Civil engineering M.S.

  • An instructor demonstrating machinery to a group of students

    Civil engineering M.S.

    Prepare to take on the unique challenges of cold regions in an accredited master’s degree program designed to open new professional opportunities for civil engineers.

Explore the civil engineering master’s degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage

The civil engineering program prepares graduate students to become designers and leaders, with an emphasis on solving civil engineering design problems in cold regions, such as those caused by frost, snow, ice, cold temperatures and extreme daylight conditions. 

Civil engineering master’s degree program options
UAA offers three options for pursuing your Master of Science degree in civil engineering:

  • Thesis option: Designed for students who wish to pursue specialized advanced study and original research, the thesis option is excellent preparation for both the practicing professional and the doctoral candidate.
  • Project option: Designed for practice-oriented students who are interested in advanced study in a particular sub-discipline of civil engineering.
  • Comprehensive exam option: Designed for practicing professionals who want a broader and more in-depth education in the field of civil engineering.

Concentrations in the civil engineering program
Focus your civil engineering studies in a subject area of your choice. UAA offers concentrations in Arctic engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering and water resources engineering. 

Civil engineering scholarships and financial aid
Get help with tuition and education expenses. UAA offers a variety of scholarships and other types of financial assistance for engineering majors. The civil engineering department also offers tuition waivers and teaching assistantships to qualified graduate students. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at UAA.

Civil engineering M.S.

Degree Type:

  • Master

Concentration: Arctic, geotechnical, environmental, structural, transportation and water resources

Program Length: 1-3 years

Availability:Anchorage campus

Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Other program options: B.S. in civil engineering

What can you do with a civil engineering degree from UAA?

With a specialized, in-depth knowledge of Arctic and cold region engineering challenges, UAA’s civil engineering Master of Science degree alumni are in high demand by Alaska employers. 

Civil engineering careers
UAA alumni are employed in the following fields:

  • Arctic engineering and earth sciences
  • Oil and gas industry
  • Professional services
  • Structural engineering
  • Project management and consulting

Civil engineering master’s degree program highlights

Gain advanced, specialized cold region civil engineering experience in this accredited Master of Science degree program. These are some of the top reasons to choose UAA for your graduate program in engineering:

  • Get hands-on professional experience. UAA offers a variety of internships through partnerships with organizations such as the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Alaska Energy Authority, Alaska Native Health Tribal Consortium, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility.
  • Study civil engineering overseas. UAA is an official member of the University of the Arctic, which offers unique study abroad opportunities in Arctic countries such as Canada, Denmark, Finland and Norway.
  • Take part in graduate research. The civil engineering department hosts a growing research program that offers unique research opportunities for graduate students.
  • Work closely with top UAA engineering faculty. Civil engineering faculty members are leaders in national and international efforts to prepare civilization in the north. Special areas of expertise include Arctic engineering, frozen ground engineering, Arctic coastal erosion and climate change impact and unique cold region issues in environmental, structural and transportation engineering.
  • Work in state-of-the-art facilities. UAA’s College of Engineering is equipped with two state-of-the-art cold rooms that are capable of maintaining a temperature as low as -70°C for conducting cold temperature-related testing.
A presenter talking into a microphone

Nathaniel Cox of UAA’s civil engineering master of science degree program was recently awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Fellowship for his cutting-edge work studying sustainable engineering practices to make life better for rural Alaska communities. 

UAA civil engineering graduate student awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation Fellowship
A civil engineering graduate student setting up equipment with anchorage in the background

Civil engineering graduate student Euan-Angus MacLeod has been recording ground temperature on the coast just a few miles from campus. These local data will help predict the speed of coastal erosion statewide.

Civil engineering graduate student works to predict the speed of coastal erosion in Alaska

Civil engineering master’s degree program curriculum

The Master of Science program curriculum includes coursework in Arctic, environmental, geotechnical, structures, transportation and water resources engineering. If you choose the civil engineering project option or the comprehensive exam option, you must also complete one 600-level course from the Engineering, Science and Project Management (ESPM) Department course offerings as part of your required coursework. Remaining courses for any of the options can be selected based on emphasis area or as approved by your graduate committee.

Top classes for civil engineering majors

UAA offers a range of unique courses that deal with Arctic and cold region issues, taught by world-renowned experts. Courses include:

  • Arctic Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering
  • Frozen Ground Engineering
  • Ice Engineering
  • Cold Regions Pavement Design