Santa Clara University - School of Engineering

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

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What makes SCU Engineering's
Master of Science in Civil Engineering Different!

Industry-Aligned Project-Based Curriculum

The program emphasizes project-based learning through case analyses, collaborative design projects, and direct engagement with industrial practices. Core courses such as Finite Element Methods, Structural Dynamics, and Earthquake Engineering Design are taught using real-world scenarios, ensuring students develop actionable problem-solving skills. The Graduate Capstone Project sequence integrates team-oriented tasks mirroring workplace dynamics, where students tackle challenges posed by industry partners. This approach is reinforced by part-time faculty members from the local civil engineering community, who bring current industry perspectives into the classroom. For example, courses like Masonry Engineering and Blast Analysis incorporate case studies from projects such as the San Francisco Bay Bridge retrofit, bridging theoretical concepts with practical implementation.

Flexible Learning Pathways for Diverse Career Goals

Santa Clara’s M.S. in Civil Engineering offers customizable academic plans tailored to individual professional aspirations. Students can pursue the degree full-time (completed in 12 months) or part-time while working, with a 45-unit requirement that balances core courses, technical electives, and research. The program permits up to 9 transfer units from accredited institutions, accommodating those with prior graduate coursework. Additionally, the B.S./M.S. Dual Degree Program allows qualified undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years, accelerating career entry and reducing time-to-degree. This flexibility ensures alignment with diverse objectives, whether students aim for advanced research, leadership roles, or specialized technical expertise.

Expert Faculty with Industry and Research Excellence

The program’s faculty comprises renowned academics and seasoned industry professionals, providing mentorship grounded in both theoretical and practical expertise. Full-time professors like Dr. Aria Amirbahman lead research in sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience, while adjunct lecturers such as Tracy Abbott—a registered Structural Engineer—bring decades of experience from projects like the Mary Avenue Pedestrian Cable-Stay Bridge. Courses such as Bridge Engineering and Earthquake Engineering Design are taught by faculty actively involved in cutting-edge research funded by organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF), ensuring students engage with contemporary advancements. This dual emphasis on academic and industrial excellence prepares graduates for roles in R&D, consulting, and public-sector engineering.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Resilient Infrastructure

Aligned with global priorities, the curriculum prioritizes sustainable and resilient infrastructure design. Courses like Designing for Sustainable Construction and Environmental Engineering address challenges such as resource scarcity, population growth, and climate change. The department’s research initiatives focus on developing solutions for energy-efficient buildings, disaster-resistant structures, and low-impact water systems. For instance, the Translational Bioengineering focus area (shared with related disciplines) encourages interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability, such as integrating biomaterials into civil infrastructure. Graduates leave equipped to design systems that meet present needs without compromising future generations’ resources, a critical competency in modern engineering.

Strategic Location in Silicon Valley’s Innovation Ecosystem

Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, the program leverages proximity to leading engineering firms, tech companies, and research institutions. Partnerships with organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC) facilitate internships, networking, and employment opportunities. The team-oriented curriculum mirrors regional industry practices, with collaborative projects often involving local stakeholders such as municipal agencies and private contractors. Additionally, the university’s Career Center offers tailored support for working professionals, helping students balance academic and career demands while accessing Silicon Valley’s dynamic job market.

Know More about the SCU Engineering Master of Science in Civil Engineering Program

Santa Clara Universitys Master of Science in Civil Engineering provides advanced training in structural, environmental, and transportation engineering. Located in Silicon Valley, the program emphasizes sustainability, hands-on learning, and industry collaboration. Graduates are equipped to design resilient infrastructure and lead innovative projects in construction, urban planning, and environmental engineering. ..... Read More

Duration

24 Months

How does the Class Profile of SCU Engineering's Master of Science in Civil Engineering Program look like?

Average Class Size

28

Average Age

26.1

Average Work Experience

2.8

Want to See Who You'll Be Learning With?

Explore detailed class demographics, academic backgrounds, and industry experiences that define your future classmates.

Where do graduates of SCU Engineering's Master of Science in Civil Engineering program land? Discover More!

