Master of Science in Civil Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Southern California

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) provides advanced knowledge across key civil engineering disciplines, preparing students to address complex infrastructure, construction and environmental challenges. The program is suitable for graduates with engineering backgrounds who want to develop specialised expertise in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction, transportation, environmental engineering and water resources.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires 28 units of coursework and follows a flexible, interdisciplinary structure. The following is an illustrative four-semester study plan; students select approved courses according to their interests and academic requirements.

Year 1: In the first semester, students develop their understanding of civil engineering through courses in Construction and Transportation and Geotechnical Engineering. In the second semester, they explore Environmental Engineering and Water Resources alongside Structural Engineering, building a broad foundation across the programme's four specialist areas.

Year 2: During the third semester, students deepen their knowledge through approved electives, with opportunities to explore subjects such as Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering (CE 533), Project Controls (CE 569) and Advanced Reinforced Concrete (CE 537). In the fourth semester, students complete additional approved electives, allowing them to strengthen their chosen specialisation through subjects such as Advanced Steel Structures (CE 539), Design of Transportation Infrastructure (CE 583) and Energy and the Environment (ENE 505).

The semester structure is based on USC's sample course plan. Actual course availability and individual study plans may vary.

Focus Areas

Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, infrastructure design and development.

Learning Outcomes

Advanced civil engineering knowledge, infrastructure planning and design, structural analysis, geotechnical problem-solving, construction project management, transportation system development, environmental engineering solutions and interdisciplinary technical decision-making.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme provides advanced postgraduate engineering education. USC's programme page does not specify a separate ABET accreditation for this master's degree; therefore, a specific accreditation claim should not be made.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

Career exposure: USC publishes graduate destination information for the programme, including reported employment at EPD Solutions, Inc. and previous graduate engineering positions at Walter P. Moore and Associates. The university's 2025 first-destination survey also reports one internship placement. These figures are based on voluntary survey responses and are not representative of the entire graduating class.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

USC provides opportunities to connect advanced civil engineering concepts with applied research through its specialised laboratories and research centres. Students can explore structural behaviour, earthquake resilience, environmental sustainability, water quality and infrastructure technologies. The programme also allows eligible students to pursue directed research or internship coursework, subject to faculty and advisor approval.

Key practical learning opportunities include:

Structures and Materials Research Laboratory: Explore structural materials, reinforced concrete durability and infrastructure resilience.
Earthquake Engineering – Strong Motion Group: Gain exposure to research involving earthquake effects, structural response and disaster resilience.
Geotechnical Laboratory: Access research facilities supporting the study of soil behaviour and geotechnical engineering.
USC ReWater Center: Explore research focused on water reuse, treatment and sustainable water management.
Water Innovations Laboratory: Engage with research related to water technologies and resource management.
Innovation in Integrated Informatics Lab (iLAB): Explore data modelling, computational methods and digital technologies for improving built environments.
Tsunami Research Center: Gain exposure to research into coastal hazards, tsunami processes and disaster preparedness.
Directed Research and Internships: Students may request up to four units of relevant directed research or internship coursework towards the degree, subject to approval.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MS in Civil Engineering can pursue technical and professional opportunities across infrastructure development, construction, structural design, transportation and environmental engineering. The programme's multidisciplinary curriculum supports career development in both engineering consultancy and infrastructure-related industries. Potential career paths include:

Civil Engineer
Structural Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
Construction Project Engineer

Career development and industry exposure:

Viterbi Career Connections: Provides individual career advising, professional development workshops, resume reviews, interview preparation and employer networking opportunities.
Handshake Career Platform: Connects students with engineering-specific internship and full-time job opportunities, employer events and recruitment activities.
Career and Internship Expo: Offers opportunities to meet employers recruiting engineering students for internships, co-op positions and full-time employment.
Industry engagement: USC Viterbi's corporate partnership network includes organisations such as Boeing, General Motors, Saudi Aramco, Raytheon Technologies and Kuwait Oil Company. These are school-level partnerships and are not confirmed as exclusive recruitment partnerships for this degree.

Employment statistics and salary information:

2025 graduate survey: USC reports employment destinations including EPD Solutions, Inc., where a graduate was listed as a Civil Engineer.
Internships: One internship was reported for the international student population in the 2025 survey.
Average salary: No salary was submitted in the programme's 2025 graduate outcomes report. Therefore, a reliable programme-specific salary figure is unavailable.

Accreditation value: USC holds institutional accreditation through WSCUC. Its ABET accreditation information specifically identifies undergraduate engineering programmes; separate ABET accreditation for this master's programme is not stated.

Reputation and rankings: USC's official programme page does not provide a specific QS or Guardian ranking for the MS in Civil Engineering. Its graduate employment information and established engineering research environment provide additional indicators of professional exposure.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the master's degree, graduates interested in research and advanced academic careers may pursue a PhD in Civil Engineering or related disciplines, such as Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Transportation Engineering. They may also explore research opportunities in infrastructure resilience, sustainable construction, water resources and advanced engineering technologies.