Master of Science Degree
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers flexible, rigorous master’s degree programs within an interdisciplinary research university environment. Students apply engineering and science to urgent challenges involving people, infrastructure, natural systems, and the built environment. Through coursework and research, students build technical expertise in civil engineering, environmental engineering, climate resilience, infrastructure, public health, energy, and sustainable systems.
Why Study at Tufts?
- Degrees offered in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Offshore Wind Energy Engineering.
- Full-time and part-time study options.
- Many courses are available in hybrid formats and scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Small class sizes and close interaction with faculty.
- Partial scholarships available; you'll be automatically considered after submitting your application.
- Optional: Earn six months of full-time work experience through the Graduate Cooperative Education Program.
Master's Programs
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The M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tufts University is a 30-credit master’s program that prepares students to address complex challenges in the built and natural environment. The department provides five focused fields of study targeted at specific areas of the profession to address key societal issues related to how and where we live, work, and interact. Each concentration is designed to have a fundamental core technology as well as elective flexibility to tailor the program to individual student interests.
Fields of Study:
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The M.S. in Offshore Wind Energy Engineering at Tufts University is a 30-credit master’s program that prepares students to work on engineering challenges connected to offshore wind infrastructure, clean energy, ocean environments, and resilient systems. Students build knowledge in wind policy, technical applications, project management, and the engineering systems needed to support offshore wind development.
Coursework and research areas include:
- Offshore wind engineering, policy, and project management
- Energy transition and offshore wind systems
- Structural analysis, structural dynamics, and structural health monitoring
- Foundation engineering, soil mechanics, geomechanics, and offshore wind structures
- Ports, supply chains, power systems, and grid integration
Study Options
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Full-time students can complete their degree requirements in two to four semesters, depending on the specifics of the program; full-time study also provides a great foundation for embarking on a doctorate program and the opportunity to immerse in the Tufts environment. The non-thesis degree option can be completed in two to three semesters. Students may choose to complete a thesis as part of their degree program, in which case the program may require three to four semesters to complete. The thesis research typically replaces 6 credits of course requirements.
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Getting on track for the next promotion, a new position, or a new technical field can mean working around your busy schedule. Our M.S. programs are also offered as a part-time hybrid program, combining in-person and virtual class time. The part-time M.S. can be completed at your own pace (one or two courses per term) and is designed for the professional learner working in the greater Boston area and beyond. The thesis option is available for part-time students interested in gaining some research experience.
We also work with local companies to offer a work-study program providing entry level employment in parallel with earning a graduate degree. Our campus is conveniently located on the MBTA green line. The part-time M.S. program combines academic study that is accessible around work commitments through virtual classrooms, late afternoon/evening classes, and networking opportunities through both the Tufts alumni network and local professional organizations. To learn more about our part-time programs, contact Laura Sacco (laura.sacco@tufts.edu)
Scholarships Available
The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.
Related Programs
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The Dual Degree Engineering Program at Tufts University is a master’s pathway for engineers who want to build both advanced technical expertise and business leadership skills. Students earn two M.S. degrees through an integrated experience that combines a technical School of Engineering master’s program with a business, innovation, management, or leadership-focused master’s program through Tufts Gordon Institute.
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Eligible School of Engineering master’s students may participate in the Graduate Cooperative Education Program, which provides the opportunity to gain up to six months of full-time engineering work experience before completing the degree. Through the co-op program, students can apply classroom learning to real-world engineering projects, explore career interests, build professional skills, and connect with employers.
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The School of Engineering Fifth-Year Master’s Degree Program allows eligible Tufts undergraduates to earn a master’s degree through an accelerated path after completing their bachelor’s degree. Students apply while they are still enrolled as Tufts undergraduates and, if admitted, begin the M.S. program after their bachelor’s degree has been conferred.
Students may be able to complete the master’s degree in less than one year by applying approved graduate-level coursework toward the M.S. requirements. The program is designed for students who want to deepen their technical expertise, continue working with Tufts faculty, and transition efficiently from undergraduate to graduate study.
Student Outcomes
"My time at Tufts has been transformative. It has allowed me to transition from a student to an independent researcher. Working with Professor Baise and Professor Moaveni in the Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) department has expanded my professional network and sharpened my ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both academic and industry audiences."
