An MS in Civil Engineering in USA typically involves a 1.5 to 2-year program with tuition fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 or more per year, varying by university and residency status. Top institutions like MIT, Princeton, Columbia, and others are renowned for their strong civil engineering programs.
Admission requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a competitive GPA, GRE scores (as per university policies), letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and, for international students, TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Graduates have diverse career prospects in infrastructure, with starting salaries typically ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 annually. Specialisations, research opportunities, financial aid options, and networking can further enhance your education and career prospects.
Highlights
In the USA, pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering offers a flexible duration, typically spanning from 9 months to 2 years, allowing students to tailor their educational journey. To be eligible, candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a minimum of 63% in their academic record.
A competitive application often requires a minimum GRE score of 155 in both verbal and quantitative sections, along with a 4.0 score in analytical writing. Specialisations within the program abound, ranging from Environment, Architecture, and Landscape Planning, to Construction Management, providing students with opportunities to focus on their areas of interest.
The cost of education can vary significantly, with average tuition fees ranging from $12,000 to $150,000 USD (equivalent to approximately 9.81 lakhs to 1.22 crores INR). However, this investment often leads to promising career prospects. Upon completing their MS, graduates can expect an entry-level annual salary of around $47,000 USD (approximately 34.5 lakhs INR).
As they gain experience and expertise in the field, civil engineers can see their salaries grow substantially, with professionals earning an average of $135,000 USD (equivalent to approximately 99.2 lakhs INR) annually. These figures reflect the dynamic and rewarding nature of pursuing an MS in Civil Engineering in USA.
Top Universities for MS in Civil Engineering in USA
In the 2023 QS News ranking for Civil and Structural Engineering programs in the USA, the following list comprises the top 10 universities for masters in civil engineering in USA.
| University | Courses Offered & Duration | Application Deadline | Programme Fees (USD) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MEng Civil and Environmental Engineering: 9 months; | December 1, 2022 (applications closed) | 57,590 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | MEng Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering; 9 months | January 6, 2023 (applications closed) | 11,700 |
| Stanford University | MS Civil and Environmental Engineering; 2 years | December 6, 2022 (applications closed) | 149,080 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | MS Civil Engineering; 1 year | July 15, 2023 | 18,900 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) | MS Civil and Environmental Engineering; 1 year | February 15, 2023 | 36,798 |
| University of Texas at Austin | MS Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering; 1 year | December 15, 2022 (applications closed) | 19,786 |
| Purdue University | MS Civil Engineering: 1 year | April 15, 2023 | 28,203 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | MS Civil Engineering; 1 year | January 15, 2023 (applications closed) | 52,095 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | MS Civil and Environmental Engineering; 2 years | December 15, 2022 (applications closed) | 58,479 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | MS Civil Engineering: 1 year | December 15, 2022 (applications closed) | 33,238 |
| Columbia University | MS in Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics: 1 year | February 1, 2023 | 56,688 |
| Northwestern University | MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering | June 30, 2023 | 82,884 |
| Cornell University | MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering: 1 to 2 years | February 1, 2023 | 29,500 |
Why Study MS in Civil Engineering in USA?
Studying for an MS in Civil Engineering in USA offers several advantages:
- Reputed Universities with Outstanding Education: The United States boasts well-known universities renowned for delivering high-quality education in Civil Engineering.
- Top QS World University Rankings 2023: Many of these institutions, including MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley, are consistently ranked among the top in the world according to the QS World University Rankings for 2023.
- Access to Proficient Instructors: Students have the invaluable opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals and experts in the field, enhancing their knowledge and skills.
- Diverse Specialisation Options: US universities provide a diverse range of specialisations within the field of Civil Engineering, allowing students to align their studies with their specific interests and career goals.
- Promising Job Market: With an 8% projected job growth for civil engineers between 2020 and 2030, pursuing an MS in Civil Engineering in USA can open doors to a thriving job market, offering ample opportunities for career advancement.
Admissions
The admission process for pursuing an MS in Civil Engineering in USA involves several steps:
- University Selection: First, prospective students should carefully choose the university where they wish to pursue their MS program.
- Review Requirements: Next, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the specific requirements for admission to the MS in Civil Engineering program in the USA.
- Online Application: Applicants must create an account on the university’s official website and complete the online application form.
- Single Submission: It’s important to note that each applicant can submit their application to a particular university only once.
- Electronic Document Submission: During the application process, candidates are required to electronically submit essential documents, including Letters of Recommendation (LORs), transcripts, and standardised test scorecards.
- Application Fee Payment: Following the application submission, applicants need to pay the requisite application fees.
- Acceptance and Offer Letter: If selected, candidates will receive an offer letter from the university indicating their acceptance into the program.
- Deposit Fees: Upon acceptance, candidates are typically required to make a deposit payment as part of the enrollment process.
- Student Visa Application: After receiving an acceptance letter, students can proceed with the application for a US student visa to facilitate their study in the USA.
Eligibility
International students planning to pursue an MS in the USA should meet the following educational requirements:
- Completion of a 10+2+4 educational system.
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree, typically a four-year program, in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
- Attainment of a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during their undergraduate studies, equivalent to a grade of “B” or an academic performance ranging from 83% to 86%.
- Submission of GRE test scores.
- Demonstration of proficiency in the English language through recognized language tests or qualifications.