Median Earnings after Graduation

USD 83,000/- year

Graduation Rate

90.20 %

Recruiters

AECOM Jacobs Engineering Bechtel HDR WSP Global Arup Tetra Tech Fluor Corporation Stantec Skanska Kiewit Corporation Turner Construction HNTB Lendlease Black & Veatch

Prospective Job Roles

Structural Engineer Geotechnical Engineer Transportation Engineer Water Resources Engineer Construction Manager Environmental Engineer Urban Planner Project Engineer Site Engineer Bridge Design Engineer Highway Engineer Structural Analyst Infrastructure Planner Civil Consultant Hydraulics Engineer Sustainability Engineer Structural CAD Designer Construction Estimator Field Engineer Civil Engineering Researcher

Eligibility Criteria for SCU Engineering's Master of Science in Civil Engineering in Management program ?

Credential Evaluation Requirement

Mandatory English Proficiency Test

Mandatory GRE / GMAT Requirement

4 Year Bachelor’s Degree Requirement

Tuition Fees & Scholarship Opportunities!

Tuition Fees

USD 43416/- PER YEAR

Application Fee

USD 95/-

Scholarship Opportunities upto

USD 6 Million

Upcoming SCU Engineering Events

We will be back Soon with Upcoming Events

On Demand Events

img-blur-shadow

Augmented Reality for Cultural Heritage: The Ohlone AR Tour at Santa Clara University

Bridging History, Technology, and Career Paths: An Immersive Exploration of Ohlone Culture and Alumni Insights on Navigating the U.S. Job Market""
Register to access the video

Know More about the SCU Engineering Master of Science in Civil Engineering Program

Santa Clara Universitys Master of Science in Civil Engineering provides advanced training in structural, environmental, and transportation engineering. Located in Silicon Valley, the program emphasizes sustainability, hands-on learning, and industry collaboration. Graduates are equipped to design resilient infrastructure and lead innovative projects in construction, urban planning, and environmental engineering. ..... Read More

Duration

24 Months

How does the Class Profile of SCU Engineering's Master of Science in Civil Engineering Program look like?

Average Class Size

28

Average Age

26.1

Average Work Experience

2.8

Want to See Who You'll Be Learning With?

Explore detailed class demographics, academic backgrounds, and industry experiences that define your future classmates.

Where do graduates of SCU Engineering's Master of Science in Civil Engineering program land? Discover More!

Median Earnings after Graduation

USD 83,000/- year

Graduation Rate

90.20 %

Recruiters

AECOM Jacobs Engineering Bechtel HDR WSP Global Arup Tetra Tech Fluor Corporation Stantec Skanska Kiewit Corporation Turner Construction HNTB Lendlease Black & Veatch

Prospective Job Roles

Structural Engineer Geotechnical Engineer Transportation Engineer Water Resources Engineer Construction Manager Environmental Engineer Urban Planner Project Engineer Site Engineer Bridge Design Engineer Highway Engineer Structural Analyst Infrastructure Planner Civil Consultant Hydraulics Engineer Sustainability Engineer Structural CAD Designer Construction Estimator Field Engineer Civil Engineering Researcher

Eligibility Criteria for SCU Engineering's Master of Science in Civil Engineering in Management program ?

Credential Evaluation Requirement

Mandatory English Proficiency Test

Mandatory GRE / GMAT Requirement

4 Year Bachelor’s Degree Requirement

Tuition Fees & Scholarship Opportunities!

Tuition Fees

USD 43416/- PER YEAR

Application Fee

USD 95/-

Scholarship Opportunities upto

USD 6 Million

What makes SCU Engineering's
Master of Science in Civil Engineering Different!

Industry-Aligned Project-Based Curriculum

The program emphasizes project-based learning through case analyses, collaborative design projects, and direct engagement with industrial practices. Core courses such as Finite Element Methods, Structural Dynamics, and Earthquake Engineering Design are taught using real-world scenarios, ensuring students develop actionable problem-solving skills. The Graduate Capstone Project sequence integrates team-oriented tasks mirroring workplace dynamics, where students tackle challenges posed by industry partners. This approach is reinforced by part-time faculty members from the local civil engineering community, who bring current industry perspectives into the classroom. For example, courses like Masonry Engineering and Blast Analysis incorporate case studies from projects such as the San Francisco Bay Bridge retrofit, bridging theoretical concepts with practical implementation.

