Program: Civil Engineering MS - University at Buffalo

Apr 09, 2025

WORKING 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Our Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering department has a strong reputation for excellence both nationally and internationally. The 30-credit-hour Civil Engineering MS program provides students with the fundamental knowledge and technical skills needed to chart a path of discovery and creativity that makes a tangible impact in the natural and built environments. Students can choose a technical concentration in bridge engineering, geosystems engineering, structural engineering, mechanics and materials, or transportation engineering.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO):
           1) Ability to communicate effectively in their primary field of study
           2) Ability to apply fundamental principles in their primary field of study.
           3) Demonstrate academic and professional integrity
           4) Understanding of group dynamics and effective teamwork

Bridge Engineering Concentration Curriculum

Required Core (6 credits)

CIE 579LEC - Brdg/Infra Mgt Pub Policy Credits: 3
or
CIE 580LEC - Emerging Tech’ies Brdg Credits: 3
CIE 584LEC - Bridge Engineering 1: Design of Steel Highway Bridges Credits: 3
or
CIE 585LEC - Bridge Engineering 2: Design of Prestressed Concrete Highway Bridges Credits: 3

Electives & Culminating Experience (18-24 credits)

Elective Courses (18-24 credits)

Number of elective credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the culminating experience. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 30 minimum total credit hours.

Students may take up to 6 credits of courses outside of CIE with approval of advisor.
Limit: 6 credits of CIE 501 , CIE 502 , CIE 601 , or CIE 602 can be applied towards Electives

CIE 501TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 502TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 511LEC - Adv Mech of Solids Credits: 3
CIE 512LEC - Struc Reliablity & Safety Credits: 3
CIE 514LEC - Introduction to Advanced Mechanics and Mathematics Credits: 3
CIE 515LEC - Adv Structural Anal Credits: 3
CIE 516LEC - Adv Math for Civil Engrs Credits: 3
CIE 519LEC - Struc Dyn Earthquak Eng 1 Credits: 3
CIE 522LEC - Design of Structures for Fire Credits: 3
CIE 524LEC - Steel Structures Credits: 3
CIE 525LEC - Concrete Structures Credits: 3
CIE 526LEC - Finite Element Struc Anal Credits: 3
CIE 530LEC - Mech Behav of Materials Credits: 3
CIE 533LEC - Adv Foundation Design Credits: 3
CIE 534LEC - Earthqu Engr & Found Dyna Credits: 3
CIE 561LEC - Wind Engineering and Turbulent Flow Credits: 3
CIE 572LEC - Advanced Concrete Materials Credits: 3
CIE 579LEC - Brdg/Infra Mgt Pub Policy Credits: 3
CIE 580LEC - Emerging Tech’ies Brdg Credits: 3
CIE 584LEC - Bridge Engineering 1: Design of Steel Highway Bridges Credits: 3
CIE 585LEC - Bridge Engineering 2: Design of Prestressed Concrete Highway Bridges Credits: 3
CIE 601TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 602TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 617LEC - Adv Finite Element Analysi Credits: 3
CIE 619LEC - Struc Dyn Earthquak Eng 2 Credits: 3
CIE 625LEC - Aseismic Base Isolation Credits: 3
EAS 521LEC - Prin Eng Mngt I Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Exam, Project or Thesis (0-6 credits)

CIE 557TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 558TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 559TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 560TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Computational Engineering Mechanics Concentration Curriculum

Required Core (6 credits)

CIE 511LEC - Adv Mech of Solids Credits: 3
or
CIE 546LEC - Env Fluid Mechanics Credits: 3
CIE 516LEC - Adv Math for Civil Engrs Credits: 3

Electives & Culminating Experience (18-24 credits)

Electives (18-24 credits)

Number of elective credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the culminating experience. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 30 minimum total credit hours.

Students may take up to 6 credits of courses outside of CIE with approval of advisor.
Limit: 6 credits of CIE 501 , CIE 502 , CIE 601 , or CIE 602 can be applied towards Electives.

