Master's in Civil Engineering overview
Lehigh University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering equips graduate students with sound reasoning and advanced technical skills to address complex engineering challenges. Our programs prepare graduates to lead in careers with top engineering firms, government agencies, and academic and research institutions. The department is consistently ranked among the Academic Ranking of World Universities' Top 10 civil engineering departments.
Master's in Civil Engineering highlights
- A 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- The department is consistently ranked among the Academic Ranking of World Universities' Top 10 civil engineering departments.
Civil Engineering salary and career outlook
Lehigh's graduate programs have a strong track record of placing alumni in influential positions at leading companies and prestigious institutions, with average starting professional salaries exceeding $87,000. Alumni hold positions at a variety of companies and organizations, including: AECOM, Army Public Health Center, DeSimone Consulting Engineers, Hazen, Princeton University, Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Thornton Tomasetti, University of California, San Diego, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Civil Engineering program format
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering. The degree is available with fully online options, providing flexibility for working professionals and students worldwide. Both research-intensive and professional, coursework-only degrees are available to meet your career goals.
Civil Engineering collaborations
Lehigh's graduate students work closely with distinguished faculty to conduct cutting-edge research. The department's research centers, such as the Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS) Engineering Research Center, provide world-class facilities and opportunities for collaboration with leading universities and research centers globally. Students publish their research in top-tier journals and present at leading conferences.
Civil Engineering external funding
Lehigh's civil and environmental engineering research is supported by a wide array of public and private sponsors. These sponsors include the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance. Partial merit-based and alumni scholarships are avaialable.
Master's in Civil Engineering admissions requirements
To be considered for admission to the master's program, candidates must hold at least a Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) degree in a related field. A complete application must include:
- A candidate's personal statement detailing their motivation for graduate study and research interests.
- The candidate's resume summarizing background relevant to graduate study.
- Complete transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Unofficial copies may be uploaded initially, but official transcripts are required upon accepting an offer of admission.
- At least two letters of recommendation from qualified individuals.
- For international students whose first language is not English who have not studied in the US or countries where English is an official and widely spoken language, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Cambridge English Qualification test scores are required.
- A non-refundable application fee of $50.
- GRE test scores are not required.
Frequently asked questions about a graduate degree in Civil Engineering
Q: Is financial support available for master's students?
A: Master's students may be eligible for partial merit-based or alumni tuition scholarships.
Q: Is the GRE required for admission?
A: No, the GRE is not required for admission to the graduate programs. If scores are submitted, they will not be used in the evaluation of the application.


