Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Merrimack's STEM Designated degree offers both Master's Thesis or Project Options. Full-tuition fellowships available!

Merrimack’s Master of Science in Civil Engineering equips you with the expertise to design, manage, and implement innovative solutions for complex infrastructure and environmental challenges, from sustainable urban development to advanced structural systems.

Civil Engineering Master's Degree at a Glance

Mode of Study

On Campus

Est. Time

2 years full-time; part-time study available

Start Terms

Spring, Fall
View Application Deadlines

Credits

34

STEM Designated

Yes

Accreditation

NECHE

Fellowships

Full- & half-tuition

Scholarships

Dean Scholarship &
Alumni Scholarship

Tell Me More About Merrimack's Civil Engineering Master's Degree

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Master of Science in Civil Engineering Tuition

$
Published Tuition

$700 per credit (34 credits). Tuition for 2024-2025. Rates are subject to change.

$
Average Aid Amount

Scholarships and fellowships significantly reduce the tuition for most of our students.

$
Average Tuition Cost

After scholarships and fellowships.

Typical Tuition Savings for the M.S. in Civil Engineering

Merrimack College offers generous scholarship and fellowship opportunities to offset your graduate tuition.

Presidential Fellowships are 2-year, 25 hour-per-week field placements and cover $23,800, or 100% of tuition.

100%

Provost Fellowships are 2-year, 15 hour-per-week field placements and cover $11,900, or 50% of tuition.

50%

Double Warrior Alumni Scholarships are awarded to all Merrimack College alumni, covering $7,854, or 33% of tuition, for recent graduates (25% for previously graduated alumni).

33%

Dean Scholarships are merit based aid awarded to all students, ranging from $3,000 to full tuition and average $4,500, or 19% of tuition.

19%

Visit the page below to find all up-to-date tuition and fees information.

Overview of Merrimack's M.S. in Civil Engineering

Merrimack’s M.S. in Civil Engineering offers two specialized pathways, enabling students to customize their academic journey to match their interests and professional goals. This program integrates advanced technical knowledge with practical experience to prepare graduates for leadership roles in civil and environmental engineering.

Students gain expertise in areas such as structural design, sustainable infrastructure, geotechnical systems, and water resource management, tackling society’s most critical infrastructure challenges. Each pathway focuses on industry-relevant problem-solving and cutting-edge technologies, providing students with the specialized skills needed to excel in this dynamic and essential field.

Choose One of Two Options

Master’s Thesis Option
Master’s Project Option (a course-based option)

Why Choose the M.S. in Civil Engineering at Merrimack?

INTEGRATED CURRICULUM

This on-ground master’s degree trains you to become a subject matter expert in civil engineering while independently contributing to impactful projects and research. You’ll engage in advanced analysis, design, and experimentation, as well as the development of innovative solutions for real-world infrastructure challenges, guided by your graduate advisor and supported by a team of accomplished experts.

INDUSTRY ALIGNED

Designed to enhance your skills, this program prepares you to excel in the dynamic field of civil engineering. Through immersive, hands-on experiences and mentorship from accomplished faculty, you’ll develop the in-demand skills that top organizations value.

VALUABLE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

At Merrimack, we cultivate an atmosphere that promotes networking and career advancement, and we urge you to form meaningful relationships with experienced, full-time faculty while becoming a part of a close-knit community of peers. Additionally, we offer graduate fellowship opportunities for students opting for the thesis option*, in which students work closely with and in support of faculty research in exchange for a large tuition discount.

FLEXIBLE COURSE SCHEDULE

Our flexible course schedule is designed to accommodate working adults by offering evening classes that allow you to balance your professional, personal, and academic commitments. Additionally, you have the option to study part-time or full-time, which ensures you can continue advancing your education on a timeline that works for you.

*Please note that a fellowship position is not guaranteed for all thesis students. All students (project and thesis) may qualify for a scholarship.

Career Outlook: Where Can a M.S. in Civil Engineering Take You?

This degree can lead to promotions into decision-making roles, leading larger projects, a higher annual salary, and open the door to more opportunities.

$ 0
Average Annual Salary

For a Senior Civil Engineer in Massachusetts

0 %
Employment Growth

Faster than average industry growth in the United States between 2023 and 2033.

%
Salary Difference

between a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) & Salary.com, 2025

Jobs with a Civil Engineering Master's Degree

  • Senior Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Ph.D. Engineering Candidate
  • Structural Engineer
  • Transportation Engineer
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Construction Manager
  • Urban Planner

Where Merrimack's M.S. in Civil Engineering Graduates Work

Gill Engineering

PE, Project Manager

RESPEC

Project Engineer

AECOM

PE, Structural Engineer III

MBTA

Resident Engineer,

What Our M.S. in Civil Engineering Students and Alumni Say

What You'll Learn in Merrimack's M.S. in Civil Engineering

Explore Our Two Career-Focused Concentrations

Merrimack’s civil engineering master’s degree program provides a versatile framework that accommodates diverse preferences and career aspirations through the availability of two options: the Master’s Thesis Option and the Master’s Project Option. These paths are designed to accommodate various learning styles and professional ambitions, enabling students to customize their educational journey to align with their academic and career objectives, while also fostering technical expertise and mastery in their chosen field. These options have the same first year of coursework.

Below is a brief overview of each option:

Master’s Thesis Option

The thesis option emphasizes academic research and is ideal for students interested in diving deeply into a specific topic within their field. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, students will conduct original research, analyze their findings, and present them in a formal written thesis. This process culminates in a defense before a committee. Opting for the thesis route provides a foundation for those considering further academic pursuits, such as a Ph.D., and hones skills in research methodology, critical analysis and scholarly writing. In year 2, the thesis student will take two semesters of thesis work (8 credits) under the mentorship and supervision of a faculty member.