MS in Civil Engineering in USA: GRE Requirement
Due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of universities offering Masters in Civil Engineering in USA for international students have decided to eliminate the requirement for GRE scores during the application process. Prior to the pandemic, the typical minimum or average GRE score requirements were as follows:
| University | GRE Requirement |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Minimum: 155 (quantitative & verbal) |
| Average (2021): 156-168 (both) | |
| University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | Quantitative: 167; Verbal: 156; Analytical Writing: 3.5 (average) |
| Stanford University | Average: 157 – 170 (quantitative & verbal) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) | Minimum: 155 (quantitative & verbal) |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) | Quantitative: 165; Verbal: 155; Analytical Writing: 4.0 (average) |
| University of Texas at Austin | Minimum: 155 (quantitative) |
| Purdue University | Quantitative: 163; Verbal: 160 (average) |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Quantitative (Fall 2019 class average): 165; Verbal: 156; Analytical Writing: 3.8 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Not Required |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Quantitative: 153; Verbal: 150 (average) |
MS in Civil Engineering in USA: Documents Required for Admission
Here are the MS in civil engineering in USA requirements for international students:
- Official transcripts of academic records
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Test score reports
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Updated CV or resume
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
- Submission of GRE scores, as well as IELTS or TOEFL scores
English Proficiency Requirement for International Students
Here are the minimum English language proficiency test score requirements for admission to some of the top-ranking universities that provide civil engineering courses in usa.
| University | IELTS Requirement | TOEFL Requirement |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 7.5 | 100 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | 7.0 | 90 |
| Stanford University | 7.5 | 100 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) | 7.0 | 90 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) | 6.5 | 80 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 6.5 | 79 |
| Purdue University | 7.0 | 90 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 6.5 (84 for certain programmes) | 84 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 6.5 | 80 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 7.0 | 87 |
US Visa for International Students
When considering overseas education, the United States stands out as a popular choice for students. However, to pursue studies in the USA, obtaining a student visa is a fundamental requirement.
There are three categories of student visas available in the US: the F1 student visa, the J1 exchange visitor visa, and the M1 vocational/non-academic student visa. International students aiming to enrol in an MS in Civil Engineering program in the USA must secure an F1 student visa.
To commence the visa application process, it’s essential to visit the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for approval at least six to twelve months prior to your intended program start date. The application fee for the US student visa is USD 160.
MS in Civil Engineering in USA Costs
When considering studying at the best civil engineering universities in USA, the expenses incurred by international students can be divided into two main categories: pre-departure costs and post-departure costs.
Pre-departure costs encompass expenditures such as fees for required exams, application fees, airfare, visa fees, and miscellaneous expenses before leaving for the USA.
On the other hand, post-departure costs primarily revolve around university tuition fees, which constitute a significant portion of the expenses once you have arrived in the USA. Additionally, post-departure costs encompass the cost of living in the USA.
Tuition Fees for MS in Civil Engineering in USA
MS in civil engineering in USA fees vary from $12,000 to $150,000 USD (equivalent to 9.81 lakhs to 1.22 crores INR). To financially assist your education, you also have the option to apply for different loans designed for international students pursuing their studies in the USA.
MS in Civil Engineering in USA: Fees for Indian Students
Below is a table of estimated fees for Indian students pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering at top-ranked universities in the USA. Please keep in mind that these figures are approximate and subject to variation based on currency conversion rates:
| University | Course Fees (USD) | Course Fees (INR) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 57,590 | 47.09 lakhs |
| University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | 11,700 | 9.56 lakhs |
| Stanford University | 149,080 | 1.21 crore |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 18,900 | 15.45 lakhs |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) | 36,798 | 30.08 lakhs |
| University of Texas at Austin | 19,786 | 16.17 lakhs |
| Purdue University | 28,203 | 23.06 lakhs |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 52,095 | 42.59 lakhs |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 58,479 | 47.81 lakhs |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 33,238 | 27.17 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 56,688 | 46.35 lakhs |
| Northwestern University | 82,884 | 67.77 lakhs |
| Cornell University | 29,500 | 24.12 lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
Living expenses in the USA are relatively higher when compared to many other countries. On average, it is estimated to be around $15,000 USD (approximately 12.26 lakhs INR) per year.
The actual expenditure can vary significantly depending on individual preferences, particularly with regard to factors such as housing costs and dietary choices. The type of student accommodation selected during your stay in the USA also plays a pivotal role in determining your overall cost of living.
| Expenses | Average Amount (USD) | Average Amount (INR) |
| Accommodation | 1,538 | 1.25 lakhs |
| Utilities | 180 | 14,683 |
| Food | 290 | 23,656 |
| Transport | 70 | 5,710 |
| Internet | 70 | 5,710 |
| Others | 300 | 24,472 |
Scholarships
Students have the opportunity to seek different scholarships to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing an MS in Civil Engineering in USA. We’ve highlighted a few well-known scholarships here, but students can also explore a comprehensive list of available scholarships for US studies on our website:
- Jared J. Davis Grant
- Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award
- QS Scholarship for Academic Excellence
- Brian Colombana Scholarship
As an alternative, students have the option to discover more scholarship opportunities via UniScholars. It can be your guide to top Engineering Scholarships. This platform provides access to a wide array of over 1500 scholarship options, grants, and bursaries, enabling students to evaluate and choose the program that best aligns with their individual requirements.
Scope of MS in Civil Engineering in USA
The majority of the best-compensated civil engineers in the United States are employed within the oil and gas extraction sector. Conversely, job opportunities after MS in civil engineering in USA the most lucrative job opportunities in the USA can be found in locations such as Houston, Texas, Hinesville, Midland, and Georgia.
Upon obtaining an MS degree, the median annual salary for civil engineers in the US stands at $88,050 USD (equivalent to 72 lakhs INR).
| Job Titles | Average Salary |
| Structural Engineer | $71,865z |
| Civil Engineer | $72,915 |
| Project Engineer | $73,595 |
| Geotechnical Engineer | $73,621 |
| Water Resources Engineer | $72,124 |
| Senior Structural Engineer | $101,731 |
| Project Manager | $88,751 |
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further