Infrastructure Materials Engineering

The M.S. degree program with an emphasis in Infrastructure Materials Engineering is intended to provide students with a strong background in infrastructure materials for careers in the design of new sustainable materials and efficient use of conventional materials for infrastructure applications, forensics and repair. The program permits considerable flexibility in the selection of courses and participation in research experiences, thereby allowing students to tailor the M.S. program according to their background and educational objectives.

The student is responsible for developing a suitable program of coursework and research in consultation with a faculty advisor in IME.

MS Degree Options

The M.S. degree includes both coursework requirements and opportunities for research. To provide flexibility in balancing the emphasis between coursework and research in their M.S. program, students can choose from one of the following M.S. degree options: Thesis Option, Graduate School Report Option, Departmental Report Option, or Coursework Only Option. The requirements for these options are described in the Civil Engineering M.S. degree program.

The four degree options allow students to vary the balance between coursework and research in their M.S. program. The Thesis Option has the largest emphasis on research among the three options. The Coursework Only Option has the largest emphasis on coursework among the three options. The Graduate School Report and Departmental Report Options can be considered to lie between the Thesis and Coursework Only Options in terms of emphasis on research.

Students are not required to choose among the four degree options at the time of initial enrollment in the M.S. program. Students should discuss the degree options with a faculty advisor and are encouraged to choose one of the four degree options sometime during their first semester or early in the second semester in the program.

Students that are funded as Research Assistants are expected to complete the Thesis Option. However, the Thesis Option is open to all M.S. students in Infrastructure Materials Engineering, whether or not they are funded on a research project. Students interested in completing a thesis, but are not funded as Research Assistants, are encouraged to discuss potential thesis topics with the faculty in IME.

MS Degree Course Selection

Students enrolled in any option take most of their courses in the IME major area, but must take at least six hours but no more the twelve hours of coursework outside of the major area, in supporting areas of study (i.e. in a minor area). The intent of this requirement is to assure that coursework programs provide both depth and breadth. Students should consult with their faculty advisor for approval of courses in both the major and minor/supporting areas. A list of commonly chosen courses in the major area is included below. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and simply provides examples. 

Examples of courses commonly chosen in the IME major area

• CE 391Q Bituminous Materials
• CE 393 Advanced Concrete Materials
• CE 393C Experimental Methods in Cement Chemistry
• CE 393N Novel Structural Materials
• CE 397 Advanced Characterization of Bituminous Materials
• CE 397 Characterization of Viscoelastic Materials
• CE 397 Concrete Durability
• CE 397 Evaluation, Materials, and Techniques for Concrete Repair
• CE 397 Flow and Viscoelasticity in Cement-Based Materials
• CE 397 Structural Fire Engineering
• CE 397 Sustainable Materials
• CE 397 Sustainable Pavement Engineering
• CE 397F Forensic Engineering: Materials and Structures
• CE 383P Prestressed Concrete
• CE 391P Pavement Design
• ARE 345K Masonry Engineering
• ARE 362L Structural Design in Wood
• ME 349 Corrosion Engineering
• ME 378P Properties and Applications of Polymers
• GEO 391N Analytical Techniques and Applications in Geology
• ARC 385T Materials Conservation: Field Methods (or Laboratory Methods)

Requirements

Online Application Procedure

Applicants must submit all of the following materials by the appropriate deadline. NOTE: Once you submit your documents online they cannot be deleted or edited. Therefore, please be sure your documents are correct before you upload them.

All applicants to the graduate program must apply using the Cockrell graduate application. Please follow the instructions on the Cockrell School of Engineering webpage. Do not use the ApplyTexas application.  Applicants must select a specific area of research when filling out the application. 

If you have problems with the application, such as inability to upload documents, you may be using a browser that is incompatible with the UT website. If that occurs, please check the web guidelines information site.

Application fee

The fee is $65 for U.S. and Permanent Residents and $90 for International students.

Official GRE score sent by ETS

The ETS code for UT Austin is 6882. 

Official TOEFL score sent by ETS

Required for international students unless they have an undergraduate degree from an English speaking country. Getting an MS from a U.S. university does not qualify for a TOEFL waiver. The ETS code for TOEFL is 6882. The IELTS exam is an acceptable alternative to the TOEFL. The official IELTS score report should be sent directly to GIAC.

