Graduate Programs
Flexible graduate degrees, expert mentorship and hands-on research built around your vision.
Reach Higher. Go Further.
Graduate study at CCEE is designed for engineers ready to deepen their technical knowledge, pursue meaningful research, or accelerate their professional trajectory. Whether your goal is advanced practice, leadership in industry, or original research, our graduate programs combine academic rigor with real-world relevance.
Students work closely with faculty who are leaders in their fields, contribute to impactful research, and engage with industry and agencies statewide and beyond. You’ll graduate with specialized expertise, strong professional networks, and the confidence to tackle complex challenges.
One of the Best Values in the Country
CCEE is celebrated as “one of the best values” for in-state and out-of-state tuition, in a comparison of the top 30 civil and environmental programs nationwide.
US News & World Report
Graduate Pathways at a Glance
CCEE offers multiple graduate pathways to match your goals and career stage. All of our graduate students can expect:
- Faculty mentorship and small research or cohort environments
- Access to cutting-edge labs and facilities in Fitts-Woolard Hall
- Strong ties to industry, agencies, and research partners
- Opportunities for funded research, teaching, and professional development
- A collaborative, supportive graduate student community
Explore Graduate Degrees
M.S. in Civil Engineering
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) is designed for students seeking advanced technical depth and research experience in a specialized area of civil engineering. Through close collaboration with faculty, students contribute original research that pushes the field forward and prepares them for leadership roles or doctoral study.
MSCE Program Details
Areas of specialization: Students in the MSCE program must choose one of the following areas of specialization:
- Computing and Systems
- Bridging courses for the non-engineering C&S area
- Construction Engineering
- Environmental, Water Resources, and Coastal Engineering
- Bridging courses for the non-engineering ENE/EWC area
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Mechanics and Materials
- Structural Engineering and Mechanics
- Transportation Materials
- Transportation Systems
Degree requirements
- Thesis required
- Final oral exam required
- Advanced coursework combined with original research
- Additional documents required here
Document requirements
Schedule of Required Documents for Master of Science (MSCE) Degree
Credit hours to graduation
- 30–31 total credit hours
- Up to 6 hours may be thesis research credit
Course level requirements
- Minimum of 24 credit hours at the 500-level or higher
- Supporting courses outside civil engineering may be 400-level or above (but do not count toward required CE hours)
Academic standards
Minimum GPA of 3.0 required for graduation
Transfer and NDS credit
Up to 12 credit hours may be applied from NDS status at NC State or another institution, subject to approval
Master of Civil Engineering
The Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) is a flexible, practice-oriented degree designed for students pursuing professional advancement in civil engineering. With a focus on applied knowledge and real-world problem solving, this non-thesis program prepares graduates for leadership in industry.
MCE Program Details
Areas of specialization: Students choose from the same specialization areas as the MSCE program:
- Computing and Systems
- Bridging courses for the non-engineering C&S area
- Construction Engineering
- Environmental, Water Resources, and Coastal Engineering
- Bridging courses for the non-engineering ENE/EWC area
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Mechanics and Materials
- Structural Engineering and Mechanics
- Transportation Materials
- Transportation Systems
Degree requirements
- No thesis required
- No final oral exam required
- Coursework-focused curriculum
Document requirements
Schedule of Required Documents for Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) Degrees
Credit hours to graduation
30 hours total
Course level requirements
Minimum of 24 credit hours at the 500-level or higher
Academic standards
Minimum GPA of 3.0 required for graduation
Transfer and NDS credit
Up to 12 credit hours may be transferred, subject to approval
M.S. in Environmental Engineering
The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSENE) is designed for students pursuing advanced study and research in environmental systems. This program emphasizes scientific discovery and technical innovation to address complex challenges in water, air and environmental sustainability.
MSENE Program Details
Areas of specialization: Students select a focus area aligned with their interests:
- Environmental, Water Resources, and Coastal Engineering
- Air Pollution Engineering
- Coastal Engineering
- Energy Systems Analysis
- Environmental Process Engineering
- Modeling and Systems Analysis
- Water Resources Engineering
Degree requirements
- Thesis required
- Final oral examination required
- Research-driven coursework
Document requirements
Schedule of Required Documents for Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSENE) Degree
Credit hours to graduation
- 30–31 total credit hours
- Up to 6 hours may be thesis credit
Course level requirements
Minimum of 24 credit hours at the 500-level or higher
Academic standards
Minimum GPA of 3.0 required for graduation
Transfer and NDS credit
Up to 12 credit hours may be transferred, subject to approval
Master Of Environmental Engineering
The Master of Environmental Engineering (MENE) is a non-thesis degree designed for professionals seeking to expand their expertise and advance their careers in environmental engineering. The program emphasizes applied learning and practical solutions for real-world environmental challenges.
MENE Program Details
Areas of specialization: Students may choose from:
- Environmental, Water Resources, and Coastal Engineering
- Air Pollution Engineering
- Coastal Engineering
- Energy Systems Analysis
- Environmental Process Engineering
- Modeling and Systems Analysis
- Water Resources Engineering
Degree requirements
- No thesis required
- No final oral exam required
- Coursework-based program
Document requirements
Schedule of Required Documents for Master of Environmental Engineering (MENE) Degree
Credit hours to graduation
30 credit hours total
Course level requirements
Minimum of 24 credit hours at the 500-level or higher
Academic standards
Minimum GPA of 3.0 required for graduation
Transfer and NDS credit
Up to 12 credit hours may be transferred, subject to approval
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering is designed for students committed to advancing knowledge through independent research. This program prepares graduates to become leaders in academia, industry and government by tackling complex engineering challenges at the highest level.
Program Details
Areas of specialization: Ph.D. students pursue research in one of the department’s core areas:
- Computing and Systems
- Construction Engineering
- Environmental, Water Resources, and Coastal Engineering
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Mechanics and Materials
- Structural Engineering and Mechanics
- Transportation Materials
- Transportation Systems
Degree requirements
- Written and oral preliminary examinations
- Advanced coursework beyond the master’s level
- Original, in-depth research
- Dissertation and final oral defense
Document requirements
- Summary of Requirements for a PhD Degree in Civil Engineering
- Preliminary Exam Schedule and Procedure
Residency requirement
Minimum of one year of full-time residency
Graduate Resources
