Civil Engineering
The K-State department of civil engineering is a community of learners committed to providing outstanding educational opportunities to graduate students. We also conduct advanced research in civil infrastructure systems and environmental preservation.
Degrees
Doctor of Philosophy
The doctorate degree program is a research-oriented curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced research and university-level academic positions in civil engineering, as well as industry. This program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours or 60 credit hours beyond the master’s degree, including at least 30 hours of research credit. A dissertation of original research of sufficient quality and importance to merit publication in refereed journals should be completed by all doctoral students.
Master of Science
The master’s program is a broad-based curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced positions in civil engineering industry, consulting and public agencies, as well as for further graduate studies. Students can choose a thesis or project option, or pursue their degree online.
Accelerated B.S./M.S.
An accelerated B.S./M.S. degree program is available for high-performing students to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees with limited overlap of coursework. Students can choose between completing research with thesis or a coursework only option.
Research areas
Environmental engineering
The focus of this research is planning, design and management of facilities and systems that protect public health and quality of the environment. This includes production and distribution of potable water, treatment and disposal of municipal and industrial wastewater, management of solid and hazardous wastes, remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, and air pollution control.
Geotechnical engineering
This research is focused on design and construction of foundations for structures, bridges, earth embankments, retaining walls and bulkheads, pavements for highways and airports, and waste-containment structures.
Structural engineering
The focus of this research is design, construction and rehabilitation of a wide variety of buildings and bridges using concrete, steel and other composite materials.
Transportation and materials engineering
This research is focused on planning, design, materials, construction and operation of roadways, highways, railways, airports and urban mass-transit systems.
Water resources engineering
The focus of this research is the design, construction and management of structures and systems for flood control and the provision of water for drinking and household uses, irrigation, power production, recreation and wildlife.
Application process
Admission requirements
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or other relevant engineering/technology degree. Relevant prerequisites apply for those without civil engineering degrees.
- Satisfactory GRE scores with a preferred score in the 80th percentile of the quantitative section.
International student requirements
| Test | Minimum score |
| TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) | 79 |
| TOEFL (PBT) | 550 |
| IELTS academic test | 6.5 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | 58 |
International applicant deadlines
- Jan. 8 for fall (August) enrollment
- Aug. 1 for spring (January) enrollment
- Dec. 1 for summer (June) enrollment
Financial assistance
The civil engineering graduate program offers competitive graduate research assistantships (GRAs) and graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs) to well-qualified applicants. Both GRA and GTA positions provide a stipend and tuition support. GRA support is provided through cutting-edge research projects funded by various federal and state agencies, and the private sector. In order to be appointed as a GTA, a candidate must have a minimum score of 50 on the TSE or SPEAK or a minimum speaking component score of 22 on the TOEFL iBT. A limited number of fellowships are also available at the college and university level.
English language program (ELP)
Kansas State University offers English language graduate support courses. ELP academic advisers help students admitted to study in a degree program make the transition from the ELP into their academic departments.