Prospective Students - Master's and PhD

Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science degree is awarded to students who have mastered professional training in selected areas of civil engineering. Such training is gained through graduate course work which, unlike undergraduate course work, consists of elective courses and directed research or design. Students pursuing the thesis option gain the added dimension of participating in research work (usually funded) at the cutting edge of the profession. This research work culminates in a high-quality presentation - the thesis. Alternatively, the student may elect to complete a less intensive research--a design study called a project. The degree normally requires a minimum of 18 months (3 semesters) beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is awarded to candidates who have made a significant contribution to knowledge in a particular specialization of civil engineering. Such a contribution is achieved through research which involves a thorough review of applicable literature, completion of carefully planned work, and a high-quality presentation of the new knowledge - the dissertation. Adequate course work is necessary to provide a foundation of expertise for quality research. The degree normally requires a minimum of 2 years beyond the master’s degree.

Admission

Bachelors Degree - U.S. and Canadian Students

Students must have or be about to receive a bachelors degree from an accredited institution in the United States or Canada. Students must upload an unofficial transcript or academic record for each institution attended (even if you didn't receive a degree) in the Educational Background section of the online application. These scanned copies must be uploaded BEFORE you submit the application. Make sure your name appears on the transcript/record.

Current and former BYU students should upload a PDF copy of their transcripts, which can be accessed on MyBYU by clicking on 'view grades' and selecting Progress Report.

Bachelors Degree - International Students

Applicants with international degrees and transcripts should upload a scanned copy of their completed IERF credential evaluation report. Non-legible scans will not be accepted. Be sure to start the IERF credential evaluation 8 - 10 weeks before your admission deadline.

Send official transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas, and graduation certificates to IERF for a credential evaluation.
This report will provide us with information that includes your degree equivalency, GPA, and coursework.
Documents should also include English translations.

Satisfy the minimum score requirements for English proficiency as outlined in the graduate studies policy handbook (https://gradstudies.byu.edu/graduate-studies-policy-handbook-updated).

Grade Point Average

To be considered for regular admission, prospective masters students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and prospective doctoral students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher. Students with GPAs lower than these values may be admitted on a provisional basis if approved by the department graduate committee.

Required Tests

U.S. and International Students:

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:

English proficiency exams as outlined in the graduate studies policy handbook (https://gradstudies.byu.edu/graduate-studies-policy-handbook-updated)

Standards of Personal Conduct

Students must agree to maintain university standards of personal conduct. They can be found here.

Application Fees and Deadlines

Currently, there is a fee of $50 in applying to BYU's Graduate Programs. On-line applications are required. Students must submit a complete application with the appropriate fee to the Office of Graduate Studies (FPH) by the following deadlines:

STARTING SEMESTER	US/INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
FALL SEMESTER (SEPTEMBER)	FEBRUARY 15
WINTER SEMESTER (JANUARY)	AUGUST 15