Graduate Studies and Research
The University of Nevada, Reno provides excellent opportunities for graduate studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering. The department offers programs leading to both the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. 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 faculty advisors to conduct state-of-the-art research to solve a variety of difficult design and engineering problems. Many research and teaching assistantships are available to fund your gradaute education.
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 requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and 3.25 (on a scale of 4.0), respectively. Additionally, prospective graduate students are required to take the GRE and score 1100 or higher for the Verbal+ Quantitative sections combined. International students should have a TOEFL or equivalent score of 550 or higher. Applicants also should submit three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose with their application.
The deadline for application is February 15 for Fall Semester enrollment and October 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. - Promising graduates from accredited colleges and universities may be admitted to work toward a Ph.D. degree. In order to gain admission, students must hold an overall GPA of at least 3.25 on all undergraduate and graduate courses while satisfactorily completing the necessary prerequisites of credits in a chosen major field.
Graduate Admissions
Graduate Application
Apply online: www.unr.edu/grad/apply.html
International students should visit: www.unr.edu/oiss
Admission Requirements
In evaluating a student's application to the graduate
program and consideration for funding, CEE 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 graduate students ranges from partial to full Teaching or Research Assistantships. Most graduate students are supported by assistantships. Awards are made on the basis of scholarship and promise for outstanding achievement. The applicant's grade point average, GRE score, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation are the primary means used to allocate financial aid for graduate students.
Contact Us
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno/0258
Reno, NV 89557-0258
Phone: (775) 784-6937
Fax: (775) 784-1390