CIE 501TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 502TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 511LEC - Adv Mech of Solids Credits: 3
CIE 512LEC - Struc Reliablity & Safety Credits: 3
CIE 515LEC - Adv Structural Anal Credits: 3
CIE 516LEC - Adv Math for Civil Engrs Credits: 3
CIE 520LEC - Random Vibr & Stoch Struc Credits: 3
CIE 526LEC - Finite Element Struc Anal Credits: 3
CIE 530LEC - Mech Behav of Materials Credits: 3
CIE 546LEC - Env Fluid Mechanics Credits: 3
CIE 601TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 602TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 617LEC - Adv Finite Element Analysi Credits: 3
CIE 623LEC - Plastic Beha of Materials Credits: 3
MTH 537LEC - Intro Numeric Analysis 1 Credits: 3
MTH 538LEC - Intro Numeric Analysis 2 Credits: 3
MAE 550LEC - Optimizat in Engrg Design Credits: 3
MAE 555LEC - Continuum Mechanics Credits: 3
MAE 562LR - Analytical Dynamics Credits: 3
MAE 567LEC - Vibration & Shock 1 Credits: 3
MAE 568LEC - Vibration & Shock 2 Credits: 3
MAE 610LEC - High Perform Computing 2 Credits: 3
MAE 609LEC - High Perform Computing 1 Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Exam, Project or Thesis (0-6 credits)

CIE 557TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 558TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 559TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 560TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Environmental Water Resources Engineering Concentration Curriculum

Required Core (6 credits)

CIE 532LEC - Statistical Methods in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 546LEC - Env Fluid Mechanics Credits: 3

Electives & Culminating Experience (18-24 credits)

Electives (18-24 credits)

Number of elective credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the culminating experience. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 30 minimum total credit hours.

Students may take up to 6 credits of courses outside of CIE with approval of advisor.
Limit: 6 credits of CIE 501 , CIE 502 , CIE 601 , or CIE 602 can be applied towards Electives.

CIE 501TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 502TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 532LEC - Statistical Methods in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 541LEC - Groundwater Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 546LEC - Env Fluid Mechanics Credits: 3
CIE 550LEC - Hydrologic Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 556LEC - Physical and Chemical Processes for Water Reuse Credits: 3
CIE 563LEC - Air Pollution Credits: 3
CIE 562LEC - Environmental Fate and Transport of Pollutants Credits: 3
CIE 564LEC - Chemical Principles in Environmental Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 565LEC - Biological Principles in Environmental Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 569LEC - Brownfield Restoration Credits: 3
CIE 601TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 602TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CSE 503LR - Computer Science for Non Majors Credits: 3
EAS 521LEC - Prin Eng Mngt I Credits: 3
EE 571LEC - Sustainable Energy Credits: 3
EEH 521LEC - Global Health Credits: 3
EEH 550LEC - Environmental Health Credits: 3
EEH 551LEC - Advanced Environmental Health Sciences Credits: 3
GEO 506LLB - Geographical Informat Sys Credits: 4
GEO 515LEC - Conservation Biogeography Credits: 3
GEO 549LEC - Fluvial Geomorphology Credits: 3
GEO 553LLB - Remote Sensing Credits: 4
GEO 559LAB - GIS for Environ Modeling Credits: 1
GEO 561LEC - Ecohydrology Credits: 3
GEO 570LEC - Integr Environment Mgmt Credits: 3
GLY 514LLB - Hydrogeology Credits: 3
GLY 530LLB - Applied Groundwater Flow Modeling Credits: 3
GLY 560LLB - GIS for Earth Scientists Credits: 3
GLY 562LLB - Aqueous Geochemistry Credits: 3
GLY 565LLB - Environmtl Remote Sensing Credits: 3
IE 507LEC - Design & Analysis of Experiments Credits: 3
MAE 519LEC - Turbulent Flow Credits: 3
MAE 550LEC - Optimizat in Engrg Design Credits: 3
MTH 537LEC - Intro Numeric Analysis 1 Credits: 3
MTH 538LEC - Intro Numeric Analysis 2 Credits: 3
PMY 626LEC - Toxicology Princ Practice Credits: 3
URP 505LEC - Urban Planng & Env Change Credits: 3
URP 578SEM - Environmental Planning Methods for Sustainability Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Exam, Project or Thesis (0-6 credits)

CIE 557TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 558TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 559TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 560TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Concentration Curriculum

Required Core (6 credits)

CIE 514LEC - Introduction to Advanced Mechanics and Mathematics Credits: 3 and
CIE 530LEC - Mech Behav of Materials Credits: 3
or
CIE 533LEC - Adv Foundation Design Credits: 3

Electives & Culminating Experience (18-24 credits)

Electives (18-24 credits)

Number of elective credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the culminating experience. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 30 minimum total credit hours.