Flexible Learning Pathways for Diverse Career Goals

Santa Clara’s M.S. in Civil Engineering offers customizable academic plans tailored to individual professional aspirations. Students can pursue the degree full-time (completed in 12 months) or part-time while working, with a 45-unit requirement that balances core courses, technical electives, and research. The program permits up to 9 transfer units from accredited institutions, accommodating those with prior graduate coursework. Additionally, the B.S./M.S. Dual Degree Program allows qualified undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years, accelerating career entry and reducing time-to-degree. This flexibility ensures alignment with diverse objectives, whether students aim for advanced research, leadership roles, or specialized technical expertise.

Expert Faculty with Industry and Research Excellence

The program’s faculty comprises renowned academics and seasoned industry professionals, providing mentorship grounded in both theoretical and practical expertise. Full-time professors like Dr. Aria Amirbahman lead research in sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience, while adjunct lecturers such as Tracy Abbott—a registered Structural Engineer—bring decades of experience from projects like the Mary Avenue Pedestrian Cable-Stay Bridge. Courses such as Bridge Engineering and Earthquake Engineering Design are taught by faculty actively involved in cutting-edge research funded by organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF), ensuring students engage with contemporary advancements. This dual emphasis on academic and industrial excellence prepares graduates for roles in R&D, consulting, and public-sector engineering.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Resilient Infrastructure

Aligned with global priorities, the curriculum prioritizes sustainable and resilient infrastructure design. Courses like Designing for Sustainable Construction and Environmental Engineering address challenges such as resource scarcity, population growth, and climate change. The department’s research initiatives focus on developing solutions for energy-efficient buildings, disaster-resistant structures, and low-impact water systems. For instance, the Translational Bioengineering focus area (shared with related disciplines) encourages interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability, such as integrating biomaterials into civil infrastructure. Graduates leave equipped to design systems that meet present needs without compromising future generations’ resources, a critical competency in modern engineering.

Strategic Location in Silicon Valley’s Innovation Ecosystem

Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, the program leverages proximity to leading engineering firms, tech companies, and research institutions. Partnerships with organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC) facilitate internships, networking, and employment opportunities. The team-oriented curriculum mirrors regional industry practices, with collaborative projects often involving local stakeholders such as municipal agencies and private contractors. Additionally, the university’s Career Center offers tailored support for working professionals, helping students balance academic and career demands while accessing Silicon Valley’s dynamic job market.

Upcoming SCU Engineering Events

We will be back Soon with Upcoming Events

On Demand Events

img-blur-shadow

Augmented Reality for Cultural Heritage: The Ohlone AR Tour at Santa Clara University

Bridging History, Technology, and Career Paths: An Immersive Exploration of Ohlone Culture and Alumni Insights on Navigating the U.S. Job Market""
Register to access the video

Connect with SCU Engineering's Faculty in one click ...

Curious About Who Will Be Teaching You?

Explore other SCU Engineering programs

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE)

Duration
24 MONTHS

Master of Science in Applied Mathematics

Duration
24 MONTHS

Master of Science in Bioengineering

Duration
24 MONTHS

Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering

Duration
24 MONTHS

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Duration
24 MONTHS

Master of Science in Engineering Management and Leadership

Duration
24 MONTHS

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Duration
24 MONTHS

Master of Science in Power Systems and Sustainable Energy

Duration
24 MONTHS

Master of Science in Robotics and Automation

Duration
24 MONTHS
View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Get all your questions answered about Master of Science in Civil Engineering by SCU Engineering

Santa Clara University’s MS in Civil Engineering offers specializations in structural engineering, construction management, environmental engineering, and geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable design and innovation.
Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, along with academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and in some cases, GRE scores.
Yes, Santa Clara University offers flexible scheduling with evening classes and part-time options, making it ideal for working professionals in the engineering field.
Students can engage in applied research and capstone projects focusing on areas like green infrastructure, earthquake engineering, smart cities, and sustainable construction practices.
Graduates are well-positioned for roles such as structural engineer, project manager, transportation engineer, and environmental consultant at top firms like AECOM, Arup, Bechtel, and various city/state agencies.

Contact us

For any queries, please feel free to reach out to us!

email
Email

admission@scu.edu

call
Phone

+408-554-4600