Master’s Project Option

The project option focuses on practical application, allowing students to apply their coursework knowledge to real-world challenges. Instead of extensive academic research, students undertake a significant project, which may be collaborative. This project demonstrates their ability to solve problems, innovate, and produce tangible outcomes. A final report or presentation is typically required, detailing the project’s objectives and results. This option is well-suited for students aiming to enhance their practical skills for direct application in industry or professional settings.

Key Courses You'll Take

Engineering Analysis

GEN 6111

  • Application of analytical mathematical methods to civil and mechanical engineering challenges.
  • Use of partial differential equations for thermal-fluid, vibration problems, and advanced mechanics topics like fluid and solid mechanics.
  • Integration of vector calculus, tensor analysis, analytical function theory, and linear algebra for robotics, structural, and geotechnical engineering applications.

Applied Hydrology

CEN 5032

  • Introduction to hydrologic principles, including rainfall-runoff analysis, floodplain hydraulics, and groundwater hydrology.
  • Emphasis on computational methods for solving hydrologic problems.
  • Use of computer programs to apply hydrologic concepts in practical scenarios.

Introduction to GIS

CEN 5071

  • Application of emerging technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing in environmental science, with basic instruction in GIS software.
  • Exploration of topics such as water resource mapping, floodplain modeling, watershed networks, terrain analysis, and geospatial data integration.
  • Hands-on exercises and a collaborative project tailored to student interests.

Master of Science in Civil Engineering Curriculum

View Full Curriculum from the Graduate Catalog

M.S. in Civil Engineering Requirements

To see more details about the program, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.
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Skills You'll Learn

Merrimack’s civil engineering master’s degree will enable you to explore advanced concepts, such as the significance of financial and societal impacts on project outcomes, and learn to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies with existing solutions to ensure optimal project results. 

In this 34-credit program, you will:

Deepen your understanding of core mechanical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, or mechanics of materials.
Design and analyze mechanical systems, components, and structures using computer-aided design software and finite element analysis.
Explore various manufacturing techniques and processes, including machining, casting and additive manufacturing, and their applications in industry.
Study the principles of robotics and automation, including control systems, sensors, and programming for automated manufacturing and industrial applications.
Explore the properties and applications of advanced materials, including composites, polymers and ceramics, in various engineering contexts.
Develop research skills and engage in cutting-edge research projects, which may lead to contributions in academic journals or conference papers.

Featured Faculty

Fellowships, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Civil Engineering Graduate Fellowships

Civil Engineering graduate fellowships are designed specifically for students enrolled in the Thesis Option in our Master of Science in Civil Engineering. These fellowships allow students the opportunity to earn hands-on experience as a graduate research assistant alongside an esteemed faculty member from the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences. 

The following types of graduate fellowships are available:

  • Presidential Fellowships: Cover 100% of your graduate tuition and include a 2-year, unpaid fellowship placement of 25 hours per week.
  • Provost Fellowships: Cover 50% of your graduate tuition and include a 2-year, unpaid fellowship placement of 15 hours per week.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Merrimack College offers scholarships for students who are not receiving a full- or half-tuition fellowship. Our scholarship opportunities available to M.S. in Civil Engineering students include:

  • Dean Scholarship: Determined by academic merit and financial need. Students not receiving a fellowship are automatically considered for a Dean Scholarship upon applying.
  • Double Warrior Alumni Scholarship: Available to all Merrimack graduates. Students enrolling immediately after senior undergraduate year automatically receive a 33% discount, and 25% thereafter. Please note that Double Warrior alumni scholarships cannot be combined with Dean Scholarships.

Financial aid in the form of federal aid, private loans, and payment plans are also options available for graduate students. Click the link below to learn more about our scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Application Information for the M.S. in Civil Engineering

It’s easy to apply online! Simply create your account by registering a username and password. This will allow you to start an application, save and log back in at any time to complete it before submission.

A Completed Application Includes:

Important Information:

The M.S. in Civil Engineering has both Fall and Spring start terms.

Graduate Community and Student Support

Discover Merrimack’s vibrant and supportive graduate community! Our Graduate Center, located on the second floor of the McQuade Library, is our hub for student life, resources, and support, ensuring that you get the most out of your graduate experience.

Enjoy the following benefits that are exclusive to graduate students:

A comfortable lounge for studying and socializing
A home base for daily life on campus with coffee and tea, a microwave and a fridge
A venue for programs and services supporting graduate student success
A warm, inviting place to connect with staff and other graduate students
Grad students sitting outside

Want to Learn More about the Master of Science in Civil Engineering?

Contact the Program Director, Dr. Joel Kuszmaul

Schedule an Informational Call with the Program Director

Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)

At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way! Please feel free to contact our Graduate Admission team or join us at an upcoming event if you have any questions regarding scholarships, fellowships, financial aid, or the application process.

Programs Related to the M.S. in Civil Engineering

Explore other areas and where they can take you.

Grad Chat Podcast

Check out this episode featuring three great faculty members from the Civil Engineering program—Cynthia Carlson, Maria-Isabel Carnasciali and Jared Peterson. Together, they share their expertise and insights into what makes this master’s program a standout choice for aspiring civil engineers. Listen in to learn how this program is designed to equip students with advanced technical expertise, real-world problem-solving abilities and a deep understanding of sustainable engineering practices. Plus, hear about the unique networking opportunities, scholarships and fellowships that make Merrimack a standout choice for your graduate journey.

Check us out on social media!

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Merrimack College Awards & Recognition

U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)