, assess risk, and lead engineering initiatives
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by ABET, the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. This accreditation ensures that our programs meet the highest standards of quality and prepare students to enter the global workforce as well-qualified engineering professionals. Read more about this accreditation.
Course Examples
- CE519 Quantitative sustainable design
- CE533 Railroad facilities design and analysis
- CE559 Environmental health and engineering
- CE579 Geotechnical engineering
- CE581 Civil engineering materials II
- CE587 Steel structures
- CE589 Design of structural systems
- CE610 Big data and supply chain analytics
- CE631 Urban transportation planning
- CE633 Air transport engineering
- CE656 Fate of organic contaminants in the environment
- CE665 Water resources systems
- CE671 Advanced soil mechanics
- CE672 Landfill design
- CE679 Geotechnical earthquake engineering
- CE681 Advanced civil engineering materials
- CE682 Advanced structural analysis
- CE683 Prestressed concrete structures
- CE687 Advanced steel design
- CE688 Structural dynamics
GOT QUESTIONS?
Whether you're exploring programs or preparing to apply, our team can help answer your questions and guide your next step.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- All applicants seeking admission to the Graduate programs in Civil Engineering must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale from an ABET/EAC-accredited or equivalent Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
- An applicant whose native language is other than English must score at least 80 on internet based TOEFL or 6.5 on IELTS.
- Applicants who have been awarded Bachelor’s degrees in fields other than civil engineering, such as physical sciences, should contact the Civil Engineering Director of Graduate Studies for consultation prior to application.
Application Requirements
- Three letters of recommendation: Only email addresses are required. References will receive an automated email to upload their reference.
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Spring 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Admission Criteria is located on each Program Page under the section titled "How to Apply".
Tuition
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! Some programs offer a tuition cap for full-time (9+ credit hours) graduate students who enroll exclusively in distance education courses. To see if your program offers a tuition cap and to view the per semester rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
How much does the online program cost?
The cost of tuition and fees is listed at the top of this page. Please reference Student Account Services for more detailed information about tuition and fees.
Online Learning
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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