College of Engineering

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Students must have a BS from an ABET-accredited engineering program in the U.S. or its equivalent in their home countries or must take the make-up coursework required for a BS in engineering at USU. It is assumed that the bachelor’s degree mathematical training includes courses in calculus, linear analysis, and differential equations.

Three MS options are available: research (Plan A), technical practice (Plan B), and training/extension (Plan C).

Research Option

Students wishing to gain experience in research may select the research option, particularly if they have a long-term goal of PhD study. The minimum requirements for this option are 30 credits, of which 8 may be awarded for the thesis.

Technical Practice Option

Some students may not be interested in pursuing a PhD degree or in doing the research necessary for a thesis. For such students, the technical practice (Plan B) option is offered. The requirements for the degree are similar to those for the research option, with the exception of the thesis. The 8 thesis credits are replaced by 4 credits for a significant engineering report or design project and 4 additional credits of coursework. The minimum course requirement for the technical practice option is 30 approved graduate credits.

Training/Extension Option

Students expecting to terminate their graduate studies at the MS level and wishing to develop an emphasis in the training and/or extension fields of irrigation engineering, may choose the training/extension option (Plan C). The same engineering BS or equivalent requirements noted under the Plan A option apply. The minimum requirements for this degree are 30 approved graduate credits. No report or thesis is required. The degree requirements under this option can be met by taking courses.