Program Description

The Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering at Cal State L.A. prepares students for careers in industry and for further study toward a doctoral degree in civil engineering. A core set of classes is required in applied math, civil engineering seminar, practice, and advanced theory. Students choose practice and advanced theory courses from two of the following areas: Construction Management, Environmental, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources.

Admission into the Program

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related field with a GPA of 2.75 or better. A promising applicant with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.74 may be admitted as a special action student. Special action students must complete four upper-division qualifying courses on a department-approved degree study plan with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Students with a non-civil engineering bachelor’s degree, a civil engineering degree from a non-ABET accredited program, or special action students, may be admitted conditionally. Conditional students will be required to complete prerequisite courses determined by the department after review of the student’s background, course preparation, and academic interests. Students admitted without condition may enroll in graduate-level courses with department consent.

Requirements for the Degree

• A minimum of 31 units is required for the degree, with at least 16 units from 5000-level civil engineering courses.
• All students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing in the program.
• A thesis or comprehensive examination is required.
• A student’s program must be approved by the civil engineering department before enrolling in any course.