Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) – MS in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

5 Years On Campus Accelerated-masters Program

University of Arizona

Program Overview

The Accelerated Master's Program in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics allows eligible University of Arizona undergraduate students to combine bachelor's and master's-level education, beginning graduate coursework before completing their undergraduate degree. The pathway develops advanced knowledge in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, transportation and engineering mechanics, preparing students for specialised engineering careers and further academic research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Engineering Foundations: Students begin developing fundamental knowledge in mathematics, physics, engineering principles and introductory civil engineering. These foundations prepare them for more specialised subjects in structural systems, construction engineering and infrastructure design.

Year 2 – Core Civil Engineering Knowledge: Students progress into civil engineering subjects covering construction, environmental systems, geotechnical engineering and water resources. They begin understanding how engineering principles are applied to infrastructure planning, design and construction.

Year 3 – Technical Development: Students strengthen their engineering knowledge through advanced undergraduate coursework and technical electives. Areas such as structural engineering, transportation systems, hydraulics and geotechnical engineering provide opportunities to explore potential graduate specialisations.

Year 4 – Graduate-Level Preparation: Eligible students begin incorporating approved graduate coursework into their undergraduate studies. Graduate options include CE 502 – Introductory Finite Element Methods, CE 540 – Foundation Engineering and CE 527 – Computer Applications in Hydraulics, depending on their selected emphasis and academic approval.

Year 5 – Advanced Specialisation: Students complete their remaining master's requirements through specialised coursework. Options include CE 537 – Advanced Structural Design in Concrete, CE 561 – Traffic Modeling and Simulation, CE 545 – Open-Channel Flow and CE 546 – Hydrology, depending on their chosen area.

Focus Areas

Structural engineering, engineering mechanics, geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, hydraulics, water resources engineering, transportation engineering, infrastructure planning and construction engineering management.

Learning Outcomes

Advanced engineering analysis, infrastructure design, structural assessment, foundation engineering, hydraulic modelling, transportation planning, project management and technical problem-solving.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The university does not specify a separate professional accreditation for the accelerated master's pathway. The undergraduate Civil Engineering degree and graduate engineering curriculum provide academic preparation relevant to professional engineering practice.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Arizona's Civil and Architectural Engineering and Mechanics Department connects engineering education with practical applications through technical coursework, design activities and exposure to industry practices. AMP students benefit from the department's broader engineering environment, where undergraduate and graduate learning can be combined with specialised technical study and research.

Relevant learning opportunities include:

Engineering design and analysis: Complete technical coursework involving engineering design, computational analysis and infrastructure problem-solving.
Construction industry exposure: The department's Construction Engineering Management emphasis offers construction site visits, guest speakers, leadership seminars, internships and industry competitions.
Computational engineering: Develop numerical analysis capabilities through graduate coursework such as Introductory Finite Element Methods.
Hydraulic engineering: Explore water systems and hydraulic applications through Computer Applications in Hydraulics.
Structural engineering: Develop advanced design knowledge through courses in concrete, steel and structural systems.
Geotechnical engineering: Study foundation design, soil behaviour, ground improvement and geotechnical engineering challenges.
Transportation engineering: Explore traffic modelling, transportation planning and simulation through specialised graduate coursework.
Research exposure: Engage with departmental research activities across structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources and transportation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The accelerated pathway allows graduates to enter the engineering profession with both undergraduate and advanced graduate-level qualifications. Depending on their technical specialisation, students can pursue opportunities in infrastructure development, structural design, construction, transportation and water-resource engineering.

Career development and employment opportunities:

Career services: Access University of Arizona career development resources for career advising, professional preparation and employment support.
Construction opportunities: Explore construction management, project coordination, estimating and scheduling opportunities through the department's construction engineering management activities.
Engineering careers: Potential roles include Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer and Transportation Engineer.
Research opportunities: Develop expertise in infrastructure resilience, structural systems, hydraulic engineering and sustainable infrastructure.
Industry exposure: Guest speakers, internships, construction site visits and competitions offered through the department's Construction Engineering Management emphasis provide additional professional exposure.
Employment statistics: No AMP-specific graduate employment rate or salary figure is published in the official program information.
Professional development: The combined academic pathway helps students develop advanced technical knowledge and prepare for greater responsibilities in engineering practice.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue doctoral studies in Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics or related engineering disciplines. Students interested in research can explore areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, transportation systems and infrastructure development. The master's qualification also provides a foundation for further specialised research and academic careers.