Students may take up to 6 credits of courses outside of CIE with approval of advisor.
Limit: 6 credits of CIE 501 , CIE 502 , CIE 601 , or CIE 602 can be applied towards Electives.

CIE 501TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 502TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 511LEC - Adv Mech of Solids Credits: 3
CIE 512LEC - Struc Reliablity & Safety Credits: 3
CIE 516LEC - Adv Math for Civil Engrs Credits: 3
CIE 519LEC - Struc Dyn Earthquak Eng 1 Credits: 3
CIE 526LEC - Finite Element Struc Anal Credits: 3
CIE 529LEC - Pavement Matls & Design Credits: 3
CIE 530LEC - Mech Behav of Materials Credits: 3
CIE 531LEC - Design & Const Earth Struc Credits: 3
CIE 533LEC - Adv Foundation Design Credits: 3
CIE 534LEC - Earthqu Engr & Found Dyna Credits: 3
CIE 540LEC - Geomechanics: Applications to Tunneling and Reservoir Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 541LEC - Groundwater Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 601TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 602TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 623LEC - Plastic Beha of Materials Credits: 3
GEO 506LLB - Geographical Informat Sys Credits: 4

Culminating Experience: Exam, Project or Thesis (0-6 credits)

CIE 557TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 558TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 559TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 560TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Structural and Earthquake Engineering Concentration Curriculum

Required Core (6 credits)

CIE 514LEC - Introduction to Advanced Mechanics and Mathematics Credits: 3 and
CIE 515LEC - Adv Structural Anal Credits: 3
or
CIE 519LEC - Struc Dyn Earthquak Eng 1 Credits: 3

Electives & Culminating Experience (18-24 credits)

Electives (18-24 credits)

Number of elective credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the culminating experience. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 30 minimum total credit hours.

Students may take up to 6 credits of courses outside of CIE with approval of advisor.
Limit: 6 credits of CIE 501 , CIE 502 , CIE 601 , or CIE 602 can be applied towards Electives.

CIE 500LEC - Special Topics Credits: 3
CIE 501TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 502TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 511LEC - Adv Mech of Solids Credits: 3
CIE 512LEC - Struc Reliablity & Safety Credits: 3
CIE 513LEC - Stability Credits: 3
CIE 515LEC - Adv Structural Anal Credits: 3
CIE 516LEC - Adv Math for Civil Engrs Credits: 3
CIE 518LEC - Masonry Design Credits: 3
CIE 519LEC - Struc Dyn Earthquak Eng 1 Credits: 3
CIE 520LEC - Random Vibr & Stoch Struc Credits: 3
CIE 521LEC - Plastic Analysis & Design Credits: 3
CIE 522LEC - Design of Structures for Fire Credits: 3
CIE 524LEC - Steel Structures Credits: 3
CIE 525LEC - Concrete Structures Credits: 3
CIE 526LEC - Finite Element Struc Anal Credits: 3
CIE 530LEC - Mech Behav of Materials Credits: 3
CIE 533LEC - Adv Foundation Design Credits: 3
CIE 534LEC - Earthqu Engr & Found Dyna Credits: 3
CIE 540LEC - Geomechanics: Applications to Tunneling and Reservoir Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 561LEC - Wind Engineering and Turbulent Flow Credits: 3
CIE 572LEC - Advanced Concrete Materials Credits: 3
CIE 579LEC - Brdg/Infra Mgt Pub Policy Credits: 3
CIE 580LEC - Emerging Tech’ies Brdg Credits: 3
CIE 584LEC - Bridge Engineering 1: Design of Steel Highway Bridges Credits: 3
CIE 585LEC - Bridge Engineering 2: Design of Prestressed Concrete Highway Bridges Credits: 3
CIE 601TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 602TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 616LEC - Experimental Mechanics Credits: 3
CIE 617LEC - Adv Finite Element Analysi Credits: 3
CIE 618LEC - Blast Engineering Credits: 3
CIE 619LEC - Struc Dyn Earthquak Eng 2 Credits: 3
CIE 623LEC - Plastic Beha of Materials Credits: 3
CIE 625LEC - Aseismic Base Isolation Credits: 3
CIE 626LEC - Structural Control Credits: 3
EAS 521LEC - Prin Eng Mngt I Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Exam, Project or Thesis (0-6 credits)

