Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Arizona

Program Overview

The University of Arizona's M.S. in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics develops advanced technical expertise through specialized coursework, research and engineering applications. The program is ideal for engineering graduates interested in solving challenges involving structural safety, geotechnical systems, transportation, water resources and sustainable infrastructure, with opportunities to specialize in structures, geotechnics, hydraulics or transportation engineering.

Curriculum Structure

The program offers thesis and report options, allowing students to combine advanced coursework with independent research or a technical report. The following is an indicative two-year structure rather than a fixed university-prescribed sequence.

Year 1: Students establish advanced knowledge in engineering analysis, research methods and their chosen specialization. Relevant courses include Introduction to Finite Element Methods (CE 502), Probability in Civil Engineering (CE 510) and Research Methods and Data Analysis in Civil Engineering (CE 511).

Year 2: Students develop specialized expertise through advanced courses and research. Depending on their interests, they may study Advanced Structural Design in Steel (CE 532), Foundation Engineering (CE 540), Open-Channel Flow (CE 522) or Urban Transportation Planning (CE 568), alongside their selected thesis or report requirements.

Focus Areas: Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics and water resources, transportation engineering, engineering mechanics, earthquake engineering and sustainable construction.

Learning Outcomes: Advanced structural analysis, finite element modelling, foundation design, hydraulic systems analysis, transportation planning, infrastructure assessment, engineering research and technical problem-solving.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The University of Arizona is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). No separate program-specific professional accreditation is specified for this master's degree.

Reputation (Employability): The department highlights its research-driven graduate education, experienced faculty and specialized research opportunities. No specific program-level graduate employment rate or employability ranking is stated on the official program page.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Arizona provides research-oriented learning through faculty-led projects, specialised engineering facilities and interdisciplinary research initiatives. Students can investigate structural safety, earthquake-resistant infrastructure, transportation systems, geotechnical challenges and sustainable water management. The thesis and technical report pathways also allow students to apply advanced engineering knowledge to practical problems.

Students can benefit from the following program-specific opportunities:

Transportation Research Institute: Participate in research addressing transportation mobility, road safety, environmental challenges and transportation infrastructure.
Civil Engineering Prototype Lab: Access a precision design and manufacturing facility specialising in test fixtures and tooling.
Structural Engineering Research: Explore research into structural integrity, earthquake-resistant construction, building safety and infrastructure resilience.
Geotechnical Research: Investigate soil stabilisation, foundation engineering, ground improvement and geotechnical risk assessment.
Hydraulics and Hydrology Research: Engage with research involving water flow, sediment transportation, flood prevention and sustainable water systems.
Transportation Modelling: Study traffic modelling, simulation, transportation data management and infrastructure planning through specialised graduate coursework.
Computational Tools: Develop technical capabilities using computer codes and numerical modelling methods in courses such as CE 502 and CE 548. CE 525 also introduces HEC-RAS hydraulic modelling.
Industry and Innovation: Explore research commercialisation opportunities through Tech Launch Arizona, which supports the transfer of university research innovations into industry and public applications.
Research Projects: Undertake independent research through the thesis option or complete an applied engineering investigation through the technical report option.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MS in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics prepares graduates for specialised careers in infrastructure development, structural design, transportation systems, geotechnical engineering and water-resource management. Students can pursue roles such as Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Transportation Engineer and Hydraulic Engineer, depending on their chosen specialisation and professional experience.

Career development and employment opportunities:

Employment support: Students benefit from the university's engineering academic environment, faculty guidance and industry connections to explore professional opportunities.
Industry connections: The department highlights relationships with engineering companies, government organisations and research partners.
Employer exposure: Department alumni have progressed to organisations such as Sundt, Ashton and Structural Grace, as well as opportunities serving Tucson and Pima County.
Employment outcomes: The department reports a 91% student job placement rate at graduation. This figure is department-wide and is not identified as an MS-specific employment statistic.
Research opportunities: Students can participate in infrastructure resilience, transportation safety, structural engineering and sustainable water-resource research.
Salary information: A specific average salary or median salary for MS-CEEM graduates is not published in the official program information.
Professional development: Advanced coursework, independent research and technical reporting help graduates strengthen their engineering analysis, design and problem-solving capabilities.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Arizona or explore related doctoral programs at other research universities. The thesis pathway is particularly valuable for students interested in advanced research, university teaching and specialised engineering innovation. Further study can focus on structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, transportation engineering or engineering mechanics.