Graduate Studies and Research
The University of Nevada, Reno provides excellent opportunities for graduate studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Continuing education beyond the bachelor's degree is recommended for prospective civil engineering professionals. The department offers programs leading to both the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in civil engineering. M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered in four main area of specialization, namely;
Earthquake & Structural | Geotechnical | Pavements/Materials | Transportation | Environmental
M.S. and Ph.D. students work closely with their supervisors in their chosen program of study. Our faculty members are conducting state-of-the-art research to solve a variety of civil and environmental problems and find better methods of designing and building. A substantial number of research and teaching assistantships are available.
Graduate Student Recruitment Weekend
For spring applicants wishing to enroll during fall semesters, UNR Civil and Environmental Engineering will hold a recruitment weekend for invited domestic applicants, typically in late March or early April. This recruitment weekend includes partial or complete travel support and will consist of individual meetings with selected faculty in our departmental programs, interaction with CEE graduate students, tours of the campus and facilities, and visits to nearby attractions in the Reno/Tahoe region. The recruitment weekend is an excellent chance to meet your graduate advisors and see what the graduate experience at UNR is like, and we can't wait to meet you there. Come visit!!
Admission and Degree Requirements
Admission to the M.S. and Ph.D. programs normally requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and 3.25 (on a scale of 4.0), respectively. The deadline for application is March 1 for Fall Semester enrollment and November 1 for enrollment in the Spring. Additional applications are considered at any time during the academic year; however, assistantships are normally assigned by June for the next academic year.
M.S. - Students are eligible for admission to a master's degree program under the condition that he/she holds a minimum 3.0 GPA. Two options are available to M.S. students upon graduate committee approval.
- Plan A (Thesis) - 30 credits: 6 thesis credits, 12 credits 700 level and 12 credits 600 level (21 credits on campus)
- Plan B (Non-Thesis) - 32 credits: 15 credits 700 level and 17 credits 600 level (23 credits on campus)
Ph.D. - Upon recommendation from the department and academic dean, graduates from accredited colleges and universities may be admitted to work toward a Ph.D. degree in the graduate school. In order to gain admission, students must hold an overall GPA of at least 3.5 on all undergraduate and graduate courses, and satisfactorily complete the necessary prerequisites of credits in a chosen major field.
Graduate Admissions
Graduate Application
Apply online: www.unr.edu/grad/ApplyOn-line.asp
International students should visit: www.unr.edu/oiss
Admission Requirements
In evaluating a student's application to the structural engineering graduate
program, the structural engineering faculty will consider all aspects of the
student's credentials. This includes academic performance in their respective
past programs, scores on entrance examinations (GRE and TOEFL, if applicable),
references, and the applicant's stated goals.
Financial Assistance
Financial aid available to students ranges from full or partial Teaching or Research Assistantships. Most graduate students are supported by research assistantships, or teaching assistantships. Awards are made on the basis of scholarship and promise for outstanding achievement. The applicant's grade point average, score on the GRE and letters of recommendation are the primary means used for selecting new students to receive financial aid.
Contact Us
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Structural Engineering Program
University of Nevada, Reno/0258
Reno, NV 89557-0258
Phone: (775) 784-6937
Fax: (775) 784-1390
