Civil Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the construction and infrastructure sector. This well-established program combines fundamental principles of engineering, mathematics, and science with practical applications to equip graduates with the skills necessary to design, analyze, and manage the development of physical structures and systems. Students in this program gain a solid foundation in areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation, environmental engineering, and construction management. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences through laboratories, design projects, and internships, fostering an understanding of real-world challenges faced by civil engineers. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills that are essential for successful leadership in the engineering field. The program also offers specialized electives and research opportunities, allowing students to explore areas of personal interest or emerging technologies in civil engineering. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with industry leaders, students are well-positioned to contribute to innovative infrastructure solutions that improve public safety, sustainability, and quality of life. The Penn State Civil Engineering program also emphasizes ethical responsibility and sustainability in engineering practices, preparing graduates to serve as responsible professionals committed to societal needs. Graduates of this program typically find employment in consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies, and research institutions, with career opportunities spanning project management, design, analysis, and construction supervision. Overall, the Civil Engineering program at Penn State offers a balanced education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical expertise, empowering students to become leaders in building and maintaining the infrastructure upon which society depends.

The M.S. degree program is strongly oriented toward research. A thesis is required, and at least 6 credits of thesis research (C E 600 or 610) must be included in the candidate's academic course plan. A minimum of 31 graduate credits (400-level and above) are required, of which 20 must be earned at an established campus of the University. A minimum of 24 credits of course work are required, with at least 12 credits of course work (400 and 500 level) completed within the major (i.e., with C E courses prefixes). At least 18 credits must be included in the program at the 500 and 600 levels, combined. Specific core courses are required depending on the specialization within the department. Students are not permitted to count audited credits toward the minimum credits required for the degree. All students are also required to take the 1-credit CE 590 Colloquium and complete all requirements for Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) training.

Course work taken outside the major program area of emphasis can be used to satisfy the minimum of 6 credits in a minor or general study. A minor program must meet the approval of the departments or committees responsible for both the major and minor fields. Completion of a graduate minor is not a requirement for the M.S. degree.

The M.S. thesis should explore new ideas and techniques. Thus, the research topic is expected to investigate as yet unexplored areas of engineering, to extend the knowledge available, and advance the level of understanding of a relevant issue. Emphasis should be placed on the generalization of research findings and overall transferability to engineering problems.

M.S. in Civil Engineering

All students entering the M.S. degree in Civil Engineering must select and declare a program area aligned with their research interests. The four program areas are Geotechnical and Materials Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Water Resources Engineering. Each program area has specific core course requirements (Tables VI.1 to VI.4).

Table VI.4. Core course requirements for the M.S. in Civil Engineering in the Water Resources Engineering program. All students must take a minimum of one course associated with each topic area.

For any graduate degree offered by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, candidates should possess a baccalaureate degree in engineering from a regionally accredited institution. Students in engineering, physical sciences, or mathematics with a 3.00 grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) may be considered for admission. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 grade-point average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests. Students without a baccalaureate degree in engineering would be admitted on a provisional basis pending successful completion of entrance requirements (completed concurrently with degree requirements and listed below).

U.S. applicants will upload unofficial copies of their transcripts, a statement of objectives, and three references for letters of recommendation when applying to the program. If admitted, applicants will be required to provide the Graduate School with OFFICIAL transcripts of all their previous course work (in duplicate). In addition, all applicants must submit scores from the General Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical). For the M.Eng. degree, the GRE requirement will be waived for students who have graduated with a degree from the College of Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University with a cumulative grade-point average of greater than 3.30.

International applicants will upload unofficial copies of their transcripts, a statement of objectives, and three references for letters of recommendation when applying to the program. If admitted, applicants will be required to provide the Graduate School with OFFICIAL transcripts (or attested copies), degree, and diploma certificates in both English and native language. Photocopies will NOT be accepted. All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, which requires completion of specified remedial English courses ESL 114G (American Oral English for Academic Purposes) and/or ESL 116G (ESL/Composition for Academic Disciplines) and attainment of a grade of B or higher. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5 on all subjects. International applicants who have received a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college, university, or institution in any of the following countries are exempt from the TOEFL requirement: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States, or Wales.

Scholarships

Assistantships

The most common form of graduate support, teaching and research assistantships, include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. Recipients are assigned to a faculty adviser who supervises the experience. Graduate assistants support undergraduate instruction or undertake research projects. A specified time commitment of 10-30 hours per week is required depending on the unit (a half-time/20 hour per week commitment is typical). Appointments are available only to graduate students who are registered for courses and enrolled in degree programs.

Fellowships

Fellowships are highly prestigious financial support packages that typically include a stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidy for medical insurance. They derive from University or outside awards. Unlike assistantships, they do not have a required work commitment; they are duty-free. Recipients must be enrolled in degree programs and be registered full time. Fellowship recipients are not permitted to accept employment without obtaining approval from the unit and/or agency supporting the fellowship.

Traineeships

Training grants are derived from agencies outside the University and are intended to support specific student learning experiences in core curricular areas and research methods. Institutional awards, typically under the direction of a faculty principal investigator, afford funding to support selected students with stipends, tuition grants-in-aid, and often include a subsidy for medical insurance.

The Pennsylvania State University offers a comprehensive Civil Engineering program designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the construction, design, and management of infrastructure projects. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to solve complex engineering challenges. Students engage in rigorous coursework covering areas such as structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, and water resources engineering. The curriculum also includes courses in engineering ethics, sustainability, and project management to ensure graduates are prepared to lead responsible and innovative initiatives in the field.

The program is housed within the College of Engineering, which provides state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities that support hands-on learning experiences. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships, and cooperative education programs with industry partners, enabling them to gain real-world experience and professional networking opportunities. The university's strong collaborations with government agencies, consulting firms, and construction companies help align the program with current industry needs and trends.

Students may choose to specialize in specific areas of civil engineering through their electives and research projects, such as sustainable infrastructure, transportation systems, or structural materials. The program’s faculty are recognized experts in their disciplines, actively engaged in research that advances the field. Graduates of the Civil Engineering program at Penn State are well-prepared for employment in public agencies, private consulting firms, construction companies, or for pursuing advanced degrees in related fields. The program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills essential for successful engineering practice.

Furthermore, Penn State’s Civil Engineering program emphasizes the importance of professional development and lifelong learning, encouraging students to obtain professional engineering licensure and engage in continuous education. Alumni of the program have gone on to earn leadership positions across the globe, contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems. The university’s extensive alumni network and career services provide ongoing support and opportunities for graduates to connect with industry leaders and advance their careers in civil engineering.