Online MS, PhD in Civil Engineering

Help to Build a Better Tomorrow By Earning Your Online Civil Master's or PhD Degree at Michigan Tech.

Civil engineers design, create, and maintain the structures that support our communities, states, and country. They work to imagine, design, and create sustainable solutions to deteriorating infrastructure, traffic congestion, society’s energy needs, urban redevelopment, community planning, water resources, and risks posed by natural hazards such as floods and earthquakes. Civil engineers, then, are not only unsung heroes, but also the backbone of any modern society.

Earn your online Master’s or PhD in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University and lead the way in sustainable infrastructure, structural systems, water resources, and geospatial data projects. With just 30 credit hours, you can accelerate your career or academic goals through MTU'sonline civil engineering degree programs.

Focus on Structural Engineering.

Female civil engineer wearing a hard hat holds some plans.

If you’re interested in designing, building, analyzing, and even leading advanced civil and structural engineering projects around the globe, our online master’s in civil engineering with a focus on structural engineering is perfect for you. Or go further with a doctorate.

Examine advanced structural engineering theory, structural analysis, and material dynamics. Dig deeper into building code and analyze the materials that create our world.

Even better: In the master's program, you can earn stackable structural engineering graduate certificates on the way to pursuing your degree. Some of these, just as timber building design, are especially respected and unique to MTU.

Visit our program website for more details about the curriculum.

Focus on Water Resources Engineering.

Maybe you’re interested in working with the most abundant, precious natural resource on the planet: water.

In our online master's or PhD in civil engineering with a focus on water resources engineering, you'll apply advanced design and modeling techniques in hydraulics and hydrology. Earn a certificate in water resources modeling along the way.

You'll examine climate change adaptation, water supply reliability and affordability, ecosystem restoration, and other critical topics .

Two water engineers talk in front of a dam.

In short, this graduate program will provide you with the expertise to design, plan, and manage advanced water resources projects to help protect and use water in sustainable ways.

Visit our program website for more details about the curriculum.

Focus on Geospatial Engineering.

Young engineer doing survey work outside.

If you'd like to dive into a field that combines principles of engineering, geography, and surveying to collect, analyze, and manage spatial data, then a master's degree in Geospatial Engineering is for you.

In this branch of engineering, you'll use various technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing, and computer-aided design (CAD) to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and visualize geographic information.

Not sure if this program is right for you? Try out an online certificate in advanced photogrammetry and mapping first.

Visit the general Civil Engineering program page to connect with an advisor, who can provide you with more information about earning your degree in this focus area.

Earn a Sought-After Certification.

Whatever program path you choose, you can integrate CEE5390 (Civil Asset Management) into your degree plan, earning a respected certification.

Asset management, the science and coordinated activity for the long-term care and maintenance of infrastructure systems, facilities, and other civil assets, is an in-demand interdisciplinary field crucial to civil engineers.

That is, many government departments are embracing civil asset management principles.  So, teams submitting proposals for very competitive contracts must contain at least one AM professional. And on international projects, requesting this team member is fairly standard. Choosing CEE5390 as an elective, then, will help you stand out in the job market.

What Can You Do with an Online Master’s or PhD in Civil Engineering?

With an online MS in civil engineering from Michigan Tech, you’ll be qualified for leadership and managerial positions in some of the fastest-growing, and well-paying fields in engineering. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), the median annual salary for civil engineers was $95,890.

Civil engineers with advanced degrees are in demand across sectors:

  • Structural and transportation systems
  • Urban planning, water systems, and infrastructure management
  • Geospatial analysis, asset management, and resiliency projects

 

Ready to Build What's Next?

Join a top-ranked, research-driven university that’s shaping the future of infrastructure, sustainability, and civil innovation. Whether you're aiming to advance your career, lead major engineering projects, or prepare for a Ph.D., Michigan Tech’s online Civil Engineering programs give you the flexibility, expertise, and support to succeed—on your schedule.

Apply today to start creating your future with Michigan Tech.

Or request more information and take the first step toward earning your online master’s or Ph.D. in civil engineering.

"I am thankful that Michigan Tech has a fantastic online civil engineering masters that allowed me to pursue my masters degree while working full time as an engineer."Brianna Phibbs
"I appreciate Michigan Tech taking the time to create an online masters in structural engineering which has allowed me to advance in education while being flexible on the location."Nathan Machiorlatti
  • 30
    total credit hours to complete program
  • $3M+
    our annual expenditures for CE research
  • $0
    applying online is always free
  • 100%
    online civil engineering MS degree