Official transcripts

Applicants should upload one copy of the official academic transcript from every senior college they have attended. Transcripts are not required from junior colleges and community colleges. See instructions for uploading the pdf of transcript(s).

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Submit online with your application. If you do not wish to be considered for financial aid or have your own funding or fellowship, please indicate so in your Statement of Purpose.

Resume

Suggested, but not required. You may upload your resume onto the Cockrell graduate application.

Three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic sources.

When you complete the "References" portion of the online application for admission, you will list the names and email addresses of those you have asked to recommend you. Be sure that the email addresses are current and accurate. You will be asked to inform us if you are going to waive the right to view your letters after they are submitted. Please indicate this waiver by answering the associated question on the application for admission. After you submit the application online, GIAC will send an e-mail message to the addresses you provided and ask your recommenders to visit a web site where they can complete a questionnaire and upload their letter of recommendation. Your recommenders will be informed if you have not waived your right to view their letters of recommendation.

To monitor and maintain your requests for reference, please go to the status check website. There you can monitor the status of your pending recommendations, resend a Request for Reference email to your recommenders, add a new recommender, and revise your FERPA (right to view) status from retained to waived. If you have additional questions about online recommendation letters, email gradref@austin.utexas.edu. Online submission of recommendations is strongly preferred, but we will accept paper recommendations if absolutely necessary.

Class ranking if available

The department would also like to know your class rank (eg. 3rd out of 40 Civil Engineering seniors), if available. If your university does not rank its students, please let us know that or ask one of your recommenders to estimate your ranking.

FYI

All application materials should be submitted online unless prior approval to submit paper documents has been given by the graduate coordinator. Please do not send CDs, copies of research papers, portfolios, or theses- they will not be reviewed by the faculty.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is the applicant's sole responsibility to ensure that all documents have been received by the stated deadline. Once all your materials are complete in both GIAC and the department, your application will be reviewed by the faculty in your area of specialization. The faculty try their best to make all admissions and financial aid decisions by March 31 for fall and summer applicants, though it may be as late as mid-late April in some cases. Per the Council of Graduate Schools resolution, April 15 is the deadline for accepting or declining aid offers for the fall semester. Decisions for spring admission are usually made by the end of October or early November.

Scholarships

Earning a graduate degree from Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (CAEE) is not an inexpensive endeavor. We know costs and financial aid are major issues for graduate students, and so three forms of support are available through the department: Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, and Fellowships. All eligible admitted graduate students are automatically considered for any available funding – there is not a separate application for aid consideration. 

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Infrastructure Materials Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin is a specialized program designed to prepare students for careers in the development, testing, and application of construction materials essential for infrastructure projects. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of materials such as concrete, asphalt, steel, and polymers, focusing on their properties, performance, and durability in various environmental conditions. Students gain foundational knowledge in materials science, engineering principles, and environmental considerations, equipping them to address modern challenges in infrastructure sustainability and resilience.

The curriculum combines core engineering courses with specialized electives tailored to infrastructure materials, including courses in materials testing, construction methods, corrosion prevention, and advanced manufacturing processes. Laboratory work and project-based learning are integral parts of the program, providing hands-on experience in material characterization and assessment techniques. The program also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work with civil engineering, environmental engineering, and construction management disciplines to develop holistic solutions to infrastructure issues.

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities at the university, supporting studies in material durability and innovative construction technologies. The program features partnerships with industry leaders, offering internships, cooperative education opportunities, and exposure to real-world projects. Graduates of the Infrastructure Materials Engineering program are well-prepared for roles in construction firms, testing laboratories, government agencies, research institutions, and consulting companies.

Career prospects after completing this degree include positions such as materials engineer, construction materials specialist, quality assurance manager, research scientist, and infrastructure consultant. The program also provides a solid foundation for students interested in advanced studies or professional engineering licensure. Emphasizing sustainability, safety, and innovation, the Infrastructure Materials Engineering program at the University of Texas at Austin aims to develop engineers capable of shaping resilient, long-lasting infrastructure critical for societal development and economic growth.