A year can make the difference
between entry-level and expert
It takes only a year to earn an advanced degree in civil and environmental engineering, but the benefits are invaluable. You’ll direct your studies to an area of specialization and begin a challenging and satisfying career from the very beginning. The accelerated master’s program at UW–Madison is for students who are career-focused and ready to contribute to their field; no thesis is required. Plus, engineers with master’s degrees earn an average of 22% more than engineers with bachelor’s degrees
A Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering can be earned on an accelerated schedule in these fields:
- Construction Engineering and Management
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Geological/Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportational Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
At a glance
Degree conferred
Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Format
On campus
Timeline
1 year
Tuition
Resident and non-resident $1,200 per credit
Additional fees may apply
Application deadline
December 15 for fall
September 1 for spring
Start
Fall or spring
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Professional Master’s
Use the latest scientific and technological knowledge to develop skills and tools to meet advanced engineering challenges. Choose from six areas of specialization.
Construction Engineering & Management
The intensive accelerated program in construction engineering builds on your civil engineering foundation to provide expertise in theoretical and practical methods of planning, design and construction. In this program, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of:
- Construction scheduling
- Cost estimating
- Construction law
- Business and risk management
- Safety and quality management
- Teamwork and leadership
- Communications
- Continuous improvement
Environmental Science & Engineering
A multidisciplinary program, environmental science and engineering draws from chemistry, biology and engineering to find solutions to the environmental challenges we face as a society.
You’ll learn to effectively address concerns associated with:
- Water quality
- Air quality
- Environmental chemistry
- Sustainable design
- Hydrology
- Solid and hazardous waste
Geological/Geotechnical Engineering
This specialty is based on the relationship between the natural world and the man-made environment. Faculty comes from the College of Engineering as well as the Department of Geoscience in the College of Letters and Science. You’ll use principles of sustainable engineering to develop practical solutions to challenges posed by rocks and soils. Choose electives according to your personal goals.
Your broad knowledge of geology and engineering will give you the expertise to:
- Build structures
- Manage groundwater and surface water resources
- Construct subsurface repositories for waste disposal
- Design systems to extract energy and mineral resources
Structural Engineering
This specialty takes a rigorous approach to understanding the principles of structural engineering.
You’ll learn the latest techniques and trends in the field and have the opportunity to concentrate on a particular area, such as:
- Structural analysis and design
- Geotechnical engineering
- Construction engineering management
Transportation Engineering
With significant developments taking place in the transportation industry, engineers with a deep understanding of transportation issues and the ability to embrace innovation are in great demand. This option utilizes technology-based learning and draws from UW–Madison’s cutting-edge research.
With a background in transportation engineering, you can be involved in all aspects of intelligent transportation systems, including:
- Discovery
- Planning
- Design
- Development
- Operation
- Maintenance
- Safety
Water Resources Engineering
The management and preservation of water resources are critical to society. Learn how water moves through the environment and how to best utilize it to meet present and future needs. Engineers with advanced knowledge of water management issues are in high demand:
- Surface and groundwater hydrology
- Hydraulic engineering
- Coastal engineering
- Sedimentation and transport processes
- Hydroecology
- Stream restoration
A program built for you
The most desirable engineering jobs—the ones that offer challenges, interesting work and the greatest financial rewards— often require a master’s degree. The accelerated engineering master’s program is a popular choice for engineers who want to earn their master’s by adding as little as a single year of study at UW–Madison. There’s no thesis required: this master’s program is for engineers whose goal is to put their knowledge to use directly in industry rather than go into research or academia.
Attending school for an additional year to obtain a master’s has its advantages:
- You’re used to studying a challenging discipline
- You’ll be building on material you recently learned
- You may have fewer distractions, such as work or family, than if you wait
- The additional expense is offset by greater income potential in your first job
Contribute to your field from the start
UW–Madison’s College of Engineering graduate school has a stellar reputation: U.S. News & World Report includes it among the top-ranked programs in the nation.² It’s a leading research institution so you’ll be on top of the latest developments and trends in your field while you learn from top-notch faculty.
² U.S. News & World Report 2023 ranking of “Best Engineering Graduate Schools”
Enjoy BIG 10 sports, scenic lakes, culture and more
If you’re not already a Badger, you’re in for a great experience when you go red. UW–Madison athletics are legendary. In fact, Best College Reviews ranked Madison as the #3 best college town in the country.* The campus is always buzzing with the activity you’d expect from a Big-10 school. Enjoy the outdoors all year round, or indulge your taste for the arts in galleries, theaters and music venues. Partake in a thriving food and craft beer scene as well. Madison is a vibrant city with much to offer.
*Best College Reviews, October 2022
What’s different about the accelerated program?
– Takes 1–11/2 instead of 2–3 years
– Industry-focused rather than research-focused
– Paid assistantships not available
– Thesis not required
What do the programs have in common?
– All classes on campus
– 30 graduate credits earned
– Master of science degree conferred
– Taught by renowned faculty
– Learn from research being conducted on campus
We’re here to help you succeed
For information and insight on accelerated engineering master’s programs contact
our enrollment coaches at [email protected].
