The Bachelor's/Master's in Civil Engineering allows qualified undergraduates to accelerate their graduate studies by completing both degrees in an integrated pathway. The program is designed for students seeking advanced training in various subdisciplines of Civil Engineering such as structural, transportation, construction, and environmental, preparing them for careers in Civil Engineering or further academic study.
The Department of Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering offers a BS/MS in Civil Engineering for currently enrolled WPI undergraduates or WPI alumni who have graduated within the last five calendar years.
Advanced degrees like the MS in Civil Engineering are valuable for career advancement and professional engineering licensure. The BS/MS in Civil Engineering allows WPI undergraduate students to earn both BS and MS degrees in less time than would typically be required to earn each degree separately. The program allows for certain credits to be counted towards both degree requirements, thereby reducing the total number of courses taken to earn both degrees.
Admissions Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Students with Junior Standing are eligible to apply.
- Applicants pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Architectural Engineering are eligible to apply. Students pursuing degrees in science or other engineering disciplines are also encouraged to apply but may be required to take selected undergraduate courses to round out their academic backgrounds. Students in other disciplines should contact the Graduate Coordinator prior to submitting their application.
Required Preparatory Coursework
- All students must complete the required Mathematics and Science courses specified in their major before admission.
- For students pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering, it is recommended that they complete all "Fundamental Engineering Science" coursework before beginning graduate-level work. At a minimum, students must complete the following courses: CE2000/ES2501, CE2001/ES2502, CE2002.
- Students pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Engineering must complete all "Engineering Science and Design" coursework before beginning graduate-level work.
- Students pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Architectural Engineering must complete all "Architectural Engineering Science and Design" coursework within the areas of "Construction/Construction Management," "Building Structural Engineering," before beginning graduate-level work.
- Students pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering must complete all "Engineering Science and Design" coursework, excluding 4000-level courses, before beginning graduate-level work.
Some graduate courses may require 3000- or 4000-level coursework not listed above. Students should consult with their academic advisor to ensure adequate preparation for graduate coursework.
Double-Counting Courses
Students may double-count up to 12 credits towards both the Bachelor's and Master's degree requirements, including up to six credits of advanced undergraduate coursework (4000-level or higher). No extra work is required in the 4000-level courses. However, an extra 1/6 unit can be earned for advanced undergraduate course work (increasing the equivalent graduate credits to 3) upon approval of the instructor. In such cases, students should enroll in 1/6 unit of independent study at the 4000 level. Students should consult with their undergraduate academic advisor to identify how specific graduate courses may fulfill undergraduate program course requirements.
A grade of B or higher is required for any course being counted toward both degrees. The following credit conversions apply: A term-long 4000-levl course (1/3 undergraduate unit) is equivalent to 2 graduate credits. A semester-long graduate course (3 graduate credits) is worth 1/2 undergraduate units.
Restricted Course Pairs
There are no restricted course pairs within the Civil Engineering curriculum.
Additional Notes
Students pursuing the BS/MS in Civil Engineering will be assigned an academic advisor upon entry into the program. For the non-thesis track, the student's undergraduate academic advisor will typically serve in the role of graduate academic advisor. If a student is pursuing a thesis, the student's research advisor will also provide academic advising.
Students enrolled in a BS/MS degree program must complete the Bachelor's and Master's Degree Course Designation Form and have the form signed by the Graduate Coordinator or Department Head. The form can be found on the registrar's website. Students must also complete the Plan of Study form, which can be obtained from the Department of Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering. Students should complete both forms by the end of their first term in the program.