CIE 557TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 558TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 559TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 560TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Transportation Engineering Concentration Curriculum

Required Core (6 credits)

Select 1 from:

CIE 536LEC - Traffic Operations & Desig Credits: 3
CIE 539LEC - Travel Demand Forecasting Credits: 3

Select 1 from:

CIE 573LEC - Transportation Analytics Credits: 3
CIE 574LEC - Traffic Safety Credits: 3

Electives & Culminating Experience (18-24 credits)

Electives (18-24 credits)

Number of elective credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the culminating experience. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 30 minimum total credit hours.

Students may take up to 6 credits of courses outside of CIE with approval of advisor.
Limit: 6 credits of CIE 501 , CIE 502 , CIE 601 , or CIE 602 can be applied towards Electives.

CIE 500LEC - Special Topics Credits: 3
CIE 501TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 502TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 507LEC - GIS Applications Credits: 3
CIE 555LEC - Discrete Choice Analysis Credits: 3
CIE 576LEC - Geometric Design of Highways Credits: 3
CIE 579LEC - Brdg/Infra Mgt Pub Policy Credits: 3
CIE 601TUT - Individual Problems Credits: 1 - 6
CSE 503LR - Computer Science for Non Majors Credits: 3
CSE 555LEC - Introduction to Pattern Recognition Credits: 3
CSE 574LEC - Introduction to Machine Learning Credits: 3
ECO 521LEC - Urban Economics Credits: 3
ECO 580LEC - Econometrics 1 Credits: 3
GEO 506LLB - Geographical Informat Sys Credits: 4
GEO 519LEC - Transportation Credits: 3
GEO 605LEC - Spatial Statistics Credits: 3
IE 504LEC - Facilities Design Credits: 3
IE 507LEC - Design & Analysis of Experiments Credits: 3
IE 511LEC - Social Network Behavior Models Credits: 3
IE 512LEC - Decision Analysis Credits: 3
IE 531LEC - Human Fac Res Methodology Credits: 3
IE 535LEC - Human Centered Design for Interactive Systems Credits: 3
IE 550LEC - Intro to Operations Research Credits: 3
IE 551LEC - Simulation & Stochastic Methods Credits: 3
IE 555LEC - Programming for Analytics Credits: 3
IE 572LEC - Linear Programming Credits: 3
IE 573LEC - Discrete Optimization Credits: 3
IE 575LEC - Stochastic Methods Credits: 3
IE 576LEC - Applied Stochastic Proc Credits: 3
IE 581LEC - E-Business & S. C. M. Credits: 3
IE 677LEC - Network Optimization Credits: 3
IE 678LEC - Urban Operations Research Credits: 3
MGO 636LEC - Supply Chain Analytics Credits: 3
MGO 638LEC - Logistics Management Credits: 3
STA 545LEC - Statistical Data Mining I Credits: 3
STA 546LEC - Data Mining II Credits: 3
STL 544SEM - Strategic Urban Transportation Planning for Sustainable Futures Credits: 3
STL 520LEC - Emerging Practices in Transportation Planning, Technology, and Policy Credits: 3
URP 562LEC - Transp Land Use & Urb Frm Credits: 3
URP 571SEM - Smart Cities: 3D Visualization & Urban Simulation Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Exam, Project or Thesis (0-6 credits)

CIE 557TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 558TUT - Engineering Project Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 559TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6
CIE 560TUT - Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time
Part Time

Credits Required

30 Hours

Time-To-Degree

1.5 to 2 Years

Application Fee

$100

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.