Civil Engineering

Application process

Michigan State University uses a decentralized admissions process for graduate studies. Visit the College of Engineering graduate admissions page for details on the overall process.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering accepts graduate applications during both the fall and spring semesters. For applicants desiring full consideration for financial support, the application deadlines are December 31st for the subsequent fall semester and September 30th for the subsequent spring semester. For fall semester, applicants are notified of admission and financial support decisions in early March, with acceptance of financial support due by April 15th. Spring semester admission decisions are made in early November, with financial support limited based upon the availability of graduate research assistant positions on a per-faculty basis. Students may defer enrollment by a maximum of one year.

Department M.S. admission standards are:

• A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (out of 4.0) or equivalent from a B.S. program in civil and/or environmental engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum GRE scores of 160 for the quantitative section, 150 for the verbal section, and 3.0 for the analytical writing section.
• Letters of recommendation showing clear indication that the applicant has the potential for success in a graduate program.
• For international applicants, a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL (19 in each category, except writing, which is 22) or 6.5 on the IELTS 6.5.

Department Ph.D. admission standards are:

• A GPA of at least 3.5 (out of 4.0) or equivalent in an M.S degree program in civil and/or environmental engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum GRE scores of 160 for the quantitative section, 150 for the verbal section, and 3.0 for the analytical writing section.
• Letters of recommendation showing clear indication that the applicant has the potential for success as an independent researcher.
• For international applicants, a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL (19 in each category except writing which is 22) or 6.5 on the IELTS 6.5.

Admission to graduate programs in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is open to all candidates on the basis of academic preparation and ability, and, in the case of the Ph.D. program, the availability of funding. The applicants must complete the Online Application for Admission to Graduate Study, submit it with a credit card number or by electronic check or money order to cover the application fee (domestic = $65.00; international = $75.00). Only complete applications will be reviewed, which requires submission of the following items:

1. A curriculum vitae (CV).
2. A personal statement that articulates the applicant’s professional development goals, including details of the areas of research interest and/or specific faculty with whom the applicant is interested in working.
3. Three letters of recommendation. In the Online Application, enter the contact information for each reference, including their e-mail address.
4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants. GRE test scores must be provided directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
5. For international applicants, test scores from the exam for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required. Scores must be sent to MSU directly by the testing agency. Results are generally not required for international applicants who have graduated from a US university or are from universities where English is the language of instruction.
6. Two official copies of transcripts from all previous universities attended (undergraduate and graduate), as well as proof of diploma (graduate certificate) in an unopened sealed university envelope by the university. International students’ transcripts must be in the original language and in English, if applicable.

Transcripts and certificates should be sent to:

Michigan State University
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering
428 South Shaw Lane
Room 3546 Engineering Building
East Lansing, Michigan, USA 48824

More info

Civil engineering is the design and maintenance of public works such as roads, bridges, water and energy systems as well as public facilities like ports, railways and airports. (American Society of Civil Engineers)

Civil engineers perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems. Includes architectural, structural, traffic, ocean, and geotechnical engineers. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm)